Today we’d like to introduce you to Music City Mizfits
Hi Music City, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Nashville’s Music City Mizfits: Tackling Barriers and Scoring Goals in Women’s Football
In the heart of Nashville, a city celebrated for its vibrant music scene and sporting spirit, the **Music City Mizfits** are making waves as a women’s tackle football team. Established in 2016, this dynamic squad competes in the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA), the largest professional leagues for women’s football in the world. The Mizfits aren’t just playing for touchdowns—they’re breaking stereotypes and fostering community empowerment along the way.
**A Team of Trailblazers**
The Mizfits’ name—a playful nod to Nashville’s “Music City” moniker and the term “misfits”—embodies their ethos: embracing underdogs and challenging norms. Composed of athletes from diverse backgrounds, including teachers, healthcare workers, and entrepreneurs, the team highlights the grit required to balance full-time careers with rigorous training. As linebacker and team captain Jennika Watts told *The Tennessean* in 2023, “We’re here to prove that women can excel in contact sports while lifting each other up.”
**League and Legacy**
As part of the WFA’s Division III, the Mizfits compete regionally against teams like the Raleigh Express and East Tennessee Valkyrie. Despite being relative newcomers, they’ve quickly built a reputation for tenacity. In their 2023 season opener, they rallied a record crowd at STEM Prep Academy’s home field, showcasing their growing fanbase. While championships remain a goal, the team prioritizes growth and visibility for women’s sports. “Every snap is a chance to inspire the next generation,” said head coach and owner Donita Hines, a former football player herself.
**Community Impact**
Beyond the gridiron, the Mizfits are deeply invested in Nashville’s community. They host youth clinics to encourage girls in sports and partner with local nonprofits like Girls Inc. of Middle Tennessee. In 2022, they organized a charity game benefiting domestic violence survivors, raising over $10,000. Their efforts have garnered support from sponsors like Restore Hyper Wellness, which sponsors their jerseys.
**Challenges and Triumphs**
Like many women’s sports teams, the Mizfits face hurdles such as limited funding and media coverage. Players often pay out-of-pocket for equipment and travel. Yet, their resilience shines. Quarterback and Nashville native Holli Daily, who juggles nursing shifts with practice, emphasizes, “We play for the love of the game and the sisterhood it creates.”
**Looking Ahead**
The Mizfits aim to expand their reach in 2024, with plans to stream games online and collaborate with Nashville’s NFL and NHL teams for cross-promotion. As women’s football gains momentum globally, the Mizfits are poised to be at the forefront, both as athletes and advocates.
**Join the Movement**
Catch the Music City Mizfits in action during their 2024 season, kicking off in April. Follow them on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MusicCityMizfits) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/musiccitymizfits) for game updates and community events. In a city synonymous with rhythm, the Mizfits are writing a new anthem—one of strength, solidarity, and unyielding passion.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We are constantly looking for funding to provide equipment and travel costs for the team. There is not enough exposure for our sport on the whole. Recruiting is a non stop cycle. Just getting people from different backgrounds together to achieve the same goal is a challenge in itself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We are Nashville’ Women’s Football team. We have been operating since 2016. We won the National Championship in 2016. Since our inception we have produced 53 All Americans. We are the first women’s football team to introduce NIL(Name, Image and Likeness) to the sport.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What we like best is that the city is growing, it gives us more opportunities to recruit players and sponsors. What we like least is the perception that others have about Nashville and the people who live here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wwwm.musiccitymizfits.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nashvillewomensfootball
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NashvilleWomensFootball
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@musiccitymizfits
