Zilker Media – Texas Smoke Sets Industry Precedent by Providing Childcare Partner to Players and Staff

Professional women’s fastpitch softball team partners with elite nanny agency to bring support to players

AUSTIN, Texas (March 2, 2023) – The Texas Smoke, a professional women’s fastpitch softball team in Austin, Texas, is excited to announce a ground-breaking partnership with The Nanny League, an elite nanny placement agency. The Texas Smoke recognizes that balancing professional sports with family life can be challenging, especially for athletes who are also parents. Texas Smoke is thrilled to partner with The Nanny League to provide in-home and onsite nanny care during practices and home games. 

“As a father, I know the struggle of balancing parenting duties and professional duties,” says Brandon Phillips, owner of the Texas Smoke and World Series Champion (Boston Red Sox, 2018). “I’ve seen time and time again that athletes stop playing when they have children. Players shouldn’t have to drop the ball to be a mom.”

“We are so excited to partner with The Texas Smoke,” says The Nanny League founder Lindsay Thomason. “We cannot wait to bring our elite nannies to these elite athletes!”

The Nanny League is a nanny placement agency self-described as being “in a league of its own,” and this partnership coincides with The Nanny League’s corporate backup care, an on-demand nanny service for business professionals coming this summer.

The Nanny League partnership is just one of the many components that makes up the innovative athlete care program the Smoke is rolling out to players. The Smoke has named physical therapist and athletic trainer Cullen Nigrini as Chief Medical Officer to oversee the health and wellness of players. They have also brought on a mental performance consultant, Dr. Jess Garza, to help players build confidence, minimize negative thoughts and stay composed. 

More components of the athlete care program include financial literacy training, marketing resources, meal deliveries, moving stipends and more. Austin-based firm The Community Factory is overseeing the team’s brand partnerships as part of the athlete care program, with more exciting sponsorships to be announced in the next few months.

About The Texas Smoke

The Texas Smoke is Austin’s second professional sports team in Austin and the fourth franchise in Women’s Professional Fastpitch (WPF). Coach Tori Tyson coaches the Texas Smoke. Their current roster includes Janae Jefferson, AnaMarie Bruni, Ciara Bryan, Jordan Dail, Marta Gasparotto, Morgan Howe, Alyssa Rivera, Samantha Show and Shelbi Sunseri. For more information, visit thetexassmoke.com. 

About Brandon Phillips and Jade Cargill

Brandon Phillips is a World Series Champion (Boston Red Sox, 2018). He has 17 years of major league experience playing for the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox. Phillips is a 3-time MLB All-Star, 4-time Gold Glove winner, Silver Slugger Award winner, 30-30 Club Member, and is currently an MLB Hall of Fame candidate. Professional wrestler and serial entrepreneur Jade Cargill is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where she is the inaugural and current AEW TBS Champion. Her ongoing reign is the longest reign of any AEW championship over 400 days. 

About The Nanny League

The Nanny League is an elite placement agency entirely in a league of its own. Founded by Lindsay Thomason, The Nanny League is dedicated to matching high-profile families with professional nannies who are college-educated, highly competent, creative, and nurturing individuals. Through a trusted and personalized process, The Nanny League helps families nationwide find the perfect nanny. Whether it’s a seasoned nanny or a fresh-faced nanny out of college, all of their applicants go through a highly meticulous selection and screening process to guarantee a high probability of success. No matter where you call home, every family deserves the best. From Los Angeles to New York City, Austin to San Francisco, The Nanny League helps families find the perfect fit.  For more information, please visit www.thenannyleague.com.