Schwäbisch Hall, Germany – The Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, a prominent American football club in Germany, have unveiled a restructured board designed to navigate future challenges and build upon recent successes. The changes, approved at the club’s annual general meeting on March 24th, 2026, see a blend of experienced leadership and fresh perspectives taking the helm.
The announcement follows a successful 2025 season for the Unicorns, which included a Junior Bowl victory and a German U20 Vice-Championship, alongside strong performances across multiple age groups in regional leagues. The club fielded ten teams throughout the year, showcasing the breadth of its football program. The restructuring aims to capitalize on this momentum and further professionalize the organization.
New Faces and Familiar Leadership
Nina Wengertsmann and David Seiffer, the existing co-chairpersons, presided over the meeting, which saw the departure of long-serving board members Siegfried Gehrke and Corinna Falk. Gehrke, a founding member of the Unicorns, is stepping down as Sport Director – a role he will continue in until 2027 – to pursue his passion for coaching, having taken on the position of Head Coach for the Unicorns U16 team in January. Falk, after six years as Youth Director, has chosen not to seek re-election, with support from her husband, Jo.
The incoming board reflects a commitment to both sporting excellence and organizational development. Ralph Gruber will take on the role of Academy Director, bringing with him a decade of experience in establishing the Unicorns Academy through his work with the Evangelisches Schulzentrum. Gruber, who is retiring from his school position this summer, expressed his enthusiasm for continuing his involvement with the Academy. Sebastian Pollmann has been appointed as Head of Flag Football, leveraging his extensive experience with the sport dating back to its early days with the Unicorns.
Jeanette Wormsbecher steps into the role of Youth Director, bringing a fresh perspective as a project manager and a parent of a youth player. Andreas Weis, a veteran of the Unicorns organization since 1985 and recently Head Coach of the U13 team, will serve as the new Sport Director, completing a full circle in his long association with the club. Claudia Pröllochs continues as Treasurer, having been elected for a two-year term in 2025, and will provide financial oversight.
A Modernized Structure for Continued Success
The board also includes Felix Köhler as Head of Family, Bernd Marckwardt as Head of Fan Relations, and Julia Brenner as Head of Marketing & PR. The changes were initiated during a board retreat last autumn, with the aim of adapting the organizational structure to meet future challenges. According to 2nd Chairperson David Seiffer, “The new structure is necessary to best tackle the challenges of the future.”
Pröllochs highlighted the importance of the club’s strong volunteer base, noting that nearly 20% of TSG (Turn- und Sportgemeinschaft Schwäbisch Hall) members are involved with the Unicorns – a total of 548 individuals in 2025. She also reported a positive financial result despite the final repayment of COVID-19 relief funds. Jürgen Gehrke, a member of the TSG presidency, formally approved the board’s discharge.
The Unicorns’ commitment to professionalization is evident in these changes. The club is clearly focused on building a sustainable future, balancing the dedication of its volunteers with the need for dedicated, full-time staff to manage its growing operations. This approach positions the Unicorns as a leading force in German American football, both on and off the field.
The newly elected board (from left to right): David Seiffer (2nd Chairperson), Claudia Pröllochs (Treasurer), Nina Wengertsmann (1st Chairperson), Felix Köhler (Head of Family), Jeanette Wormsbecher (Youth Director), Bernd Marckwardt (Head of Fan Relations), Julia Brenner (Head of Marketing & PR), Sebastian Pollmann (Head of Flag Football), Andreas Weis (Sport Director), Ralph Gruber (Academy Director).
What’s Next: The Unicorns will begin preparations for the 2026 season, with the U16 team under the leadership of Siegfried Gehrke aiming to build on their recent success. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress and schedule through the official Unicorns website: https://unicorns.de/.
This article is based on information released by the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns on March 30, 2026.
