Saturday, Jan 4 - DALLAS - Today marks a monumental moment for the Texas Elite Spartans as we celebrate National Signing Day 2025! With anticipation and excitement in the air, the Spartans are set to kick off the season with the largest roster in franchise history. From returning veterans to promising rookies, this team is poised for greatness.
Offensive Powerhouse Returns and Grows
Leading the offense is the incomparable Michelle Angel, expected to enter training camp as QB1. She’ll be backed by a fully intact starting offensive line and surrounded by future Hall of Fame wide receivers Liz Landry and Maria Jackson, big-play threat Ashley McBay, a former track star, alongside 2021 IX Cup Offensive MVP Amanda Heilman.
The Spartans also welcome back WNFC Impact Player of the Year Destanie Yarbrough, who will spearhead the backfield. The Spartans run game remains a fortress with WNFC All-Pro Jasmine Rambo and former Offensive Player of the Year Kelli Smith joining Yarbrough.
Second-year receiver Sarah Watson is projected to have a breakout season, while rookie wide receiver Summer McNeal has turned some heads in the preseason.
At tight end, the Spartans welcome WNFC All-Pro Ida Edwards, who pairs with veteran Sarah Clark, adding another layer of versatility to the passing game.
The Spartans’ offensive line enters camp with 11 players, including four rookies, young prodigy Lily Bell, and WNFC All-Pro standout Kim Thomas (formerly with the Alabama Fire).
A Defense Built for Domination
The Spartans’ defense is ready to make an impact, signing an impressive 34 players, including 18 newcomers.
Anchoring the defense are returning captain and All-Pro DB Jewelle Grimsley, alongside star middle linebacker Mercedes Tyler. Joining them are current and future Hall of Fame linebackers Deana Guidry and Amber Kimbrough.
The linebacker corps gains an edge with the addition of former WFA star Christine Mason and former XLeague superstar Whitney Palmer, who was voted the No.1 Linebacker in the XLeague and will officially sign with the Spartans tonight.
On the defensive line, 11 players will be signed, including run-stopping specialists Renee Fruean and Fancy Robinson. They’re joined by former WNFC All-Pro Waynicia Thomas and standout newcomer Similiti Lealiki.
In the defensive secondary, the Spartans retain key players:
Shantia Creech
Jamie Lock
Jessica Collins
Adding even more talent are standout newcomers Grace Wiley and Khadijah 'KD' Ellison.
Veteran WNFC star Cierra Childress will also bring her leadership and experience to the squad.
Special Teams Excellence
Returning to the special teams unit is none other than the 2024 WNFC Special Teams Player of the Year, Cara Wesemann. Her consistency and precision will remain vital for the Spartans’ success.
Coaching Leadership: Experience Meets Innovation
At the helm is Head Coach Odessa OJ Jenkins, the winningest coach in women’s football history. She is joined by an elite staff:
Kay Spain – Defensive Coordinator & Assistant Head Coach
Elizabeth Jenkins – Head O-Line Coach & Run Game Coordinator
Julie Parton – Linebackers Coach
Brandon Lacy – D-Line Coach
Janice Mitchell – Assistant Defensive Coach
Angellica Grayson – Assistant Linebackers Coach
Octavia Langston – Assistant Offense/Special Teams
Chris Moses – Running Backs Coach
Joos Martin – Assistant Offensive Line Coach
Trena Miller – Assistant Offensive Line Coach
Suede Murrell – Assistant Offensive Line Coach
Umeki Webb – Assistant Defense Coach
Deana Guidry - Assistant Linebackers
Jewelle Grimsley – Defensive Backs Coach
Adding fresh insight to the staff this year is newcomer Aaron Hopkins, who will assist with linebackers.
Front Office Excellence
Behind every successful team is a strong administrative foundation. Returning are:
Carrie Eastwood – Team Manager
Amy Ashkinazy-Murrell – Director of Operations
Dominica Spain – Assistant General Manager
Esther Parton – Gameday Ops Manager
The Road Ahead
With such a star-studded roster and an unparalleled coaching staff, the Texas Elite Spartans are laser-focused on reclaiming their championship crown in 2025. Today’s National Signing Day marks the beginning of a new era, one pride, excellence, and the ELITE standard.
Stay tuned for training camp updates, player spotlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content as we prepare for the 2025 season.