Kentucky football’s assistant director of recruiting operations Brinkley Berch is one of 40 women invited to attend the ninth annual National Football League women’s forum on Feb. 26 in Indianapolis during the NFL Combine.

The program will connect 40 women with leaders in professional football to provide insight and networking opportunities for their careers in scouting, data and analytics, coaching and football operations.

“Brinkley started in our office as a student worker and I have seen her grow so much over the last few years,” head coach Mark Stoops said. “She is a very important part of our recruiting office and we are very proud that she will be representing the University of Kentucky.”

Berch, a native of Atlanta, begins her seventh overall season with Kentucky, her second as the assistant director of recruiting operations. In her current role, she manages a variety of recruiting and operations duties, including assisting in official and unofficial visits logistics, handling all summer camp operations and game-day events. She also assists with team logistics, team travel and manages recruiting finances.

“I’m beyond thrilled and deeply honored to be selected for the 2025 NFL Women’s Forum class,” Berch said. “It’s a privilege to represent the University of Kentucky in such an incredible opportunity, and I’m excited to learn, grow, and contribute alongside such inspiring individuals.”

Read more on Berch here: Brinkley Berch

Since 2017, 310 women have gone through the forum, with more than 250 opportunities emerging at all levels of football. Past Women’s Forum participants have been hired by 29 clubs, and all 32 clubs engaged in the forum last year. During the 2024-25 season, the NFL had a record 15 full-time women coaches — the most for any male professional sports league in the world.

Over its nine-year history, the forum’s past participants have included the first female positional coach in college football history (Heather Marini), the NFL’s first black female scout (Salli Clavelle) and coach (Jennifer King), a Super Bowl winning coach (Autumn Lockwood) and one of few Latina coaches (Isabel Diaz). Twelve of the NFL’s 15 full-time women coaches have participated in the Women’s Forum.

The forum will take place in person and feature panel discussions and roundtable conversations with NFL executives, coaches and representatives from all 32 clubs. For the first time, the forum will include a candid conversation with 12 NFL women scouts from 12 different NFL teams moderated by ESPN football analyst Mina Kimes. The scouts will speak about their journeys to the NFL, inspire participants seeking opportunities in the league and discuss the future of football for women.

Coming off Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, participants also will hear from leaders from the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles in a discussion hosted by NFL Network host Kimmi Chex to demonstrate why this effort is prioritized in successful organizations.

More information on the forum can be found here >> NFL Women’s Forum