WHO ARE THE MUSIC CITY MIZFITS?
They are Middle Tennessee’s only women’s semiprofessional, tackle football team. The 2023 season will be their seventh year of competition in the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA), the largest women’s football league in the world. Their first home game this year is May 6 at STEM Prep High School, 1162 Foster Ave., in Nashville. They host two other home games on May 13 and June 10.
WHEN WAS THIS MUSIC CITY TEAM FORMED AND WHO OWNS IT?
This Nashville team kicked off during 2016. Donita Hines-Ragsdale is its owner. She says she grew up within a military family, and played multiple sports, including basketball, track and field, volleyball, flag football and golf. She's married to Donald Ragsdale, who is head coach for the Mizfits team. The couple has five children. Donita says she's played football since 2005 with the Nashville Dream, covering every position on the football field, including kicker and punter. She's played with other great teams: Clarksville Foxx, Nashville SmasHers, Southern Valkyrie, Atlanta Heartbreakers, Derby City Dynamite (also known as Da’Ville).
Donita says one reason females are drawn to women’s football is that women are being told football is not for women. "And that’s definitely not true.”
WHAT TEAMS DO MIZFITS PLAY?
They play teams such as the Cincinnati Cougars, Virginia Panthers, South Carolina Dames and Atlanta Rage. Results from the 2022 season for the Mizfits were 5-2.
WHO SPONSORS THE TEAM?
While many of the team costs are paid directly by team players, two companies currently sponsor the group: Restore Hyper Wellness-Smyrna and NashDogs, with additional, potential other sponsors considering for this year.
The Mizfits partner with the Tennessee Titan by getting discounted tickets for sale to the games, with a portion returned to the Mizfits. They participate in special events with the Titans, too.
WHAT'S NEW WITH THE TEAM?
Head coach Don Ragsdale says they just announced a groundbreaking partnership with FrontEnd Sports. "This partnership is a game-changer for women's football, as it will provide the Mizfits with a level of support and resources never seen before in the sport."
The partnership includes comprehensive branding for the Mizfits, covering their team logo and game uniforms. Additionally, FrontEnd Sports staffers will handle the team's social media management, ensuring fans have access to current news and updates.
The partnership also provides Mizfits with access to NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deals for the athletes to provide a new revenue stream for players.
Finally, the partnership explores the potential of Web3 merchandising for the Mizfits. Web3 technology allows for the creation of unique digital assets and experiences, which can be traded and collected using cryptocurrency. "Overall, this partnership is a first of its kind for a women's football team, and we can't wait to see the incredible impact it will have on the sport," proclaims Don.
HOW CAN WOMEN JOIN THE TEAM?
Music City Mizfits staffers are happy to hear from potential recruits and to add qualified, new members to the team on an ongoing basis. Applicants must be 18 years or older and be ready to test their athletic skills. As the first step, an online form can be found at MusicCityMizfits.com/Join-Our-Team.