It doesn't take a college grad to play pro football. But, in the case of Jenifer Clay, it's simply what she wants. To be a music major and professional women's football player.

As a student at Cumberland University majoring in music, Clay certainly has her sights set on the stars and is planning on applying herself in music. But until then, she's putting her pads on working on her first season as a pro football player. Clay was a regular player at MCHS during the powder puff games and anytime she got the chance to play the game.

Her dad went to a Cats game in Nashville where he saw an advertisement for open tryouts for Tennessee Heat, a woman's football team. He came home and told his daughter Jenifer and she was at the next practice date for the team.

Open tryouts were held and Jenifer joined the team under direction of Coach Tim Dickerson.

This will be the seventh season for the Women's Professional Football League with 19 teams in 12 states across the nation. The NFL had 10 teams nation wide in their eighth year of existence.

The Women's Football League has over 80 teams with 6 teams in the same league as the Tennessee Heat team. Kentucky Force, Washington Wranglers, Tennessee Heat, Mississippi Rapids, and South Carolina Dragons compete weekly with ladies taking the field sometimes following arena football games.

"Women's football is just as physical as men's," said Clay. "The only regulations that are different is, we only have to have one foot in bounds instead of two and we start on the 30 yard line instead of the 20. We dress in full uniform including pads, use an official size ball and hit and tackle just like the guys. In fact we practice with guys. The coach has a son and he comes to practice with some friends and we hit with them and learn the game from guys who have played it."

Clay said team members ages range from two 18-year- olds, herself included, to women in their 40's. She said they do alot of running to get into condition and practice plays three days a week.

Tryouts and enthusiasm for women's teams have exceeded initial expectations! The players are serious athletes intent on making the team and the sport a success. They hope to gain sponsors and become paid athletes, Clay said, "women love playing football."

Tennessee Heat went 5-1 for the season and will be competing in the championship on July 30 at Dupont Middle School in Hermitage Tennessee.

For tickets call the Clays at 666-6855.