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Jackson State Kicker Celebrates History with Trading Card Deal

Leaf commemorates Leilani Armenta as first woman to play in HBCU game.

Michael Ehrlich

Jackson State Kicker Celebrates History with Trading Card Deal
Jackson State Kicker Celebrates History with Trading Card Deal /
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Jackson State kicker Leilani Armenta made college football history earlier this season when she became the first woman to play in and score during a HBCU game at the Division I level. The Tiger's soccer player turned football kicker now adds a NIL deal with Leaf Trading Cards to her resume as her groundbreaking milestone is memorialized for collectors.

Leaf this week launched Armenta's exclusive, limited-edition autographed trading card, available now for $19.99

"Collaborating with Leilani Armenta, the trailblazing first female to play D1 football at an HBCU, is not just about breaking records on the field, but also shattering stereotypes and inspiring a new era of possibilities for women in sports," Josh Pankow, President of Leaf Trading Cards shared with Sports Illustrated.

A freshman defender on the Jackson State soccer team, Armenta played high school at powerhouse St. Bonaventure High School (Ventura, Calif.) where she connected on 98 extra points and five field goals.

Armenta was called upon after injuries sidelined Jackson State's kickers. She is recovering from her own injury after tearing an ACL last year, so has been kicking with a brace on her leg.

“Leaf Trading Cards is extremely honored to collaborate with Leilani Armenta," added CJ Breen, Leaf's Director Of Marketing and Licensing. "This partnership represents our dedication to featuring the highest number of females among all other trading card companies in the industry. Working with Leilani has been truly exceptional. This card serves as a homage to determined young women who courageously confront difficulties and obstacles, shattering barriers in the process.”

In three games this season, Armenta has six extra points to her name.

Armenta became the second woman to score for an HBCU this season. According to HBCU Sports, Shaw University (Division II) kicker India Pulphus scored an extra point in a September 30.

It's been a historic football season for women as Shenandoah University (Division III) safety Haley Van Voorhis, became the first female football player - outside of the kicker position - to appear in an NCAA football game.

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Michael Ehrlich
MICHAEL EHRLICH

Michael Ehrlich is a seasoned sports marketing executive with experience across the global sports brand, athlete representation, media and education sides of the business. The Founder and CEO of Playbook Marketing, Ehrlich consults with brands on all things NIL and athlete partnerships, advises student-athletes on their personal brand building endeavors and is an adjunct professor at his alma mater, the University of Southern California where he teaches a course on athlete communications and marketing. As a writer, his previous bylines include Boardroom, Business of College Sports, DIME Magazine and UPROXX, among others. You can follow him across social media at @MichaelEhrlich and reach out via michael@playbook-marketing.com

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