The Swiss Heidis made their international debut at the 2019 Euro Cup in Norrtälje, Sweden. Coached by Tommy Ross and co-captained by Katherine Dellar (Geneva Jets AFC) and Ulrike Senti (Winterthur Lions/Zurich Giants AFC), the team finished 7th out of 8 sides — an impressive result given that most players had no prior international experience. Larissa Waibel played a key behind-the-scenes role in recruitment, while the squad was strengthened by former rugby player Matilda Lea and standout performers Yael Weissman and Svenja Müller-Byrnes.
Yael continued playing for the Winterthur Lions until 2024 before injury forced her to hang up the boots. She has since become a full-time AFL Switzerland field umpire under the guidance of head umpire James Olle. Svenja was a long-standing member of the Basel Dragons before relocating to Berlin in 2023.
In 2022, Ulrike stepped back from the game due to injury, passing organisational and recruitment responsibilities to Claira Lea (Winterthur Lions AFC). Claira also captained the Heidis for two years. Under national coach Dave White, the team competed at the 2022 and 2023 Euro Cups, with Svenja and Yael again representing Switzerland in the red and white.
Player relocations and injuries meant the Heidis were unable to field a team at the 2024 and 2025 Euro Cups. In 2025, CEO Jason Ransome and Head of Women’s Football Molly Coleman (Winterthur Lions AFC) began rebuilding the women’s programme with the clear goal of sending a national team to the 2026 Euro Cup. After Molly relocated overseas for work, Alina Pirkheim and Emilia Heufelder stepped into the role and drove recruitment throughout early 2026. Their efforts led to the formation of a new women’s squad and a fresh identity: the Swiss Lynx.
In 2026 the Swiss Lynx, captained by Gretchen Gilbreath (Basel Dragons AFC), competed at the Euro Cup and achieved their best-ever result, including a victory over the German women’s team. The squad was built largely from beginners drawn from the Bern Bears, Winterthur Lions and Zurich Giants, reflecting the rapid growth of the women’s game across Switzerland. Emilia Heufelder was selected in the official Women’s Team of the Tournament.
Swiss Heidis and Swiss Lynx Coaches
Swiss Heidis and Swiss Lynx Captains
Past Euro Cup Results
Swiss Heidis Euro Cup Squads
Swiss Heidis in the Media
