​The River City Sting has been featured in several local and regional publications, highlighting their growth, championship runs, and the impact of owner CJ James on the Richmond sports scene.

Awards

CJ James
Finalist Female Athlete of the Year for the
​2026 RVA Sports Awards
The RVA Sports Awards are presented by Colonial Downs® & Rosie’s Gaming Emporium®.

Championship Pedigree

2026: HERE WE COME!!!
​2024: WTFL Legacy Bowl Runner-Up
2022: USWFL Championship Runner-Up
2021: USWFL Champions (Undefeated 5-0 Inaugural Season)

Featured Articles & Coverage

Richmond Magazine
Article: Hail Mary: Women’s football in Richmond is racking up the yards (April 2025)
Focus: This piece explores the decade-long consistency of women's tackle football in Richmond, specifically featuring the Sting's role in the competitive landscape.
WKU Journalism
Article: Tackling a men's game (December 2024)
Focus: An in-depth feature on the rise of female flag and tackle football. It profiles CJ James, her transition from the Black Widows to founding the Sting, and the team's move toward a semi-pro model.
Richmond Free Press
Article: River City Sting eyes 2025 season after championship run (October 2024)
Article: Not for timid or dainty, River City Sting looking for a few good women (November 2020)
Focus: The Richmond Free Press has followed the team from its inaugural tryouts to its status as a powerhouse in the community.
Richmond Times Dispatch
Article: River City Sting - Richmond's newest women's tackle football team - prepares for its inaugural season (October 2020)
Focus: The founding and debut season of the River City Sting, framing the team as a significant new addition to the Richmond sports landscape.