The Baltimore Nighthawks are making history.
On Saturday, the women’s tackle football team secured their first Women’s Football Alliance Eastern Conference Championship, earning a spot in the National Championship game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Ohio on July 25.
This milestone caps off a monumental undefeated season and stands as a powerful statement about the rising strength and legitimacy of women’s tackle football.
Founded by Tanya Bryan, the Nighthawks welcome players aged 18 and older, regardless of prior football experience, and have spent 18 seasons building a culture of resilience, grit, and elite athleticism.
This season marks the long-awaited payoff after years of hard work and near-misses.
“It’s been a season of firsts. First undefeated season. First Conference Championship. We have taken Us vs Us to heart,” said Bryan. “ We are raising the bar on what women’s tackle looks like. Our fans have supported us through highs and lows. Seeing them celebrating in the stands was truly amazing. Hugging my team after the final buzzer is a moment I will never forget. Tears of joy after back-to-back-to-back seasons of just missing it. I’ve never been more proud of my team for how they played, the character and professionalism they have shown, and the support of one another.”
Anna Melton, a running back and team captain now in her fifth season with the Nighthawks, called this championship run both surreal and well-deserved.
“It’s empowering to see all of our hard work, trust, and confidence in each other unfold into this beautiful outcome,” Melton said. “We have fought through so many obstacles, on and off the field, but at the end of the day, it’s us against us. We are the only ones in our way, and that mentality has truly carried us throughout this season.”
For Melton, the journey to the football field wasn’t one she expected to take. “Personally, I never thought I would be able to play tackle,” she said. “I wasn’t allowed to play when I was younger, and when my friend informed and urged me to try out, I didn’t think I was capable.”
Now, not only has Melton found her place on the field, she’s embraced the sport and the challenges that come with it.
“It teaches me to persevere through the uncomfortable moments, physical and mental, to achieve a goal, and it’s shaped me to be more disciplined in other aspects of my life,” she added. “We have put in so much (literal) blood, sweat, and tears for each other, pushing and uplifting each other, and just taking care of each other on and off the field.”
Terharsa Jordan, known as TJ, is a veteran defensive and offensive lineman who has been with the Nighthawks since 2008.
“The Baltimore Nighthawks are so special to me because they found me,” Jordan shared. “Several players told me I would be a great asset to the team, and from that moment on, they became family.”
Reflecting on her long football journey, Jordan explained her motivation to keep playing.
“The reason I kept suiting up and putting my body on the line year after year was because the job was never finished,” Jordan said. “This year means everything to us.”
In 2023, the team lost teammate Alisha Owensford to breast cancer. She wore jersey #25.
“For our beloved Alisha Owensford, A.O. She was a powerhouse and dedicated to her craft,” Melton said. “Despite her battle with breast cancer, she always showed up, played hard, and never complained. 2025 is for our 25! #FlyHigh25”
With a DMV trifecta taking over the WFA National Championship weekend: D3 National Conference Champions Richmond Black Widows, D2 National Conference Champions Baltimore Nighthawks, and WFA Pro National Conference Champions D.C. Divas, the Nighthawks are ready to represent their city and leave their mark on the national stage.
They aren’t just playing for a title, they’re making history.
