These characteristics have driven her to pursue not only professional football but also a run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, and cliff jumping. Currently, the WPFL is on a barnstorming tour, generating interest in expansion teams. The Minnesota Vixens and the Lake Michigan Minx are playing six games around the country. The commitment to professional football involves some sacrifice. Both the Minx and the Vixens are based in the Twin Cities, which requires players to either live in Minnesota or relocate here to be on a team.
Players supply their own health insurance and receive no pay until the end of the tour.
Playing football for the Vixens is Szondy s third job. She is a social worker at the Courage Center in Minneapolis, helping individuals with spinal cord and brain injuries re-enter the community following their rehabilitation. She also officiates at high school swim meets, a job that s been cut back due to her commitment to the Vixens. That commitment requires her to be at practice every Monday through Thursday night and on Saturdays for four to five hours. On game days, the schedule can be even more daunting.