Historic HBCU Female Placekicker Signs Pro Contract

The placekicker made the first ever points scored by a female in HBCU football history.

Jackson State kicker Leilani Armenta (35) practices kicks before the game against the Texas Southern Tigers at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Football Stadium in Jackson, Miss., on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. | Lauren Witte / USA TODAY NETWORK

HBCU football's historic first female placekicker to score a point in a regular-season game announced she has turned pro. Leilani Armenta is no longer in the NCAA Transfer portal and plans to join the Mississippi Panthers in the Women's National Football Conference (WNFC). She will remain at Jackson State while playing professional football.

Armenta established her milestone while scoring an extra-point attempt when the Tigers squared off against UAPB on Oct. 28, 2023.

Leilani won the 2024 Celebration Bowl and HBCU National Championship with Jackson State.

She posted her announcement on social media:

Everything happens for a reason. While I never anticipated not playing at Jackson State, the decision was ultimately out of my hands. As I began navigating the transfer portal, I had the privilege of connecting with incredible coaches from both sports I love.

I was fortunate to receive several offers – including scholarship opportunities – and I am truly grateful to the coaches and programs who recognized and valued me not only as an athlete but as a person.

Throughout this process, I kept returning to one central question: Where do I want to earn my degree without compromising my academic goals? My education has always been my primary focus, and Jackson State has provided me with a top-tier academic experience that I am proud of.

While evaluating my future, both academically and athletically, I was presented with a unique and exciting opportunity: to play professionally in the Women's National Football Conference (WNFC) for the Mississippi Panthers.

This opportunity allows me to stay at Jackson State, complete my degree, and continue to play the sport I love at a professional level. As someone who has always been and will always be an advocate for women in sports – especially in football – I am honored to represent both my university and the WNFC.

This journey is about more than just me. It's about pushing the boundaries for women in sports, seizing opportunity, and staying true to both purpose and passion. With that being said, Everyone watches women's sports.

Leilani Armenta | Credit: Leilani Armenta

Let's go, Panthers!

Leilani Armenta - #35

The Western Conference Semi-Finals will be held at Milwaukie High School in Milwaukie, Oregon, on June 5.

Western Conference Semi-Finals

4 pm PT - Game 1: #2 Texas Elite Spartans vs. #3 Seattle Majestics

8 pm PT - Game 2: #1 San Diego Rebellion vs. #4 Los Angeles Legends

The Eastern Conference Semi-Finals will be played at Liberty Creek High School in Gallatin, Tennessee, on Jun. 7.

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

3 pm CT - Game 1 : #2 Mississippi Panthers vs. #3 Chicago Winds

7 pm CT - Game 2 : #1. Washington Prodigy vs. #4 Kansas City Glory

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Historic HBCU Female Placekicker Enters NCAA Transfer Portal

HBCU football's first female kicker to score a point in a regular season game has entered the transfer portal. Leilani Armenta set history with Jackson State University on an extra-point attempt when the Tigers squared off against UAPB on Oct. 28, 2023.

Jackson State kicker Leilani Armenta (35) practices kicks before the game against the Texas Southern Tigers at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Football Stadium in Jackson, Miss., on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. | Lauren Witte / USA TODAY NETWORK

Armenta successfully kicked three extra point attempts on that day as Jackson State routed the Golden Lions 40-14. The scores were not only HBCU records but also FCS game history.

Leilani Armenta Enters The NCAA Transfer Portal | Credit: Leilani Armenta - X Account

She posted on social media: "I want to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to JSU alumni and fans who have supported me through my journey. Thank you to my teammates and coaches. I have entered the transfer portal and I am excited for the future."

The 5-foot-7, 170-pound placekicker won the starting job after an injury to the previous starter. She leaves Jackson State having scored a total of four points.

Armenta, originally a soccer athlete, is a native of Ventura, Ca She leaves Jackson State after scoring a total of four points.

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