LIVONIA, Mich. – Ahead of this Sunday’s big game, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson recently suited up for the Detroit Prowl women’s professional football team, joining the championship team for practice as they gear up for their upcoming season. 

WATCH: Secretary Benson practices with Detroit Prowl women’s professional football team 

“The Lions aren’t the only professional football team in Detroit – the Detroit Prowl blaze their own trail on the football field,” Secretary Benson said. “This group of pioneering women pushes the envelope on women’s sports in Michigan. They are tough, they don’t back down, and they’re also champions. I’m honored to celebrate their achievements and hard work. They show us that when we invest in women’s sports, we invest in our future.” 

The Detroit Prowl is a team of players dedicated to serving the community and giving young women the best opportunity to learn the professional football business. 

Benson provided brief remarks to players and staff at their practice facility in Livonia and took part in some drills and exercises with the team. 

“First and foremost, she did well in the testing drills. Her 40-yard dash was okay for a first timer, but she excelled in the tackling drill,” said Michael Vitale, Detroit Prowl owner and associate head coach. “I think it was so important for our players to see a top government official joining them on the field. A team of women who pay to play a sport they love, getting recognition and support from Jocelyn Benson, will propel them to even bigger moments in the future.” 

Secretary Benson has long championed women in sports. In 2019, she was invited by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to chair the Michigan Task Force on Women in Sports, where she worked to level the playing field for women and girls and helped lay the groundwork for greater opportunities in both sports and leadership. 

The Prowl, the 2024 and 2023 AWFL Champions, led the league in points both seasons and currently holds the longest winning streak in all of women’s football at 11 games. The 2025 season kicks off April 5 when they take on the Lansing Legacy.