The University of Akron Athletics
Cleveland Fusion Football Rocked with Akron Alumni
February 19 | Football, General, Track & Field
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Cleveland Fusion
AKRON, Ohio— They come from all over. They are mothers, daughters, and sisters. But they unite for one cause– women's football.
Several University of Akron (UA) students and alumni are a big part of the 2019 Cleveland Fusion, the women's professional tackle football team.
The Fusion, which competes in the Women's Football Alliance (WFA), offers one of the highest levels of competition for women in American football. The league has more than 60 teams nationwide.
Because it is a relatively young team, players and coaches for the Fusion continue to work their fulltime jobs. Currently in the off-season, the players continue winter conditioning until the season kicks off in April. Listed as players for 2019 are four Zips.
Linebacker Monique Chavers (Toledo, Ohio) earned a bachelor's of science degree in 2013 in exercise science with an emphasis in athletic training. After earning a master's degree in foods, nutrition, and wellness studies, Chavers has worked as an instructor in the health wellness and fitness industry.
"Perseverance. Adversity. Triumph. Defeat. The many obstacles faced as a first gen college student are some of the obstacles we face on the field," Chavers said. "The drive to do the unexpected is why I remain a member of the Fusion family."
Lindsey Cox (Wooster, Ohio) earned a bachelor's in exercise science in 2016. She worked with the Zips football team while earning her degree.
"Life is tough, and you have to get uncomfortable," Cox shared. "God puts me in challenging positions, because He knows that it makes me stronger. God worked through me and the football players I worked with at Akron. The opportunities we saw those guys get in their career was the biggest blessing. Their motivation, drive, and audacity inspired me to play the game of life and football. Forever they have a place in my heart as family as we all still fight for the relentless pursuit of greatness, giving all thanks to God along the way, because no weapon formed against us shall prosper: dreamchasers."
Daziah Green (Canton, Ohio) was a sprinter for the Zips' track and field team. A four-time All-MAC performer, Green earned a bachelor's degree in interior design in 2018 while helping the Zips to back-to-back MAC outdoor championships in 2017 and 2018.
"Being a part of such a great track and field program has really made me who I am today," Green said. "It has instilled characteristics inside that will resonate forever. Being a part of the track program, you must have a champions mindset, and the effort we put in everyday fell nothing short of that. And with that we were able to win multiple championships during my time spent there. I think that is going to help me the most being a part of the Cleveland Fusion, my work ethic, stepping up, being a leader, and having the mindset to win a championship with a great group of women."
Jasmine Waugaman (Broadview Heights, Ohio) is currently a junior at UA, studying civil engineering. Also a military police officer for the Ohio National Guard, Waugaman is serving a co-op with AECOM.
"I've been a part of competitive team sports my whole life- mostly soccer," Waugaman said. "I played soccer for three years at a D-II school in New Mexico called Highlands University. After difficulty with school, I moved back home, and UA was the perfect fit for me to really take responsibility for myself and achieve my academic goals. It was hard for me though to find something to fill the space soccer had in my life. The Fusion had an info booth at Akron Pride last year, and I knew immediately I wanted to be a part of it."
In their rookie seasons, Cox, Green, and Waugaman are still in training. Cox will play defensive end and linebacker, while Green and Waugaman are expected to play at either wide receiver or cornerback.
"It's been so rewarding to challenge myself both mentally and physically in totally new ways. I'm excited for my first season and hopefully more to come," Waugaman added.
In addition to the players, several UA men are involved with the Fusion.
Head coach Erik Keister (Solon, Ohio) earned a Juris Doctorate from UA in 2013 and an M.B.A. in 2014. A practicing attorney and financial advisor, Keister led the Fusion to a five playoff berths and an undefeated season in 2013. Twice he was selected as the head coach of WFA All-Star game. A former collegiate player, Keister balances work and family just like his players. He and his wife Jennifer have three children.
Gaining experience as interns this season are Kamar Majid (Akron, Ohio) and Devyn Skoczen (Independence, Ohio). Both will graduate from UA in May. A heptathlete and decathlete for the Akron track and field team, Majid won the 2018 MAC indoor heptathlon championship. He will earn a bachelor's degree in corporate finance. Skoczen will earn his degree in sport management.
The Cleveland Fusion hosts the Indy Crash in the 2019 season home opener on April 13. Home games are played at Maple Heights High School's Mustang Stadium.
Interested players, interns and volunteers are encouraged to contact the Cleveland Fusion for more information on getting involved by emailing outreach@clevelandfusion.com. Stay up to date on the team's 2019 season at clevelandfusion.com.
Cleveland Fusion
AKRON, Ohio— They come from all over. They are mothers, daughters, and sisters. But they unite for one cause– women's football.
Several University of Akron (UA) students and alumni are a big part of the 2019 Cleveland Fusion, the women's professional tackle football team.
The Fusion, which competes in the Women's Football Alliance (WFA), offers one of the highest levels of competition for women in American football. The league has more than 60 teams nationwide.
Because it is a relatively young team, players and coaches for the Fusion continue to work their fulltime jobs. Currently in the off-season, the players continue winter conditioning until the season kicks off in April. Listed as players for 2019 are four Zips.
Linebacker Monique Chavers (Toledo, Ohio) earned a bachelor's of science degree in 2013 in exercise science with an emphasis in athletic training. After earning a master's degree in foods, nutrition, and wellness studies, Chavers has worked as an instructor in the health wellness and fitness industry.
"Perseverance. Adversity. Triumph. Defeat. The many obstacles faced as a first gen college student are some of the obstacles we face on the field," Chavers said. "The drive to do the unexpected is why I remain a member of the Fusion family."
Lindsey Cox (Wooster, Ohio) earned a bachelor's in exercise science in 2016. She worked with the Zips football team while earning her degree.
"Life is tough, and you have to get uncomfortable," Cox shared. "God puts me in challenging positions, because He knows that it makes me stronger. God worked through me and the football players I worked with at Akron. The opportunities we saw those guys get in their career was the biggest blessing. Their motivation, drive, and audacity inspired me to play the game of life and football. Forever they have a place in my heart as family as we all still fight for the relentless pursuit of greatness, giving all thanks to God along the way, because no weapon formed against us shall prosper: dreamchasers."
Daziah Green (Canton, Ohio) was a sprinter for the Zips' track and field team. A four-time All-MAC performer, Green earned a bachelor's degree in interior design in 2018 while helping the Zips to back-to-back MAC outdoor championships in 2017 and 2018.
"Being a part of such a great track and field program has really made me who I am today," Green said. "It has instilled characteristics inside that will resonate forever. Being a part of the track program, you must have a champions mindset, and the effort we put in everyday fell nothing short of that. And with that we were able to win multiple championships during my time spent there. I think that is going to help me the most being a part of the Cleveland Fusion, my work ethic, stepping up, being a leader, and having the mindset to win a championship with a great group of women."
Jasmine Waugaman (Broadview Heights, Ohio) is currently a junior at UA, studying civil engineering. Also a military police officer for the Ohio National Guard, Waugaman is serving a co-op with AECOM.
"I've been a part of competitive team sports my whole life- mostly soccer," Waugaman said. "I played soccer for three years at a D-II school in New Mexico called Highlands University. After difficulty with school, I moved back home, and UA was the perfect fit for me to really take responsibility for myself and achieve my academic goals. It was hard for me though to find something to fill the space soccer had in my life. The Fusion had an info booth at Akron Pride last year, and I knew immediately I wanted to be a part of it."
In their rookie seasons, Cox, Green, and Waugaman are still in training. Cox will play defensive end and linebacker, while Green and Waugaman are expected to play at either wide receiver or cornerback.
"It's been so rewarding to challenge myself both mentally and physically in totally new ways. I'm excited for my first season and hopefully more to come," Waugaman added.
In addition to the players, several UA men are involved with the Fusion.
Head coach Erik Keister (Solon, Ohio) earned a Juris Doctorate from UA in 2013 and an M.B.A. in 2014. A practicing attorney and financial advisor, Keister led the Fusion to a five playoff berths and an undefeated season in 2013. Twice he was selected as the head coach of WFA All-Star game. A former collegiate player, Keister balances work and family just like his players. He and his wife Jennifer have three children.
Gaining experience as interns this season are Kamar Majid (Akron, Ohio) and Devyn Skoczen (Independence, Ohio). Both will graduate from UA in May. A heptathlete and decathlete for the Akron track and field team, Majid won the 2018 MAC indoor heptathlon championship. He will earn a bachelor's degree in corporate finance. Skoczen will earn his degree in sport management.
The Cleveland Fusion hosts the Indy Crash in the 2019 season home opener on April 13. Home games are played at Maple Heights High School's Mustang Stadium.
Interested players, interns and volunteers are encouraged to contact the Cleveland Fusion for more information on getting involved by emailing outreach@clevelandfusion.com. Stay up to date on the team's 2019 season at clevelandfusion.com.
Players Mentioned
Sprints
/ Track & Field
Multis
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