Black Widows to play at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center

The Richmond Black Widows play 11 vs 11 tackle football and are the first and only women’s professional football team in Richmond. Last year they fell short in the championship but are ready to go at it again this year. This year they’ll be playing on the same field that hosts the professional men’s football team.

The Richmond Black Widows are pleased to announce the start of our second season with the WFA. We are proud to share that our home games will be held at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center on April 1, April 15, April 29 and May 15. The team is coming off a very successful rookie season in which they became the National Conference Champions and made it to the National Championship Game. Though they lost the W-Bowl, the season did bring quite a bit of positive attention to the city. Becoming a part of the Training Center family is an awesome opportunity and we hope to take this partnership to the championship!

“It’s exciting for me, as someone who has only recently moved into the area, to bring my passion to the city and have it be so well received,” owner/player Sarah Schkeeper said. “I feel like Richmond is not only ready but eager to embrace a women’s sports team. I feel like what we’re able to bring to the community is unique to us and is very timely.”

Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center General Manager Lesa Williams said, “This is an exciting addition to our lineup of spring events to be held at the venue. We look forward to sharing these exciting games with the community and providing more opportunities for Richmond fans to visit the training center!”

Schkeeper previously played with the New York Sharks for 5 seasons as the starting right guard. She was also selected as part of the US Women’s National Team in 2013 to represent the US in the IFAF Women’s World Championship. The 2013 US Women’s National Team went on to bring home the gold in the finals against Canada, outscoring their opponents during the competition 255-7. Sarah was the starting right guard for the 2013 US Women’s National Team. Sarah has decided to hang up her cleats after a very successful season as starting right guard for the Richmond Black Widows. Sarah is dedicating her efforts this year to moving the team forward in the community and nationally.

The Richmond Black Widows would also like to announce our administrative staff for the 2017 season. Veteran player G. Marlene Davis has been appointed General Manager and Andrea McCauley has returned as Assistant General Manager. William Donati, Sr. returns as Head Coach as well as Brian West as Assistant Head Coach.

“Being in this position for me is like taking my place in history for Richmond (Virginia even),” said Davis. “I have played Women’s Tackle football many years ago with the Tidewater Floods and Virginia wasn’t ready at the time. The support wasn’t there, so things failed. Last season was amazing; and now is the time to keep it moving. I can’t wait to see our fans come out to support!”

This year so far the team is bringing along a few sponsors who they are very happy to be supporting as well. Text Later Live Longer, LLC will be joining us this year as a premier sponsor. Their campaign is geared toward saving lives by encouraging people to not text and drive. Returning premier sponsor Excel Electric is a full-service electrical contractor for residential and commercial locations. The Black Widows appreciate their support and of course is open to more sponsorship opportunities.

The first game of the year is Saturday, April 1 at 4 PM. Admission into the games will be $12.