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Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Jackson State woman kicker turns pro, stays at HBCU
Leilani Armenta, the trailblazing kicker for Jackson State University, is taking her talents to the professional ranks while continuing to pursue her degree at the HBCU that helped shape her journey. Armenta announced via social media on Saturday that she will join the Mississippi Panthers of the Women's National Football Conference (WNFC), marking a new chapter in her already groundbreaking career. The Jackson State standout became a familiar name in college football as one of the few women to compete in college football at the NCAA level. Despite entering the transfer portal after her playing future at Jackson State was thrown into uncertainty, Armenta chose to stay anchored at the HBCU, citing the institution's academic excellence and the opportunity to complete her degree. "While I never anticipated not playing at Jackson State, the decision was ultimately out of my hands," Armenta wrote. "My education has always been my primary focus, and Jackson State has provided me with a top-tier academic experience that I am proud of." Instead of transferring to another school, Armenta took an unexpected turn - going pro. By joining the WNFC, she not only remains in Mississippi but also continues to advocate for women in football, a cause she has long championed. "As someone who has always been and will always be an advocate for women in sports - especially in football - I am honored to represent both my university and the WNFC," she added. Armenta's move signals a growing recognition of women's contributions to football, both on and off the field. Her decision to turn professional without leaving her HBCU behind highlights the unique opportunities that institutions like Jackson State can provide to student-athletes. "This journey is about more than just me," Armenta concluded. "It's about pushing the boundaries for women in sports, seizing opportunity, and staying true to both purpose and passion." The post Jackson State woman kicker turns pro, stays at HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Jackson State woman kicker hits transfer portal
Leilani Armenta, the Jackson State kicker who made HBCU football history in 2023, has entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to WJTV. Armenta became the first woman to score a point in a Division I HBCU football game when she kicked three extra points in Jackson State's 40-14 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on October California native initially joined the Jackson State football team as a backup kicker, stepping in when injuries left the Tigers short at the position. She also played for the women's soccer team, where she started as a freshman before an injury limited her contributions to Jackson State were significant not just because of her performance, but because of what it represented. Her appearance and scoring effort marked a milestone in HBCU sports history, making her the first woman to ever score in an FCS HBCU football game. She scored three extra points during the 2023 season and one during the 2024 season. Now in the transfer portal, Armenta will explore other opportunities for the next step in her college career. Whether she sticks with football, soccer, or both, her legacy at Jackson State is already cemented. She helped break down barriers at a high-profile HBCU program and showed that women can compete on the football field at the Division I more details and future updates, visit The post Jackson State woman kicker hits transfer portal appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
