Watch Jackson State kicker Leilani Armenta make history as she becomes first woman to score in an FCS HBCU game: ‘We are beyond ecstatic’

Jackson State kicker Leilani Armenta made history on Saturday, becoming the first woman to score in an FCS HBCU game when she added three points in the Tigers’ 40-14 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

The California native, who also plays soccer at Jackson State, scored the extra point after DJ Stevens’ touchdown a few minutes before half time. 

She toasted the historic moment by celebrating with her teammates, one of whom hoisted Armenta into the air.

Armenta then added two more points in the fourth quarter to help secure victory for the Tigers, who took their record to 6-3 for the season.  

‘My daughter had no idea she would be kicking in the game today. We are beyond ecstatic,’ Armenta’s mother Brandy told The Clarion-Ledger.

The Jackson State kicker was embraced by her teammates after the history-making moment

‘My daughter had no idea she would be kicking in the game today,’ Armenta’s mother revealed

‘We did not know it was going to happen, and we are super excited. We all started yelling because we had no idea.’

Dylan Wasson, Jackson State’s kicker also scored two field goals and an extra point to ensure the Golden Lions’ winless run in the SWAC continued. They are now 1-7 for the season and 0-5 in the SWAC. 

‘That’s what we’ve been waiting on all season, a complete game from all three phases from our football team,’ Jackson State coach TC Taylor said. 

‘Special teams were lights out today. The defense was lights out; they did what they do every week – create turnovers, get to the quarterback and get the opposing offense off the field.

‘The offense finally came along, too. They did an awesome job. I think the thing with the offense is just the turnovers, and they eliminated that today.’

The Jackson State kicker is hoisted into the air by a teammate in the win on Saturday