December 18, 2020 ·
·
News
DETROIT, December 17, 2020 – Xenith, the innovative football equipment company, has renewed and expanded its partnership with the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA), the largest, most competitive, and fastest growing women’s tackle football league in the world. Xenith will be the Official Equipment and Uniform Partner of the WFA for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
This expanded partnership includes a specific focus on growing the number of women playing football and celebrating those who have paved the way for the athletes of today. Xenith will award equipment grants to select WFA teams during each year of the agreement and will be launching a special content series this March during Women’s History Month, focused on notable figures in the WFA’s history.
“Xenith exists to elevate the athlete’s pursuit in all facets of football – whether that be through playing, training or living – and the WFA shares this mission with us.” said Ryan Sullivan, Xenith CEO. “These women pursue excellence on the field of play and in their daily lives, and we are proud to partner with a league that is committed to their community and growing the game of football for all.
Women’s tackle football teams and leagues have been in existence since the 1930s, but the most promising growth in the sport – both in the number of teams and in the level of competition has taken place over the last five years. More than 2,500 players are represented by 65 teams in the WFA and all will have the opportunity to be outfitted by Xenith from head to ankle.
Beginning in 2021, WFA teams will don Xenith uniforms and gain favored access to Xenith protective equipment and apparel. Xenith will also provide uniforms for and hold the title sponsorship of the annual Xenith WFA All-American Game.
“The WFA continues to build relationships with the top brands in the game in order to provide our athletes with the highest quality equipment and apparel,” stated Lisa King, Commissioner of the WFA. “Xenith shares our vision for a professional women’s football league, and their support and promotion of our athletes is what led us to not only continue, but to expand our partnership.”
About Xenith
Based in Detroit, Xenith creates top-rated football helmets, gear and apparel designed to elevate athletes to live their game. Their athlete-first design approach is backed by rigorous science, engineering, and innovation which transcends laboratory testing to address on-field needs. Xenith outfits the athlete from head to ankle in a suite of performance products for playing, training, and living.
All Xenith helmets are Five-Star on the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings, and in the “Top-Performing Group” of the NFL Lab Helmet Performance Testing. Xenith is committed to democratizing protection by making top-rated helmets, shoulder pads, and gear available at an equitable price point for anyone who wants to play football – from youth, to varsity, to the pros. To learn more about Xenith, visit xenith.com and follow on social media on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
About the Women’s Football Alliance
The WFA is a full-contact women’s American football league. Established in 2009, they are the largest and most competitive Women’s Football League in the world. Headquartered in Exeter, California, the WFA is dedicated to promoting and developing women’s tackle football with the vision for all female athletes to have access to playing football in high school, college, and on a professional level.
The WFA has broken many barriers. It was the first women’s football league to play a National Championship in an NFL stadium, as well as the first women’s league to have its games broadcasted on national television. Over 15 veteran WFA players have earned coaching and scouting positions in the NFL including Katie Sowers (San Francisco 49ers), the first female to coach in a Super Bowl; Jennifer King (The Washington Football Team), the first female African American coach in the NFL; and Callie Brownson (Cleveland Browns), the first woman to coach an NFL position group in a regular-season game. For more information on the WFA visit wfaprofootball.com.
December 18, 2020 ·
·
News
The Vixen embarked recently on two endeavors to help their community in the Twin Cities area. As part of the larger WFA Gives campaign, the Vixen held two events, a food drive and a COVID Relief Shelter drive.
The local food shelves have been experiencing a higher volume in recent months due to the impact of COVID and events in Minneapolis and St. Paul last summer which result in a ‘food desert’ in several communities. While the Vixen immediately responded to the needs last summer through helping with clean up efforts and donations, they knew that this fall the food shelves would be hit hard. In response the Vixen planned a food drive to coincide with the WFA Gives campaign to help re-stock the local food shelves. 
Amazed by the outcome of support, the Vixen were able to collect over 660 lbs of food!
But they didn’t stop there. 2020 Vixen rookie, Nicole Chimko-Fahey, wanted to reach out to those families and individuals that were experiencing hardship due to the COVID pandemic. With the help of Quarterback Coach Emily Evans and fellow player, Charlie Barba-Cook, the three devised a COVID relief drive for the local shelters. Donations cam from all over including their teammates, fans and local businesses. They were able to collect and donate a cargo trailer full of items including over 100 blankets and comforters to Catholic Charities Family Service Center! Other donations went to to Family and Youth Centers in the Twin Cities area, and another $600 dollars raised to assist families during the Holidays. “It’s amazing the impact we can have when we all work together. ” said Vixen owner Laura Brown.
The Vixen hope that both the food drive and the shelter contributions will be annual events and a staple of the Vixen outreach to their community.
November 24, 2020 ·
·
News
Emory Hunt, CBS Sportscaster, has signed-on to co-host WFA Game-of-the-Week pregame show. Hunt is a regular contributor to CBS Sports HQ, where he breaks down CFB and NFL games with Danny Kanell and Raja Bell. Born and raised in New Orleans, Hunt played running back at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and is the founder and CEO of Football Gameplan. Hunt will be joining award-winning and longtime Minnesota Vixen announcer and WFA National Championship ESPN 3 Broadcaster Brian Sweeney, and Minnesota Vixen commentator Alex Westad, interviewing players and breaking down the top games of the year. All WFA Games-of-the-Week will played live on National television on Eleven Sports.
October 27, 2020 ·
·
News
Due to demand the Minnesota Vixen have added a second tryout for their 2021 season. In conjunction with the WFA’s National Tryout Day on Nov. 7 sponsored by Xenith, the Vixen will be holding a combine to select players for their 2021 roster. Additionally, for players already on the roster, the Vixen will be having a pass, punt and kick tryout for their current players who are interested in trying out for QB, kicker and punter positions.
The first tryout for the Vixen had almost 40 new female and non-binary athletes. Since then, according to Vixen owner Laura Brown, numerous athletes have contacted the organization inquiring if there will be additional tryouts. “Women want to play this sport” states Brown. “Football is an amazing , challenging team sport that any athlete male, female or non-binary should have the opportunity to play” she continues. Since 1999, the Vixen have been kicking off each season with both veteran and rookie players who would not have otherwise had a chance to play football.
COVID-19 is not slowing this football team down. The Vixen are planning on moving their practices into domes for 2021 as well as modifying practices to keep both players and staff safe during these challenging times. In fact, the sport of women’s tackle football is growing and sponsors are recognizing the growth. Xenith is sponsoring the WFA’s National Tryout Day as well as partnering with the WFA for their equipment needs. Just last year, Procter and Gamble through their Secret Deodorant brand have sponsored the WFA’s National Championship. Other notable sponsor for the WFA include Coors Light, Wilson, KT Tape, Prizmatic Solutions, Glazier Clinics, Team Builder and Adenation.
October 26, 2020 ·
·
News
Yesterday, October 11, marked the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights which is now known as National Coming Out Day in the United States. This day is not only a celebration but serves a reminder that there is power in coming out and that silence can be harmful. A big moment in many members of the LGBTQ+ community is the moment they “came out” to family and friends. “Often through support of others, we can find the strength to be ourselves” owner Laura Brown stated. Since it’s inception in 1999, the Vixen organization has been a key member and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and their LGBTQ+ players. Vixen player Amanda Dvorak posted yesterday “This team has done SO much for me in my life and one thing is they made me feel I could be who I wanted to be and still supported and accepted!”
Resources
The Trevor Project’s Coming Out: A Handbook for LGBTQ Young People, is a resource that covers a wide range of topics to support LGBTQ young people in exploring what coming out safely can mean for them.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation resources:
October 2, 2020 ·
·
News
The National Association of Sports Public Address Announcers (NASPAA) has named Brian Sweeney as a co-recipient of the 2019-20 Bob Sheppard High School P.A. Announcer of the Year Award.
Sweeney, also known as Announcer Guy, has been the voice of Vixen home games for the last six seasons. “His professionalism, excitement and ability to enhance the fan experience has been an integral to the success the Vixen have achieved at home” says Vixen owner Laura Brown. “Sweeney goes above and beyond to deliver the best product to the fans that he can.” she continues. In 2019, Sweeney stepped into the role as color commentator for the Vixen away games bringing the away games to life for the fans at home to much acclaim.
You won’t find Announcer Guy just at Vixen games though. You may recognize his voice from the WFA Championship Game as the play-by-play commentator or from the Women’s Hall of Fame Game. Not limited to women’s football, he has been a staple of Simley High School athletics for the last six years including hockey, baseball, boy’s and girl’s lacrosse, football, boy’s and girls’ soccer, volleyball and dance. Not to mention his collegiate responsibilities with University of St. Thomas (hockey), and Concordia University St. Paul (football, lacrosse, soccer,
and volleyball) and NCAA Women’s Div III Ice Hockey Championship.
No matter the sport, Sweeney has dedicated himself to not only the fans but the athletes as well. “It is an honor to be mentioned in the same sentence as the legendary Bob Sheppard,” remarked Sweeney. “From the beginning of my announcing career, I have always been driven to be professional. Hopefully, the athletes whose games I announced will look back on their playing days with positive memories and know that I gave them 100%.”
“There are some really good announcers at the high school level, and Brian is certainly one the best,” said Brad Rumble, NASPAA Executive Director. “The NASPAA is thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize him. We know that he will not only be a tremendous ambassador for P.A. Announcing professionalism but will represent the best of Bob Shepard in helping perpetuate his legacy.”
October 1, 2020 ·
·
News
Stay F
it and support your favorite Women’s Football team during these unique times! The WFA and Vixen are proud to announce the first annual WFA Touchdown Run Virtual 5K.
Run the WFA Touchdown Run on your own course, at a time of your choosing and log your finish online. We’ll keep a log of how many touchdown miles have been run nationwide in support women and their dreams to play football! When registering you’ll be given the option to select which WFA team you are running for. Your selected team will receive all proceeds from your registration to help them with 2021 season fundraising!
Register by October 18, 2020 to guarantee your custom WFA race medal. Be sure to use #WFATouchdownRun to share your experience on social media and show us your best touchdown celebration! Lastly, be sure to have fun, be safe, and be proud you are supporting women in sports!
Click here to register.
September 1, 2020 ·
·
News
We are currently looking for women of all shapes and sizes for the 2021 season. We don’t require any prior football experience – we will teach you everything you need to know!
With over 20 seasons under their belt, the Vixen are one of the leading women’s tackle team in the nation. They play 11-on-11, NFL-style football (outdoor, full pads and full tackle). These are real hits, real women and real football. The Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) has over 60 teams from coast-to-coast. Ranked in the top ten consistently over the last 6 years, the Vixen are on the hunt for their first national title. Are you ready to be a champion?
2021 Season Tryouts
When:
September 19, 2020
TIME: Starting at 9 am
Due to COVID, groups of 7 will begin every 15 minutes from 9 am to 10 am.
For more information visit mnvixen.com/tryouts or click here to register!
July 18, 2020 ·
·
News
This summer the Vixen are running in the Her Next Play Virtual 5K.
The Her Next Play Virtual 5K brings communities together to get active, train, have fun, and support Her Next Play’s mission to empower more girls, athletes, and women to lead in our communities. Training kicks off July 6th and I’ll be working hard preparing all summer to complete the race the week of August 1st -9th.
We are running to raise money for Her Next Play. Her Next Play is a non profit whose mission is to develop the next generation of women leaders through sports. Her Next Play programs inspire girls to stay in sports, help girls develop leadership skills through sports, and help female athletes accelerate their careers.
Please consider a donation to support our fundraising goals. Just $25 can help Her Next Play send a girl to a Play Bold Huddle program. $75 can send 5 girls to a SEE US workshop. $100 can fund a Career Coaching Circle.
Thank you so much for supporting us!
https://runsignup.com/Race/92771/Donate/uqbvKIoxbErsMPQr
July 18, 2020 ·
·
News
On behalf of the WFA and the Minnesota Vixen, the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 has left us angry, frustrated and deeply saddened. We feel for his family, friends, and community, and we struggle with the senselessness of his death and grieve that he should be alive today.
As human beings who care about our neighbors and community members, we must demand better. Better from our leaders, our systems, ourselves, and each other. We need to stand together against systematic inequities and discrimination that lead to senseless loss of life, and inequities that impact the daily lives of communities of color.
To our players, coaches, and fans of color, we see you and we stand with you.✊🏿✊🏻✊🏾✊🏼✊🏽
