Pittsburgh Passion Chasing History — and Honoring Franco Harris

The Pittsburgh Passion have once again proven they are among the elite teams in women’s professional football, earning a trip to the 2026 Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) Pro National Championship after an outstanding season.

The Passion finished the regular season with a 5–1 record, earned the No. 1 ranking in the National Conference, and continued their winning ways through the playoffs to capture the National Conference Championship. Their overall record now stands at 7–1 as they prepare for one of the biggest games in franchise history.

On Saturday, July 25, the Passion will face the Minnesota Vixen at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, with the national championship on the line.

Chasing Championship No. 4

A victory would give Pittsburgh its fourth WFA national championship, adding to titles won in 2007, 2014, and 2015.

The championship trophy holds special meaning for the organization and the city. It is named in honor of the late Franco Harris, the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer who served as a longtime co-owner, supporter, and ambassador of the Passion. His belief in growing opportunities for women in football continues to inspire the organization.

More Than a Team — A Movement

Founded in 2002, the Pittsburgh Passion have become one of the nation’s premier women’s tackle football organizations. The Women’s Football Alliance is considered the highest level of women’s full-contact football in the United States, featuring dozens of franchises across the country, including respected programs such as the Boston Renegades, D.C. Divas, Minnesota Vixen, St. Louis Slam, Houston Energy, and Tampa Bay Inferno.

For many players, competing in the WFA represents the highest level of football available outside the NFL ecosystem. Athletes come from a variety of backgrounds — including former college athletes, military veterans, coaches, teachers, healthcare professionals, business owners, and mothers — who balance careers and family life while pursuing their passion for football. Unlike many men’s professional leagues, most WFA players are not full-time paid athletes. Many invest their own money for equipment, travel, training, and league expenses while dedicating countless hours to practices, workouts, film study, and community appearances.

Leadership on and off the Field

The Passion are led by Co-Head Coaches Teresa Conn and Lisa Horton, whose leadership has helped build one of the league’s most consistent championship contenders. Quarterback Makai Chavez, the 2024 WFA National Conference MVP, has directed one of the league’s most explosive offenses, while veteran defensive tackle Kaitlain Niedermeyer continues to anchor one of the WFA’s toughest defensive fronts during her remarkable 15th season.

Together, the roster represents years of dedication, perseverance, and championship-caliber football.

Growing the Game

As women’s sports continue to gain national attention, the Pittsburgh Passion remain at the forefront of growing women’s tackle football in Western Pennsylvania and across the country. The organization regularly hosts open tryouts and welcomes athletes looking to compete at an elite level. More importantly, the team serves as an inspiration to young girls who now see football as a sport where they can compete, lead, and dream of championships.