Seattle Sounders Women Prep for 2017 WPSL Season
Seattle Sounders Women are preparing for the 2017 WPSL Season as the club welcomes new and old faces for another competitive year of amateur women’s soccer. For nearly two decades, the Sounders Women have helped produce players in professional leagues and national team programs.
WPSL Soccer News: The Seattle Sounders Women have loaded up on talent as they prepare for the 2017 Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) season.
Head coach Kim Calkins has recruited a stellar group of returners and new players chasing the highest level. The 2016 WPSL Northwest Division Champions will look to defend their title in 2017 and advance past the West Regional.
Madison Schultz, star forward from the University of North Carolina has signed on again for another season with the Sounders Women. Schultz is veteran of the United States youth national teams, Northwest Nationals, Crossfire and Washington EPD.
“I’m so excited to begin competing again with such a strong group of girls, especially from Washington state,” said Schultz.
Returning for the Sounders Women is University of Washington defender, Dominique Bond-Flasza. The junior started all 20 games for the Huskies in 2016.
“I am looking forward to improving as a player individually. I really enjoyed the combination of high intensity and fun the Sounders Women practices incorporated. Sounders always manages to bring in the top-level players from other schools which fosters an environment for players to excel,” said Bond-Flasza.
Kaycie Tillman returns following a stellar 2016 summer for the Sounders Women. The 2016 NSCAA Southwest Region 1st Team selection scored three goals and registered five assists for the University of Florida this past fall while starting 21 of 22 games.
“I’m excited to come back and play with the Sounders Women this summer. I’m looking forward to the training and improving technically every day and also competing with some of the same awesome teammates from last year,” says Tillman.
Kate Bennett, a midfield veteran from the University of Washington and Seattle Reign FC, returns for the 2017 season. The leadership Bennett brings to the Sounders Women will help guide the club to another run into the playoffs for the Sounders.
“I am looking forward to meeting new people and playing some quality soccer. I really enjoyed playing with the Sounders last season and I am hoping to continue the success we had last year and make it far in the playoffs,” said Bennett.
Shi’nia Gordon, an All Big 12 Freshman Team selection in 2015 from West Virginia joins the Sounders Women for the upcoming campaign. Gordon scored five goals and added three assists in 2015, then followed with seven goals and three assists in 2016.
“My dream is to play professional soccer after college. I was thrilled to be offered the chance to play with the Seattle Sounders. I am looking forward to the challenge,” said Gordon.
Coming across the state to compete this summer is Kaitlyn Johnson, a forward from Washington State University. Johnson finished her collegiate career as an All Pac-12 2nd team selection with three goals and six assists.
“I’m excited to play in Seattle, five hours from the college I attended. I am also excited to gain a different perspective and experience in the sport and play alongside other college players where we can develop each other into better people and players,” said Johnson.
Rounding out the initial group of signings is local standout Sam Hiatt. The Seattle Prep star is currently a member of the U.S. U23 Women’s National Team pool.
“It will be great to be back home in the northwest. I’m excited to join a really good team, and I am also looking forward to playing for Kim Calkins and Tim Reynolds,” says Hiatt.
The ladies in green kick off the 2017 season against Vancouver NSGSC in Vancouver, Canada, on May 27th. Seattle returns for its home opener on June 2nd against the Issaquah Gunners.
The complete schedule and tickets are available here.
