Dr. Jen Welter
NFL Football Coach, Football Player, and Sport Psychology Consultant
Dr. Jen Welter is a pioneering force in sports. Best known as the first woman to coach in the NFL, she was breaking barriers in women’s football long before stepping into the men’s game. Over a 15-year career, she won two gold medals with Team USA and four championships, solidifying her status as a champion on and off the field.
She made history with the Texas Revolution as the first woman to play running back in men’s professional football and the first to coach in men’s pro football. Her groundbreaking path sparked a Texas-sized revolution, paving the way for future generations.
Holding a PhD in Sport Psychology and a Marketing degree from Boston College, Dr. Jen has coached across the NFL, Alliance of American Football, CIF, XFL, USA Football’s Select Bowl, and served as Head Coach of the first Australian Women’s National Team.
An accomplished author, keynote speaker, TV personality, and video game figure, her impact extends far beyond the gridiron. Her bestselling memoir Play Big and children’s book series Critter Fitter showcase her storytelling, while her show First & Goals brings her insights to screen. She was the first woman coach featured in Madden and in Minecraft’s “Coach Jen.”
Through her initiatives, Grrridiron Girls and A Day in the Life, Dr. Jen empowers girls and women to build confidence, embrace football, and recognize that no field is off-limits.
Named one of the Top 100 Women to Know in America and honored with multiple humanitarian awards, Dr. Jen continues to inspire as a trailblazer at the intersection of sports, culture, and leadership — making her a powerful voice for any stage.
