Community Corner

Boston College Graduate Becomes NFL's First Female Coach

Jennifer Welter, a former rugby player at Boston College, was hired by the Arizona Cardinals to coach linebackers.

A Boston College graduate has made history, becoming the first woman to ever hold a coaching position in the National Football League.

Jennifer Welter, a former rugby player at Boston College, was hired by the Arizona Cardinals to serve as the team’s linebackers coach, the team reports. Welter also played 14 seasons in the Women’s Football Alliance.

While at Boston College, Welter studied sports psychology, earning a master’s degree and PhD.

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The 37-year-old may not have any direct experience in the NFL, but she has played the man’s game before. In 2014, Welter became the first woman to play a men’s professional game as a member of an indoor league team - the Texas Revolution.

The news comes on the heels of the San Antonio Spurs’ decision to hire Becky Harmon as an assistant coach. Harmon spent several seasons in the WNBA.

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Welter’s first game as an NFL coach will take place on August 15 during a Cardinals preseason game.

Photo Credit: GoFundMe.com

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