Cincinnati Sizzle: Tri-State's women's football team gets ready to kick-off season

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – One Cincinnati football team is getting ready to kick-off its season. But it’s not your average football team.

The Cincinnati Sizzle is part of the United States Premiere Women’s Football League. This tough team of ladies say they hope to inspire future generations on and off the field. They say that football isn’t just for the boys.

“I know when we’re out there on the field, things are getting hot,” said Cincinnati Sizzle co-owner Tamar Fennell.

The ladies of Sizzle are getting ready to kick off their 21st season.

“We try to show that women can be strong and beautiful at the same time,” said offensive lineman Mary Sargent.

The team is made up of 25 active roster players of all ages. Some have even earned a spot in the Cincinnati Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame. The team is the only women’s team that boasts players in the Cincinnati Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame.

If you’re thinking we’re talking about flag football — guess again. These ladies suit up to tackle.

“People sometimes give us that look like it's something we shouldn't be doing, and I just don't agree to that, you know? And we can do just about anything that you can do. We suit up in the same gear that you suit up in. We tackle like you tackle. We're just females. Give us a chance, you know?" said defensive back Chanell Satterwhite.

The difference between men’s and women’s football?

“There’s more finesse on our side,” said Sargent.

The players say the game helps with building strength both on and off the field.

"Women are really tough, we're strong, we put a lot of things on our back. Once we suit up here, and you put those shoulder pads on, and you have women around you that are like-minded, you really become family,” said Fennell.

The team practices three times a week and travels most weekends for games during the season.

It takes dedication, but the players say it’s empowering and rewarding, encouraging people to come out and watch a game.

“You’ll come back to another. I guarantee it,” said Sargent.

"It's awesome, the energy, the girls love it. They're just so passionate and just being around that energy hypes you up,” said quarterback Heaven Rios.

The team will recruit until its first game on April 27. No experience or skill level is required and all ages are welcome, you just have to turn 18 during the 2024 season.

Games are $5 to attend.

The team will begin its season in Detroit facing off against the Detroit Black Ice.

If you’re interested in joining the team, email cincinnatisizzle@gmail.com or click here to go to the Sizzle’s website: