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. She is the first female owner in a league that has been all‑male so far, and she says it feels like carving her own path. “I’m paving my own way, ” she notes, highlighting that being a trailblazer lets her shape the team’s direction. The Philadelphia Phenoms will begin play this week against the Las Vegas Kings, and all games for the season are held in Las Vegas. Fans can watch every match live on PGF’s YouTube channel each Wednesday, and the playoffs will feature the top eight individual scorers in a knockout bracket.Before stepping into ownership, she and her husband were regular viewers of PGF events online. They even started training together at a local MMA gym to stay fit and learn self‑defense, turning what began as a hobby into a serious pursuit. The Phenoms’ roster includes seven fighters: Andrew Kochel, Derek Rayfield, Shawn Melanson, Kyle Chambers, Noah McCully, Armin Bruni, and Derrick Adkins. The team plans to compete in 75 matches over a five‑week season, each lasting six minutes and focused on submissions. Points are awarded for different techniques, with extra marks for quick finishes. Coach Kris Olivo—known in the PGF circle as a charismatic “black‑belt” with a flashy style—will guide the squad. The owner chose him for his high jiu‑jitsu IQ and engaging personality, hoping he can bring the team together on and off the mat. The league itself is expanding rapidly, aiming to grow from four teams to 16 across the country. With new franchises like the Alabama Twisters and Colorado Wolverines joining, the PGF is positioning itself as a national sports league.