Melissa Strother

Last updated
Melissa Strother
No. 18 [1]
Position Kicker
Personal information
Born (1982-11-04) November 4, 1982 (age 42)
Covina, California, U.S.
Career information
College Azusa Pacific
Career history
Playing
2022 Rapid City Marshals
2024 Washington Wolfpack
Coaching
2025–present Washington Wolfpack

Melissa Strother (born November 4, 1982 in Covina, California) [2] is an American football player who was the first woman to score points in an Arena Football League game when she did so for the Washington Wolfpack in 2024. [1]

She played college soccer at Azusa Pacific University in the 2000s and was recruited to play for the California Quakes, a women's American football team based in Long Beach, California. She later played for the San Diego Surge and the United States women's national American football team and has also served as an athletic trainer for the Los Angeles Rams. [1] [3]

In 2022, Strother played for the Rapid City Marshals during her first stint with men's football. [4] She joined the Washington Wolfpack for the inaugural 2024 Arena Football League season. In June 2024, Strother kicked their game-winning point against the Southwest Kansas Storm with less than 4 seconds remaining, becoming the first woman to score in an AFL game. [1] [5]

In December 2024, Strother announced her retirement as a player but continued to coach for the Wolfpack, acting as their special teams coordinator. [6] She was succeeded as the Wolfpack kicker by Manny Higuera. [7]

Strohther's memoir, Play For Her was published in 2023. [8]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Shefte, Kate (2024-06-05). "Despite travails of arena football, Melissa Strother has found spot with WA's Wolfpack". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 25, 2025.
  2. ↑ King, Lisa (February 3, 2017). "Team USA - Melissa Strother, San Diego Surge". Women's Football Alliance. Retrieved March 25, 2025.
  3. ↑ "First woman to play in Arena Football League history, part of new Washington Wolfpack team". king5.com. May 14, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2025.
  4. ↑ Feighery, Megan (April 11, 2022). "Meet the Rapid City Marshals' only female player". South Dakota Public Broadcasting. Retrieved March 25, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Wolfpack Stun Storm in Barn Burner 47-46". theafl.com. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Washington Wolfpack and arena football returns to Angel of the Winds Arena in March 2025". lynnwoodtimes.com . Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  7. ↑ Beer, Free; Wings, Hot. "Internet Falls in Love With the Absolute Unit That is This Arena Football Kicker". 102.9 The Buzz. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  8. ↑ Strother, Melissa (2023). Play for Her. ISBN   979-8648973077.
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