SMITH, NELSON NAMED KATS REPRESENTATIVES TO AF1 FAN COUNCIL

by Greg Pogue

For Immediate Release: April 27, 2026

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville Kats President and Partner Jeff Fisher has announced that Una Smith and Annie Nelson will be the franchise’s representatives on the Arena Football One (AF1) Fan Council.

“The Kats couldn’t have named two better representatives to the AF1 Fan Council than Una and Annie,” Kats president and owner Jeff Fisher said. “Their enthusiasm for the Kats is infectious. But these appointments are more than just being fans. We expect Una and Annie and all the league’s Fan Council members to play integral roles in the short term and long-term initiatives and viability of AF1.”

A daughter of a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and a graduate of East Carolina University, Smith has been a vibrant member of the Clarksville business community for 22 years. She is currently a realtor for Century 21 Platinum Properties and is a member of the Board of Directors for Montgomery County Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“This community has given so much to my family over the years,” Smith said. “I’m excited to work alongside others to support these Kats players and create an environment where they truly feel at home, both on and off the field.”

Smith brings both business leadership and a deep-rooted commitment to community engagement to her role with the Kats. Her husband, Clarksville native Joe Smith, is a Montgomery County commissioner and a Marine veteran. She is the Operations Manager for Jodi’s Cabinet Sales.

“Joe and I are always actively involved in fostering local connections and supporting initiatives that strengthen the area,” Smith said. “In my role with the Kats, we will be focused on building meaningful partnerships that enhance fan engagement and community involvement.”

Nelson is a third-year Kats season ticket holder and an established public speaker, author and veteransadvocate whose message of resilience, faith and purpose has inspired audiences across the United States. As Founder and President of the The American Soldier Network, she has dedicated her life to amplifying the voices and needs of U.S. veterans and their families.

“I am honored to be selected to the AF1 Fan Council representing Kats fans in Clarksville and Nashville and the region while working to grow the team’s footprint and strengthen the league as a whole,” Nelson said.

In recognition of her impact and leadership, Annie was honored as the 2025 Remarkable Woman of the Year Award, presented by WKRN Channel 2 ABC Nashville and the Nexstar Media Group.

Originally from Minnesota, Annie began her career studying Theatre Arts on scholarship at California State University, Long Beach. She later worked in sports broadcasting and special events, building a strong foundation in storytelling and communication.

A life-changing moment for Nelson came in 2004 when a pen-pal friendship with a wounded Marine sparked a profound calling to serve America’s military community -- an epiphany that redirected the course of her life.

“Standing with the Kats isn’t enough anymore,” Nelson said. “Now, I stand for them on the Fan Council. From the stands to the council, I am honored to represent the heart and soul of Kats fans.”

The Kats are off to a 2-0 start this season following last Saturday’s 48-3 home win versus the Washington Wolfpack and the 78-40 season-opening win at home over the Michigan Arsenal on April 17.

It will be a battle of unbeatens when the Kats (2-0) return to action Sunday at 3 p.m. CDT at the Kentucky Barrels (3-0). The Kats return home the following Saturday, May 6, to host the Oregon Lightning at 4 p.m. All AF1 games this season can be watched at TheAF1.com — the league’s official website.

Last season, the Kats went 7-5 and advanced to the AF1 Arena Crown championship game before falling 60-57 to the Albany Firebirds. AF1 returns for its second season with the following franchises – Nashville Kats, Michigan Arsenal, Albany Firebirds, Kentucky Barrels, Beaumont Renegades, Washington Wolfpack, Oceanside Bombers, Oregon Lightning and Minnesota Monsters. Fisher also serves as Commissioner of AF1.

Visit NashvilleKats.com for more information on ticketing, marketing and sponsorship opportunities.