The Minnesota Vixen is a professional women's football team based in the Twin Cities. The team has been known as the Minnesota Vixens and Minneapolis Vixens prior to being known as the Vixen (note lack of "s").
Established in 1999, the Vixen are the longest continuously operating women's American football team in the nation. The team plays full contact, tackle football following NCAA rules. The season is from April to June each year with playoffs in July.
In 2014, the Vixen's record was 6–2 with an invite to the inaugural Legacy Bowl in South Carolina. In 2016, the team went undefeated in the regular season winning the IWFL Midwest Division. They then faced the New York Shark for the IWFL Eastern Conference Championship, winning in double overtime and appeared in the IWFL World Championship Game in South Carolina against the Utah Falconz. In 2017, the Vixen changed leagues and joined the Women's Football Alliance (WFA) where they continue to compete on a national level. Since joining the WFA the Vixen have appeared in 3 national championship games, 2018, 2021 and 2022.
Since 2015, the Vixen have partnered with Town Square Television to have all Minnesota Vixen home games televised live along with live web streaming. In 2019, the Vixen were the first women's team to offer live broadcast of all regular season games including both home and away via Town Square Television.
Laura Brown is the current owner of the Vixen and has run team operations with James Brown since 2014. Laura Brown was named to the WFA's Owner's Board in October, 2018.
History
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1999 Barnstorming Tour
Vixen history dates back to 1999, when businessmen Carter Turner and Terry Sullivan decided to explore the feasibility of a professional women's football league by gathering together top female athletes from across the United States and dividing them into two teams for a nationwide series of exhibition game.[1][2] More than 100 women attended tryouts. The teams were named the Minnesota Vixens and the Lake Michigan Minx, and the "No Limits" Barnstorming Tour featured six games in such locations as Miami, Chicago, and New York. The final exhibition game was played at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis (known worldwide as home to the National Football League's Minnesota Vikings). While the Vixens lost the game by a score of 30–27, the tour's success inspired the expansion of the Women's Professional Football League to 11 teams in 2000.
2000: WPFL kicks off
The success of the tour led Turner and Sullivan to form the Women's Professional Football League;[3][2] although the Minx would not join the Vixen in the WPFL's first full season, the Austin Rage, Colorado Valkyries, Daytona Beach Barracudas, Houston Energy, Miami Fury, New England Storm, New York Galaxy, New York Sharks, Oklahoma City Wildcats, and Tampa Tempest would join the Vixen to form the WPFL's inaugural roster of teams. The Vixen would finish the regular season unbeaten at 5–0, clinch the Central Division title, and ensure home-field advantage throughout the American Conference playoffs. However, that playoff run would only last one game, as the Vixen lost the American Conference Championship Game to the eventual WPFL Champion Houston Energy by a score of 35–14.
2001
In 2001, the Minnesota Vixen entered their third season of competition with fresh leadership under new ownership. The team faced early challenges on the road, falling to both the Arizona Caliente and the Indianapolis Vipers. However, they rebounded in their home matchup, defeating the Vipers in a spirited rematch. While the season was brief, it marked an important chapter in the Vixen’s continued development—highlighting their resilience, commitment to growth, and the beginning of a new era in the team's history.
2002
In 2002, the Minnesota Vixen competed in their fourth season in the Women’s Professional Football League (WPFL), continuing to build momentum as one of the league’s longest-standing teams. The season opened with a postponed matchup against the Indiana Speed, but the Vixen wasted no time making an impact in their next outing, shutting out the Missouri Prowlers 50–0 at home.
The road proved more challenging, as the Vixen fell to the Wisconsin Riveters 14–33 and lost a hard-fought battle to the Indiana Speed, 6–11. They responded with another dominant performance against the Prowlers, earning a 53–0 shutout win on the road—showcasing their ability to bounce back and deliver big plays on both sides of the ball.
The regular season was set to conclude at home against the Riveters on September 7, offering one final opportunity to close the season on a high note. The 2002 campaign reflected the Vixen’s resilience and experience as a veteran WPFL team, continuing to lay the groundwork for future success.
2003
The 2003 season was a challenging but pivotal year for the Minnesota Vixen as they continued their journey in the Women’s Professional Football League (WPFL). The team faced a tough schedule and finished the season with a mix of hard-fought losses and commanding wins, ending with a 3–7 record.
The season opened with back-to-back losses to the Indiana Speed, followed by a narrow 2–0 road win over the Missouri Prowlers—an unusual score that highlighted a strong defensive performance. However, the Vixen struggled against the powerhouse Wisconsin Northern Ice, dropping three high-scoring contests across the season.
Despite the setbacks, the Vixen delivered standout performances, including a dominant 61–0 home victory over the Toledo Reign and a 61–12 win in a rematch against the Missouri Prowlers. The team also put up a strong effort in a 19–28 loss to the Syracuse Sting, showing flashes of resilience and offensive potential.
While the season was marked by inconsistency, it also showcased the Vixen’s never-quit attitude and ability to bounce back—especially on their home turf. The 2003 campaign served as another stepping stone in the team’s long-standing legacy in women’s football.
2004
The 2004 season marked a turning point for the Minnesota Vixen, who bounced back from previous struggles to post a winning record and earn a playoff berth in the Women’s Professional Football League (WPFL). Finishing the regular season at 6–4, the Vixen showed grit, growth, and competitive fire throughout a demanding schedule.
The season began with a nail-biting 12–14 road loss to the Indiana Speed, but the Vixen responded in thrilling fashion, edging out the Speed 26–24 in their home opener. After tough losses to the Wisconsin Northern Ice and the Los Angeles Amazons, the Vixen regained momentum with a dominant 27–0 win over the Toledo Reign.
Throughout the second half of the season, the Vixen found their stride, winning four of their last five regular-season games, including a decisive 35–20 victory over the Missouri Avengers and a 30–20 win against the Delaware Griffins. They also picked up a forfeit win on the road against Missouri and closed out the regular season with a 14–8 victory over Toledo.
Earning a spot in the WPFL National Conference Wildcard Game, the Vixen once again faced the Delaware Griffins. In a tough, low-scoring battle, Minnesota came up just short, falling 6–8 to end their postseason run.
The 2004 campaign reflected the Vixen’s continued evolution as a competitive force in women’s football—highlighted by close finishes, strong home performances, and their first playoff appearance in recent team history.
2005
The 2005 season was a rollercoaster year for the Minnesota Vixen—one filled with dramatic wins, tough losses, and a deep playoff run that saw the team come within inches of a conference title. Competing in the Women’s Professional Football League (WPFL), the Vixen finished the regular season 5–4 and earned a spot in the postseason for the second year in a row.
After a rough season opener against powerhouse Houston Energy (0–40), the Vixen rebounded with three straight wins—including back-to-back road victories over Toledo Reign (27–22) and Indiana Speed (7–6), followed by a close 18–13 home win in a rematch with Indiana. A tough matchup against the Dallas Diamonds resulted in a 6–62 loss, but the Vixen regrouped with solid wins over Toledo (30–8) and Empire State Roar (39–14).
Despite late-season losses to Indiana and Toledo, the Vixen’s grit and perseverance paid off in the postseason. In the WPFL National Conference Wildcard Game, they traveled to Indiana and came out on top with a hard-fought 19–14 win, advancing to the National Conference Championship. There, the Vixen went toe-to-toe with the New York Dazzles in a defensive battle, narrowly falling 12–14 in one of the closest games of the season.
The 2005 season highlighted the Vixen’s competitive spirit and growth as a playoff-caliber team, setting the stage for continued success in the years to come.
2006
Opening the season on a high note, the Vixen secured a strong 32–8 home victory over the Toledo Reign, showing promise on both sides of the ball.
However, the momentum was short-lived. The Vixen dropped six straight games, including close battles against the Indiana Speed (0–14 away and 7–14 at home) and tough losses to the Wisconsin Wolves and Houston Energy—two of the league’s top teams. The rematch against Houston on the road ended in a lopsided 0–66 defeat, capping off a difficult stretch.
Despite the setbacks, the 2006 season showcased the Vixen's resilience and determination to compete at the highest level of the Women’s Professional Football League (WPFL). It also served as a valuable learning experience for the program, laying the groundwork for a future return to form.
2007
The 2007 season marked the end of an era for the Minnesota Vixen as they played their final year in the Women’s Professional Football League (WPFL). The team finished with a 2–5 record, placing third in the National Conference, North Division.
The season was a mix of challenges and growth. After a slow start that included close losses to Indiana and Wisconsin, and tough defeats against the powerhouse Los Angeles Amazons, the Vixen found their stride late in the year. They notched a 7–0 home win over the Indiana Speed in a gritty defensive battle, followed by an 18–6 road victory over the Toledo Reign to close the season strong.
Shortly after the season concluded, the Vixen made the strategic decision to leave the WPFL and join the National Women's Football Association (NWFA). This transition marked a new chapter in the team’s history, as they sought to continue their growth and impact within a different competitive landscape.
2008
In 2008, the Minnesota Vixen entered a new chapter as members of the National Women’s Football Association (NWFA)—their first and only season in the league. The team hit the ground running, delivering a dominant regular-season performance and finishing with a 6–2 record, securing second place in the Northern Conference, North Division and qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in three years.
The Vixen opened their season with a commanding three-game win streak, shutting out the Indianapolis Chaos (40–0), Tree Town Spitfire (40–0), and Kansas City Storm (58–0). Their only two regular-season losses came at the hands of the division powerhouse, West Michigan Mayhem—once on the road (7–51) and again at home in a much closer match-up (13–21). Additional wins included another blowout over the Chaos (62–6), a second shutout against Tree Town (41–0), and a forfeit victory over the Kansas City Storm.
Earning a spot in the NWFA playoffs, the Vixen faced a familiar opponent—the West Michigan Mayhem, who had handed them their only two regular-season losses. Unfortunately, the playoff result mirrored their previous meetings, with the Vixen falling 7–31 to the eventual NWFA runners-up.
Though the postseason run was brief, the 2008 season was a strong rebound year for the franchise. It marked the Vixen’s return to playoff contention and showed their dominance over much of the competition. Following the season, the Vixen transitioned once again—this time joining the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL) in pursuit of new challenges and continued growth.
2013
The 2013 season was a significant one for the Minnesota Vixen, both on the field and behind the scenes. Competing in the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL) Tier II, the Vixen posted a 6–3 regular-season record and returned to the playoffs with a mix of hard-fought wins, forfeits, and close losses.
The season began with a forfeit win over the Rockford Riveters, followed by a narrow 20–26 road loss to the Wisconsin Warriors. The Vixen stumbled again against the Madison Blaze (0–26) but rebounded with a gritty 6–0 win on the road against the Iowa Crush. Another forfeit win against Rockford helped steady their record, and momentum grew as the Vixen defeated the Warriors 51–7 in a dominant home performance.
They split their final two regular-season games—falling to Madison on the road (6–40) but finishing strong with a 26–6 victory over Iowa. Earning a postseason spot, the Vixen advanced past the Warriors by forfeit in the first round of the IWFL Tier II playoffs but fell just short in a tight 14–18 loss to the Arlington Impact.
Behind the scenes, 2013 also marked the arrival of a key figure in Vixen history: Laura Brown joined the team as a rookie. Her passion for the game and leadership qualities would eventually lead her to become the team’s owner, playing a central role in shaping the Vixen’s future both on and off the field.
The 2013 campaign was a year of transition, grit, and growth—both in performance and leadership—laying important groundwork for the seasons to come.
2014
In 2014, the current owner Laura Brown acquired the Vixen and runs operations with co-owner James Brown.[4] They named Brandon Pelinka head coach along with Damion Topping as defensive coordinator and Adam Griffith as special teams coordinator. The Vixen also brought in 2 new coaches: running backs coach Jeff Gehring and defensive backs coach Darrion Branscomb. That season, the Vixen went 6–2 and appeared in the Legacy Bowl, facing the Carolina Queens. In 2014, the Minnesota Vixen also established a relationship with Northwestern Health Sciences University as their Official Integrative Sports Care Provider.
2015
In 2015, the Vixen moved to their current home stadium, Simley Athletic Field in Inver Grove Heights and brought in Brian Mr Announcerguy Sweeney as the stadium voice for the team. In addition, Town Square Television started televising all Vixen home games and offering live web-stream as well. The team had another successful year, finishing 6–2, just missing the post-season.
2016
The Vixen added Coach Danny Ekstrand as wide receivers coach in 2016. The Vixen team then went undefeated (8–0) with the Vixen defense only allowing one touchdown the entire regular season. They earned their first IWFL Midwest Division Title. The Vixen then hosted the New York Sharks at home stadium Simley Athletic Field setting a new attendance record of over 1,100 fans. The Vixen won the game in double overtime with a 101-yard interception returned for a touchdown by rookie Crystal Ninas. The winning play was highlighted on ESPN's Sports Center's Top Tens Plays of the Week and earned the Vixen's firsts ever conference title. The Vixen then went on to face the Utah Falconz in the IWFL World Championship Game in South Carolina losing 6–49.
2017
In 2017, the Minnesota Vixen departed the IWFL and joined the Women's Football Alliance (WFA) where they continued to compete on a national level with over 60 teams across the nation. Joining the coaching staff was Coach Stefan Dahl Holm as the Line Coach.
The team finished the regular season 6–2. In the first round of the playoffs, the Vixen were victorious over the Kansas City Titans, only to fall to the Dallas Elite in round 2. Dallas then continued on to win the WFA 2018 Division I National Championship.
2018
he 2018 season marked the Minnesota Vixen’s 20th year of competition and the continuation of a winning tradition. Under new leadership, the Vixen posted an impressive 7–1 regular season record and advanced all the way to the WFA Division II National Championship, finishing the year with a 9–2 overall record.
A major milestone came with Owner Laura Brown stepping in as Head Coach, becoming the first female head coach in Vixen history. Her leadership helped guide the team through one of its most successful seasons to date.
The Vixen opened the season with dominant wins over the Madison Blaze (46–0), Wisconsin Dragons (40–6), and Kansas City Titans (33–25). They continued their hot streak with victories against the Detroit Dark Angels, Columbus Vanguards, and a forfeit win from Madison. Their only regular season loss came in a rematch against Kansas City, falling 19–47 on the road.
After earning a first-round playoff bye, the Vixen defeated the Wisconsin Dragons 35–7 in the second round, then topped the Mile High Blaze 29–6 to become the 2018 WFA American Conference Champions. That victory earned them a trip to the Division II National Championship, where they battled the New York Sharks in a close game, ultimately falling 21–27.
Off the field, the season brought more recognition. Head Coach Laura Brown and her staff were named WFA All-American Coaches for the 2018 American Conference, a testament to the team’s strategic excellence and player development.
In the booth, Brian “Mr. AnnouncerGuy” Sweeney was invited by the WFA Commissioner to serve as the broadcast voice for the Division I National Championship Games on ESPN, following three successful seasons as the Vixen’s play-by-play announcer.
Capping off a historic year, Laura Brown was voted onto the WFA Owner’s Board in October 2019, continuing to shape the future of women’s football beyond the sidelines.
2019
In 2019, Ryan McCauley was brought in as head coach along with several other coaching staff including R.J. Speidel as the Defensive Coordinator, Matt O'Keefe as Running Backs Coach, and Shaun Mattson with Jim Speidel as Quarterbacks Coaches. Furthermore, two long term Vixen players, Jessica Giesemann and Michele Braun retired from their playing careers to step into coaching roles with linebackers and offensive Line respectively. Coaches J. Alfred Potter, Bruce Brevitz and Jason Cornelison have continued in their respective positions as well to complete the 2019 coaching staff. Returning to the Vixen coaching staff to help with wide receivers is former Vixen coach Emilie Sundberg. In an effort to expand the Vixen fan base, the team moved stadiums to the suburb of Edina and also joined forces with RICCI Media to be the first Women's football team to expand their broadcasts to include all road games as well as home games.
2020
In early 2020, before the pandemic brought the sports world to a halt, the Minnesota Vixen welcomed former standout player Connor Jo Lewis to the coaching staff as the team’s wide receivers coach. A respected leader on and off the field, Lewis had an impressive playing career with the Vixen, earning WFA All-American honors in 2018 and 2019, a Team MVP Honorable Mention in 2018, and serving as a team captain. Known for her versatility, she played both linebacker and quarterback, bringing a deep understanding of the game to her new coaching role.
Unfortunately, like most athletic programs, the Vixen were forced to take a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the 2020 season was canceled, players continued to train individually and stay connected virtually, keeping their focus on returning stronger in 2021.
Not all was lost in 2020, though. Longtime announcer Brian “Mr. Announcerguy” Sweeney was honored with the NASPAA Bob Shepard Announcer of the Year Award, earning national recognition as the top high school announcer in the country.
Though the year brought unprecedented challenges, 2020 also marked the beginning of a new era in leadership and preparation for the Vixen’s future success.
2021
In 2021, the WFA adjusted its schedule in response to ongoing pandemic-related restrictions, shortening the season by 25% and pushing the start to May. The Minnesota Vixen came out strong under second-year Head Coach Ryan McCauley, dominating the regular season with an 8-0 run and earning the top spot in the Division I Midwest Region.
The Vixen opened the season with back-to-back blowout wins over the Iowa Phoenix (56–0 and 62–6) and continued their dominance with shutouts against the Sioux Falls Snow Leopards and a 49–6 road victory over the Arlington Impact. They capped off the regular season with a decisive 51–14 win against the Dallas Elite Mustangs.
In the postseason, the Vixen defeated the Arlington Impact 24–14 in the first round, then claimed the Division I American Conference Championship with a hard-fought 33–22 win over Cali War. Their incredible run led them to their first-ever appearance in the Division I National Championship, where they ultimately fell to the Boston Renegades in a competitive 42–26 matchup.
Off the field, the Vixen made big moves as well, shifting home games to Concordia University in St. Paul—a more central location that helped boost fan turnout from across the Twin Cities. Broadcasting also expanded, with Brian “Mr. AnnouncerGuy” Sweeney and Alex Westad calling road games, allowing fans to watch 100% of the season. Brian also stepped into a national role, hosting a weekly show on the For The Fans Network to spotlight the WFA Game of the Week.
Highlighting the Vixen’s high-powered offense, star running back Grace Cooper was named the WFA American Conference Offensive Player of the Year, recognizing her outstanding performance throughout the season.
2022
In 2022, the Minnesota Vixen delivered another standout season, finishing with a 6–3 regular season record and claiming the top spot in the WFA Pro Midwest Region. The team powered through the playoffs with a dominant 27–10 win over the Nevada Storm in the first round, followed by a thrilling 36–30 victory against Cali War to secure the WFA Pro American Conference Championship. Their performance earned them a return trip to the WFA Pro National Championship, where they faced off against the powerhouse Boston Renegades. Despite a hard-fought effort, the Vixen fell short, closing out the season as national runners-up.
This season also marked a milestone for the program, as the Vixen welcomed their first international player—Jonna Tuovinen from Finland—who made an immediate impact and helped pave the way for future global talent.
In addition to success on the field, members of the coaching staff also gained national recognition. Wide receivers coach Connor Jo Lewis was selected as a Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship recipient, working with the tight ends, fullbacks, and analytics team for the Baltimore Ravens during their training camp. Her achievement highlighted the caliber of coaching talent within the Vixen organization and underscored the team's broader influence on the sport.
Head Coach Ryan McCauley was recognized for his leadership and excellence, earning the prestigious Women’s Football Alliance Coach of the Year award, further cementing 2022 as one of the most accomplished seasons in team history.
2023
In 2023, the Minnesota Vixen battled through a tough schedule to finish the regular season with a 4–2 record, showcasing grit, resilience, and standout individual performances.
The season opened with a challenging road match-up against the St. Louis Slam, resulting in a 0–20 loss. The Vixen quickly bounced back in Week 2 with a commanding 55–12 win over the Nebraska Pride at home. After a bye week, they delivered a statement victory against perennial powerhouse Houston Energy, winning 28–14 in front of an energized Twin Cities crowd.
In their second meeting with St. Louis, the Vixen again fell short in a hard-fought game, dropping to 2–2. However, they closed out the season strong with back-to-back road wins—first, a 21–6 win over Nebraska Pride, followed by a thrilling 35–32 victory against Cali War in California.
The 2023 season also welcomed international talent, as linebacker Hannah Eckhardt from Germany joined the team, bringing intensity and athleticism to the defensive unit. Leading that defense was Sam Barber (#13), who anchored the secondary with dominant play and was honored as the WFA Defensive Player of the Year for her outstanding contributions.
Off the field, Laura Brown added to her coaching résumé by serving as the Defensive Line Coach for Team World at the WFA International Costa Rica Coffee Bowl, helping guide international athletes in one of the league’s premier global showcases.
Despite facing adversity, the Vixen demonstrated why they remain one of the premier programs in women’s football, blending veteran leadership, rising stars, and international experience into another memorable campaign.
2024
In 2024, the Minnesota Vixen continued to build on their legacy with a season marked by explosive offense, international talent, and a new era of leadership. Connor Jo Lewis took the reins as head coach, becoming the second female head coach in Vixen history and bringing a fresh perspective to the sidelines. Laura Brown, who led the team to previous championships, remained a key presence as General Manager and contributed internationally as the Defensive Coordinator and Co-Head Coach of Team World for the WFA International European bout in the fall of 2024.
The Vixen finished the regular season with a 4–2 record, including dominant wins over Dallas (64–30), Iowa (55–0), D.C. (42–34), and Nebraska (34–0). They opened the postseason with a convincing 35–13 victory over the Mile High Blaze, advancing to the WFA Pro American Conference Championship. There, they faced longtime rival St. Louis Slam but came up short in a hard-fought 3–20 battle.
Off the field, the Vixen strengthened their international presence with the return of linebacker Hannah Eckhardt from Germany and the addition of standout running back #21 Johanna Vermöhlen, also from Germany, whose speed and power added depth to the backfield.
On offense, wide receiver #81 Jackie Radford turned heads across the league and was honored as the WFA MVP Offensive Player of the Year, cementing her status as one of the premier playmakers in women’s football.
The 2024 season was a testament to the Vixen’s continued growth, global reach, and commitment to excellence, setting the stage for an even stronger future.
Won First Round Playoff Game (Kansas City Titans) Lost Second round Playoff game (Dallas Elite)
2018
9
2
0
1st Midwest Region (Division II) American Conference Champions
1st Round Playoff Bye WonSecond Round Playoff Game (Wisconsin Dragons) Won Div II Semifinals(Mile High Blaze) Lost Division II Championship (New York Sharks)
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