Latest news with #Women'sNationalFootballConference
Associated Press
09-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
The Women s National Football Conference supports women s health
( NewMediaWire) - April 09, 2025 - DALLAS — According to the American Heart Association's 2025 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistical Update, cardiovascular disease remains the greatest health threat for women, yet less than half of women are aware it is their leading cause of death [1]. Additionally, women receive bystander CPR in a public settling less often than men do [2]. That is why today, the American Heart Association and the Women's National Football Conference (WNFC) have teamed up to urge women to take action and champion better health by learning Hands-Only CPR. The American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, and the WNFC Commissioner's Office unveiled the seven current WNFC players, who will support efforts to build awareness of heart disease and CPR education in women. The 2025 player ambassador class will amplify public service announcements (PSAs), social media content and local community education events. The 2025 player ambassadors are: Lawanda Pearson - Chicago Winds Breanne Ward - Seattle Majestics Khahina Yisrael - Atlanta Truth Natalie Nicks - Mississippi Panthers Carolyn Lewis - Washington Prodigy Katie Wise - Tennessee Trojans Antoinette Van - Texas Elite Spartans 'We are proud to announce this inspiring collaboration between the WNFC and the American Heart Association,' said WNFC Commissioner Janice Masters. 'Our league is built on the strength, determination and leadership of our athletes, qualities that align perfectly with the American Heart Association's mission to improve heart health and save lives. Having WNFC athletes serve as ambassadors for the Association is a testament not only to their commitment on the field, but also to their dedication to making a meaningful impact in their communities. Together, we are championing heart health awareness and empowering people to live longer, healthier lives.' The WNFC's commitment to CPR education and the health of the league's players is demonstrated in the coaching requirements. All the nearly 200 coaches on the field are required to be certified in CPR, AED and first aid. By ensuring every coach is equipped with life-saving skills, the WNFC sets a high standard for health and safety in sports, demonstrating its leadership both on and off the field. The league's dedication to player safety and overall well-being is supported both on and off the field through efforts like the player ambassadors. 'We continue our mission-critical work asking our sisters, mothers, daughters and friends to join us and make bold moves to reach our goals—so that everyone, everywhere can live their healthiest lives,' said Nancy Brown chief executive officer at the American Heart Association. 'We are proud to work with the Women's National Football Conference as both organizations are working to meet people where they are to change the future of health for women everywhere.' Since 2004, the American Heart Association has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of women's greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD) through its Go Red for Women(TM) movement, meeting the evolving needs of women now, and at every age, every stage and every season of their lives as their trusted, relevant source for credible, heart and brain health solutions. This is the latest player ambassador announcement by the American Heart Association. The roster of Nation of Lifesavers Player Ambassadors also features current National Football League (NFL) players and NBA/NBA G League players. The Nation of Lifesavers Player Ambassadors are led by cardiac arrest survivor and Buffalo Bills safety, Damar Hamlin. Other ambassadors with the NFL include DeeJay Dallas, Arizona Cardinals; Bradley Pinion, Atlanta Falcons; Johnny Hekker, Carolina Panthers; Gerald Everett, Chicago Bears; Chris Evans, Cincinnati Bengals; Kris Jenkins, Cincinnati Bengals; Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns; Justin Reid, Kansas City Chiefs; Demarcus Robinson, Los Angeles Rams and Devin Singletary, New York Giants. NBA/NBA G League player ambassadors include Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz; Jared Butler, Philadelphia 76ers; Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio Spurs; Keita Bates-Diop, NBA player; Keyontae Johnson, Greensboro Swarm; Larry Nance Jr., Atlanta Hawks; Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks; Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers and Shake Milton, Los Angeles Lakers. Understand more about women's heart health at and learn how to take action with CPR at ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. About Go Red for Women(R) The American Heart Association's signature initiative, Go Red for Women(R), is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women's heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
CBS News
26-03-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Jersey Shore Wave football team set to kick off inaugural season: "Like watching female Avengers"
A New Jersey football team is breaking barriers and setting new standards for women in the sport. The Jersey Shore Wave is the newest Women's National Football Conference expansion team. This diverse group of athletes plays full contact. "The first time I ever went to practice, it was like watching female Avengers," left guard Yohnee Miller said. Team members include barber shop owners, performers, military members and moms. The athletes volunteer to play, practicing late nights and early mornings, while team owner Dawn Sherman is responsible for the cost of travel, uniforms, security and more for the 50-person team. "The future goal, of course, is to pay our athletes to play. We want to make this their full-time job," Sherman said. "We want to be able to give them a living wage, and so all of the things that we're doing in this first season are building toward that." The team will play its inaugural season in Paterson, New Jersey at the historic Hinchliffe Stadium , which was once home to a Negro League baseball team. "We're just adding to the legacy of Hinchliffe Stadium's history of breaking barriers with the Jersey Shore Wave," said Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh. "What better way to get involved with the community," Sherman added. "To create this great opportunity to demonstrate that women deserve their place on the field playing a sport that they love." Linebacker Jane Crosby said gender doesn't matter when the team takes the field. "Women don't play tackle" is becoming a saying of the past. "We put on those pads, we're out here ballin' the same way that they do," Crosby said. All backgrounds and experience levels are welcome. "I'm a former pageant girl. I sing and dance for a living. No one would expect me to be playing tackle football," wide receiver Megan Stier said. She said she was "terrified" when she first joined, but that didn't last long. "I was like, 'What is this pageant girl going to do on a football field?'" Stier said. "And immediately the team said, 'No, you're a football player now.'" "There's nothing wrong with being physical, there's nothing wrong with having aggression and being able to get that aggression out in a sport," Miller said. Jersey Shore hopes to ride the Wave all the way to a championship. The first game is Saturday on the road against the Chicago Wind.
