Cherelle Warren

Cherelle Warren is the definition of strength and heart. A proud mom, coach, and now football player from Buffalo, NY, she brings over a decade of MMA experience and unstoppable drive to the field. Beyond football, she empowers her community through self-defense and trauma-informed safety programs, proving that being tough isn’t just physical—it’s about purpose, passion, and perseverance. A true powerhouse on and off the field, Cherelle shows what it means to be a badass with heart. 

Brooke Jackson

From a young age, Brooke was drawn to sports—to the competition, the camaraderie, and the lessons of teamwork. Playing many sports taught her the value of pushing limits, celebrating growth, and showing up not just for herself but for her teammates.

Off the field, Brooke’s life has been rich with love and purpose. She’s married and together with her spouse, they share the joy and responsibility of raising their daughter—someone who keeps them grounded, motivated, and focused on modeling integrity, effort, and support.

Brooke’s passion extends into service: she’s involved in charity work (whether through local community efforts, youth sports mentoring, or other giving-back activities) because she believes that with the privilege of playing and coaching and community comes the responsibility to lift others.



To her, being a football team owner, player, or an athlete in general is not just about physical strength or athleticism—it’s about character. It’s about getting up when you’re down, checking in on your teammates, honoring the grind of preparation, and playing the game with heart. Brooke knows that sports mirror life: you need discipline, you need respect, you need to communicate, and you must be humble in victory and graceful in defeat.

Isabel Buckingham 

Isabel Buckingham is a wide receiver and corner for the 716 Blizzard. At just 22 years old, she balances her passion for football with a demanding schedule as a mechanical engineering student at the University of Alabama and a full-time service advisor at an automotive dealership. Known for her speed, reliable hands, and sharp field awareness, Isabel brings both athleticism and intelligence to every game. Inspired by Keon Coleman’s college highlights, she strives to bring the same energy, precision, and playmaking ability to her own performances.

Martha Russell

Martha Russell is a proud North Tonawanda graduate who continued her education at Niagara County Community College and Buffalo State College. A lifelong athlete and leader, Martha plays both box and field lacrosse for Team Poland and the Niagara Turtle Islanders, showcasing her dedication to the sport and her heritage on both national and international stages. She is also a member of The Buffalo Bridge, a charity lacrosse team that uses the game to give back and build connections within the community.

Martha’s love for sports runs deep—she also plays kickball, softball, baseball, basketball, pickleball, and even enjoys tap dancing. Her passion for athletics is matched by her commitment to teaching and mentorship. As a Special Education Teacher, Program Recreation Supervisor, and coach in lacrosse, football, softball, basketball, and pickleball, she inspires others to grow with confidence, teamwork, and determination.

Martha is also one of the founding creators of the NT Xmas Trailer, a community-driven initiative started with friends to support families in need. Together, they have collected over 289,999 non-perishable food items and hygiene products, spreading kindness, hope, and holiday spirit throughout Western New York.

Martha is what we like to call a great asset someone who leads with heart, stands up for others when they don’t have a voice, and reminds everyone that where you come from doesn’t define how far you can go. She proves that even from a small town, you can chase your dreams, defy expectations, and make a lasting difference both on and off the field.

Makila Means

Makila Means, 26 years old — born and raised in Niagara Falls, NY. I’ve learned that life’s all about the grind, the growth, and the guts to keep pushing no matter what’s in your way. Every obstacle’s just another chance to prove I’m built for this. On and off the football field, I move with purpose, loyalty, and passion — because giving up was never an option. A loyal friend, fierce competitor, and everyday reminder that pressure creates diamonds. #BuiltDifferent #StayHungry #NiagaraStrong

Natalie Ofelia

A fierce competitor in every aspect of life, Natalie was drawn to the gridiron for the competition and comradery that comes with team sports. Most of Natalie's spare time is spent either playing some type of sport or competing in trading card game hobbies as a sponsored player. 

Natalie works in and is passionate about her career in social work as helping others and bringing community together is something she strives to do on the daily. She also has a side gig as a reporter covering the NFL for USA Today. 

Football has always been apart of Natalie's life, and she hopes to extend her passion for both the sport and community into the 2026 season.

Briana Fugate

My name’s Bri — I play Center and D-Tackle for the 716 Blizzard, and last season I earned a spot on the WFA All-American Team. Football became my outlet — the place where I take all the aggression I keep controlled on the surface and turn it into discipline, power, and purpose. People see me as calm and collected, but competition flips a switch in me. When you can harness your anger and keep it controlled, you become unstoppable.

Since I was a kid, I’ve loved this game. I played football with the boys on my block and always told them not to take it easy on me. One time I got “sideline-popped” straight into a fire hydrant — everyone froze, but I got up, kept playing, and scored on the same kid that hit me. That’s when I knew the competitor in me ran deep.

On the field, I take pride in being a leader. As the center, I’m responsible for setting the tone for the offensive line — keeping us aligned, focused, and moving as one. I spent hours watching film, studying technique, sending clips to my linemates, and putting in extra work with the head coach of my life (my wife ❤️💪🏾) to tighten my snaps after my first rough game. When I commit to something, I give it everything I have.

I also love the energy of my teammates — the jokes, the roasting, the laughter at practice. I’m big on keeping spirits high and making people laugh, because this team is a space where we can be ourselves with no judgment. The women on this team have a sense of humor that makes the grind fun, and we’ve built a bond where we push each other, teach each other, and tap into a different level of trust to play this tough game together. It gets rough sometimes, but at the end of the day we are building a diverse team together and growing together and I wouldn’t trade on these girls for any other team.

Playing in the trenches takes a mindset not everyone has. You don’t do it for shine — you do it for the grind, the grit, and the satisfaction of knowing you quietly controlled the whole play. Being underestimated for my size or because I’m a woman? That just adds fuel.

Off the field, I’m all about love, loyalty, and living life. I’ve been with my wife for 19 years, and when we’re not traveling or doing community service, we’re road-tripping. No flights — I’m a road dog for real. We’ve taken Greyhound from Buffalo to Vegas (62 hours) and Buffalo to Miami (32 hours). Slowing down, talking, thinking, vibing — that’s my peace.

Next season, I plan to lock in full-time as a Defensive Tackle. Center taught me discipline and composure — defense lets me unleash. I’m learning to blend both: stay disciplined, stay aggressive, and release the dog when it’s time to hunt… respectfully.

Olivia (Liv) Hoskins

I’m an adventurous spirit who loves trying new things—whether it’s rock climbing, sledding, ice or roller skating, camping and fishing, or diving into competitive challenges (and yes, I never turn down a good word search). I graduated in 2021 with an advanced regents diploma and a welding certification, and ever since, I’ve lived to break barriers and fight stereotypes.

Sports have always been part of my story. In high school I played basketball, volleyball, and discovered my passion for softball—becoming captain, pitcher, and MVP in my very first year. No matter what I do, I give it everything.

Today, football has my heart. Playing for the 716 Blizzard gives me a sense of camaraderie, joy, and purpose that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’m an athlete through and through, and one of my biggest goals is to help put female athletes in Buffalo on the map.

Family time, seasonal events, and pushing my own limits keep me grounded and motivated. I’m here to challenge expectations, create space for women in sports, and enjoy every adventure along the way.

Dianne Biddeman

Dianne Biddeman is a proud single mother of three who spent decades dedicating herself to her children’s upbringing, education, and sports. 

While working full time in a mental health environment, she made her family’s well-being her top priority—navigating the highs and lows of parenting with strength, love, and resilience, managing their school, sports and life's challenges.

Once her children grew older, Dianne reignited her own athletic spirit, diving into a wide range of sports including coed football, softball, volleyball, kickball, broomball, and pickleball. 

At the age of 55, she was presented with the ultimate challenge, to play women’s full tackle football—a challenge she embraced with courage and excitement. Scared? Sure. Bur fear didn't win- Dianne did. 

What began as a leap of faith quickly became a passion, and she now plays with heart, grit, and determination.

Dianne continues to work full time, stay active with her granddaughter, and live life with energy and purpose. 

Her story is a testament to perseverance, reinvention, and the power of never giving up on your dreams—no matter your age, age is just a number, and limits are meant to be broken. 

Coach RICO

Coach Rico is bringing years of experience to our coaching staff he’s been playing and been round the game of football since he was a young kid in his playing days he’s played offense and defense line he started his coaching career at Ncaaa where he was a valuable part of teaching the lineman and building toughness in young man he’s also have 2 championships with the same organization in his playing days he was an all star on both the defense and offense line we’re looking forward to the experience he’s bringing to the team. #BlizzardFront

Coach Winsom Robinson

Coaching Experience:
Currently in my second year coaching in the Women's Football Alliance (WFA). With over 20 years of experience coaching youth and amateur boxing, I bring a wealth of knowledge in training and development across multiple sports. My coaching philosophy focuses on building strong fundamentals, developing athletes' skills, and fostering teamwork and discipline.

Athletic Background:
I played football at Seneca Vocational High School from 2004 to 2007, where I was a key player on both the offensive and defensive lines. My time on the field helped shape my understanding of the game and instilled a deep passion for both playing and coaching the sport.

Off-Field Interests:
Outside of coaching, I am a proud husband and the father of three amazing children. Family is at the center of everything I do. In my free time, I enjoy watching a variety of sports, playing pool, swimming, and spending quality time with my loved ones. I’m also an avid cook, particularly when it comes to grilling and experimenting with new recipes.

Reason for Coaching:
Coaching has always been a dream of mine. Since I was a child, I’ve aspired to coach football and create opportunities for athletes to thrive in sports. I am particularly passionate about building sport facilities where athletes of all levels can compete and grow, with the long-term goal of developing more competitive outlets across the U.S. I believe sports can change lives, and through coaching, I aim to help athletes not only achieve their goals but also learn important life lessons along the way.

Head Coach Julio Castro

Julio Castro is a devoted father of three, a passionate football coach, and a dedicated community leader who believes in the power of sport to transform lives. His coaching journey began at the semi-professional level, where he spent four years developing players and fostering a culture of excellence. He later turned his attention to youth football, spending two seasons guiding Little League teams and helping young athletes build confidence, discipline, and teamwork.

Now entering his second year as Head Coach of the Buffalo Blizzard women’s football team, Julio continues to lead with purpose, heart, and determination. His coaching philosophy centers on empowerment, respect, and relentless effort—values that extend well beyond the field. Known for his leadership and his ability to bring out the best in every player, Julio is committed to creating an environment where athletes can thrive both as competitors and as individuals.

Driven by his love for the game and his belief in its ability to unite communities, Julio Castro remains a powerful example of dedication, resilience, and the lasting impact of mentorship.