Philly’s New Grappling Powerhouse: A Woman Takes the Lead
Philly just got a new sports team, and it’s led by a woman who’s turned her lifelong love of martial arts into a business venture.
She grew up practicing tae‑kwon‑do and watching classic jiu‑jitsu matches, so when the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) opened spots for new teams, she saw a chance to combine passion with opportunity.
First female owner in an all‑male league
She says it feels like carving her own path: “I’m paving my own way.” Her trailblazing spirit lets her shape the team’s direction.Season kickoff
The Philadelphia Phenoms will begin play this week against the Las Vegas Kings. All games for the season are held in Las Vegas.Fan access
Watch every match live on PGF’s YouTube channel each Wednesday. Playoffs feature the top eight individual scorers in a knockout bracket.
Personal journey
Before stepping into ownership, she and her husband were regular viewers of PGF events online. They started training together at a local MMA gym, turning a hobby into a serious pursuit.Roster
Andrew Kochel | Derek Rayfield | Shawn Melanson | Kyle Chambers | Noah McCully | Armin Bruni | Derrick AdkinsSeason format
75 matches over five weeks, each lasting six minutes and focused on submissions. Points awarded for techniques with extra marks for quick finishes.Coaching
Coach Kris Olivo, a charismatic “black‑belt” known for his flashy style and high jiu‑jitsu IQ, will guide the squad. The owner chose him for his engaging personality and ability to unite the team on and off the mat.League expansion
The PGF is growing from four teams to 16 across the country. New franchises like the Alabama Twisters and Colorado Wolverines join, positioning PGF as a national sports league.
