NWFL: New owners make the Nashville dream come true

The National Women's Football League announced today that Christie and Ronnie Thomas are the new owners of the Nashville Dream team. Christie Thomas is the Nashville Dream's quarterback (#22). The team was purchased by the Thomas's from Catherine Masters. The terms of the purchase were undisclosed.

In existence for 12 months, the NWFL has grown from a concept to 14+ teams nationwide. The NWFL has already made women's football history by being the first league to complete a scheduled season, including Championship Game.

The new ownership means many changes are on the horizon for the Nashville Dream. The first priority for the team is to re-introduce itself to the community. Despite a promising inaugural season and league record-setting performances by its quarterback and other players, the Nashville Dream has been a well-kept secret.

"We want the community to know who we are and to support us, and the best way to accomplish that is for us to support local initiatives," said Christie Thomas. "We are going to take part in community events as a team, and welcome opportunities to get involved."

Plans at press time include participating in a Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Walk, Kroger Hunger Walk and an upcoming AIDS benefit volleyball tournament.

"NWFL football is an 'in your face,' hard-hitting game," said Ronnie Thomas. "The Nashville Dream consists of conditioned and competitive athletes. This isn't flag football. Most people are really surprised when they attend their first game."

The Nashville Dream is actively recruiting coaching staff, additional players and corporate sponsors. A tryout for players will be held in September. The venue for the 2002 season, which begins in April and runs through July, will be announced soon.

"We want to win our games and we want to provide affordable family-friendly entertainment," said General Manager, Kevin Bouldin. "Our recruitment efforts are going great and the announcement of the new ownership will give recruitment, media coverage and sponsorships a shot in the arm. A board of directors consisting of the owners, three players, other local professionals, and me, will be solidified soon, and we are excited about telling the Nashville Dream story, securing corporate sponsorships and promoting ticket sales."

"Playing on the Nashville Dream team is awesome," defensive end Laura Fosbinder said. "Females traditionally have had limited opportunities for post-high school and college athletics. I am thrilled to participate in women's professional sports and am very pleased with the direction the new owners have outlined for the team."

In addition to her football career, Christie Thomas is the Art Director at Genesis, Inc. Ronnie Thomas is the owner of Superior Heating and Air Conditioning Company, which services Nashville and the surrounding areas.

For more information on women's pro football, go to the NWFL website.

For more information on the Nashville team, go to the Nashville Dream website.