The Golden State Storm, the Women's National Football Conference's (WNFC) newest expansion team, has made a strategic move by adding Jay Paterno to its Advisory Board. This decision underscores the team's dedication to fostering leadership, community, and confidence among women athletes. Paterno, a former Penn State assistant coach and a current trustee at Penn State University, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for equity in sports to the table.
Paterno's involvement is particularly noteworthy given his role as a co-founder of Penn State's NIL collective, Success With Honor, which has been instrumental in securing Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities for athletes across all 31 varsity sports. His advocacy for women's sports is personal as well as professional; as the father of two daughters who played collegiate sports, Paterno understands the importance of providing women athletes with platforms equal to those of their male counterparts.
The timing of Paterno's appointment is also significant, coinciding with flag football's Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028. The WNFC, including the Golden State Storm, is poised to serve as a crucial pipeline for future Olympians, further elevating the profile of women's football on the global stage. Paterno's vision for the Storm aligns with the WNFC's mission to be the premier women's tackle football league in the world, offering athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest levels while also addressing broader issues of equity and respect in sports.
The Golden State Storm's launch in 2026 represents a pivotal moment for women's football in Northern California and beyond. With the backing of global brand sponsors like adidas, Riddell, and Dove, the team is set to make a lasting impact. Paterno's addition to the Advisory Board is a clear signal of the Storm's commitment to building a high-performance, culturally relevant, and future-forward football franchise. For more information on the Golden State Storm, visit GoldenStateStorm.com, and to learn more about the WNFC, visit WNFCFootball.com.
