GOLDEN STATE STORM RE-SIGN ALL-PRO LINEBACKER PAULINA LOPEZ FOR SEASON 2, REUNITING LEAGUE'S PREMIER DEFENSIVE DUO

OAKLAND, CA — The Golden State Storm announced today that All-Pro linebacker Paulina Lopez (#13) has officially signed a contract extension to return for Season 2, reuniting with reigning WNFC Defensive Player of the Year Leilani Caamal.

Lopez delivered an outstanding campaign in the heart of the Storm's defense last season, racking up 42 combined tackles(20 solo, 22 assisted), 2 tackles for loss (TFL), and 1 sack. Paired with Caamal, Lopez formed one half of the WNFC’s most fearsome linebacking duo, combining for an astounding 132 tackles to anchor one of the league’s most physical defensive units.

A natural defensive general with high-level instincts and sideline-to-sideline range, Lopez earned WNFC All-Pro honors while helping establish the Golden State defense as an elite, hard-hitting force in her first season with the franchise.

"Re-signing Paulina was a top priority for our football operations team heading into Season 2," said Golden State Storm Leadership. "Paulina’s playmaking ability, field vision, and game-changing physicality speak for themselves. Having her 42 tackles, pass-rush presence, and defensive leadership back alongside Leilani gives us a linebacking corps that is unmatched anywhere in women’s tackle football."

"The brotherhood and standard we established in Year 1 was just the beginning," said Lopez. "Playing alongside Leilani and this defense brings out the best in all of us. We set the tone last year, but for Season 2, our focus is singular: bringing a WNFC Championship home to Oakland."