By Milton Kirby | Clarkston, GA | June 13, 2025

A thrilling new chapter in professional women’s football will be written this Saturday, June 14, as the Atlanta Phoenix host the Carolina Stars in a high-stakes Divisional Round playoff game at Hallford Stadium in Clarkston, Georgia. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. EDT, and fans are preparing for a battle between one of the sport’s established powerhouses and its most exciting newcomers.

This matchup is more than just a playoff game—it’s a symbol of growth, evolution, and fresh competition in women’s tackle football. Both teams are competing under the American Women’s Football League (AWFL) banner, a new league created to modernize and professionalize the sport. The AWFL has quickly earned a reputation for doing things differently, focusing on innovation, national visibility, and long-term sustainability.

“The AWFL isn’t here to follow the norms—we’re here to set new ones,” reads the league’s mission, and Saturday’s game reflects that ambition.

🏈 The Home Team: Atlanta Phoenix

Founded in 2012, the Atlanta Phoenix have earned their place as one of the premier teams in women’s professional football. With a record of 74–22–1 and seven division titles over 13 full seasons, the Phoenix are known for their consistent dominance, elite athleticism, and loyal fanbase. In 2025, the team made a strategic move to join the American Women’s Football League (AWFL), aligning with the league’s bold, forward-thinking approach to growing the sport.

The Phoenix are co-owned by three Atlanta natives: April Christler, Moncrief Hart, and Sylvana Holmes. Christler, who also serves as General Manager, brings over two decades of experience in leading major sports and media projects for brands like NFL, Turner Sports, Warner Bros Discovery, and HBO. A former defensive tackle herself, Christler pairs her business savvy with a gritty, on-the-ground leadership style that has helped secure game-changing sponsorships from companies like MHP – A Porsche Company, Waffle House, and Morgan & Morgan. Her work in tech and sports has earned her features on CNN, Lifetime TV, and CBS News.

On the field, the team is guided by head coach and co-founder Moncrief Hart, whose intensity and strategic vision have shaped the Phoenix’s hard-hitting, high-performing identity. Holmes, the third co-owner, continues to be a force as both a leader and player, anchoring the defense at tackle and end.

With standout veterans like Team USA alum Jenitra “J Roc” Shields leading the offensive line, the Phoenix are charging into the playoffs boasting the league’s top-ranked offense, defense, and overall team performance. Known by their rallying cry—“Boldest, Baddest, Ballin’est”—the Atlanta Phoenix are more than a football team. They are a brand.

🌟 Carolina Stars: The Rising Powerhouse

The Carolina Stars are the newest force in women’s football, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and playing their inaugural season in the AWFL. Despite being new to the league, the Stars are no strangers to high standards. Their foundation is built on discipline, excellence, and community impact.

They are led by Head Coach Tia Hopkins, a legend in her own right. Hopkins is a former defensive lineman for the Miami Fury and New York Sharks, where she also served as general manager and offensive line coach. She helped the Sharks win a WFA National Championship and an international tournament in 2018, before being inducted into the AFE Hall of Fame in 2021.

Off the field, Hopkins serves as Chief Cyber Resilience Officer at eSentire and teaches cybersecurity, proving her commitment to leadership and mentorship in multiple arenas. Her role as a mentor is crucial, as under her guidance, the Stars have already made a significant impact, raising thousands of dollars in grassroots support, recruiting top-tier talent, and launching youth and volunteer outreach initiatives across the Carolinas.

🏟️ A Battle of Visions and Values

Both the Phoenix and the Stars are competing not just for a championship berth, but to shape the future of women’s football.

The Phoenix offer legacy and professionalism—representing a city that has supported women’s football for over a decade. Meanwhile, the Stars bring an edge of innovation and community focus, rooted in diversity and rising potential.

Their meeting this Saturday is the definition of high-stakes sports: a seasoned champion versus a hungry contender.

The winner will advance to the AWFL Conference Championship on June 28, and potentially to the Emerald Bowl National Championship on July 12, which will also be held at Hallford Stadium.

🎟️ Game Details

• Matchup: Atlanta Phoenix vs. Carolina Stars
• Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM EDT
• Location: Hallford Stadium
  789 Memorial College Ave, Clarkston, GA 30021

Tickets are available online and at the gate. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for pre-game festivities and to witness this pivotal moment in women’s football.

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