WPSL Teams Embrace Women Ownership Across the League
The WPSL continues to grow the game as the league welcomes women ownership unmatched by any other professional soccer organization. The WPSL is currently the largest women’s soccer league in the world and consists of 15% women owners providing a platform dedicated to the importance and value of women in the soccer industry.
Jerry Zanelli – who first become involved in soccer when he stared coaching his kids – is incredibly passionate about women’s soccer. The success of the WPSL is based on Zanelli’s unflinching dedication to the women’s game and his efforts in promoting women in the sport. Here is an update on the WPSL and their success.
Soccer News: As the number of teams increase in the Women’s Premier Soccer League, so does the amount of women owners. Being the only women’s soccer league in the world to have 15% women owners shows the importance and value that the WPSL devotes to women.
The WPSL was founded in order to focus specifically on women, giving them individuality, and a place to play that can allow talented players to compete at the best possible level throughout the United States.
WPSL women owners include: Lu Snyder (San Diego), Gretchen Hammel (Chattanooga), Lindsay Eversmeyer (Southern Illinois, Regional Commissioner Valley), Treena Bozart (Los Angeles), Macy Jo Harrison (Seattle/Regional Commissioner Northwest), Wendy Louque (Kansas City, Regional Commissioner Heartland), Mary Brazie (Los Angeles), Cindy Spera ( New York / East Division Coordinator/Regional Commissioner Mid Atlantic), Lindsey Delorenze (North Carolina/Regional Commissioner Carolina), Emily Magnotto (Pittsburgh), Stephanie Harrision (Regional Commissioner Greatlakes), Jill Lounsbury (San Francisco/Regional Commissioner NorCal), Maryann Bishop (Tampa Bay), Rochelle Wimbush (Miami).
The WPSL is split into four divisions: West (Kendra Halterman), Central (Matt Homonoff), East (Cindy Spera) and South (Marge Perry).
Lindsay Eversmeyer, Regional Commissioner Valley, as well as being the owner and head coach of Fire and Ice soccer club expressed that her passion is what made her a leader of the game,
“The game gave a lot to me, and I feel the need to give back.”
Passion is what drives all athletes to be the best in all areas of their sport, whether it be on or off the field. It is important to see more of the game than what is just seen through the eyes of the player, what is vital is how the player got there, through set-ups and organizations that were and continue to be developed.
The women listed are prime examples of leaders. Displaying the power of women through team ownership, some also have high roles within the WPSL national office.
Snyder, Associate Commissioner, San Diego SeaLions President, and former SeaLions goalkeeper has given a large amount of time, dedication and commitment to women’s soccer over her life time. Snyder is an excellent role model for women leaders as well as being a credit to herself by giving back to the game that she loves.
Women leaders motivate the younger generation in women’s soccer. League treasurer, Lori Kirk, works as an accountant and brings financial expertise to the WPSL. She shows girls who are interested in soccer that it is possible to be at the top and that there are career opportunities that contribute to the development of women’s soccer. The WPSL provides vast opportunities to women helping to continue its growth both nationally and globally.
Co-owner of FC Surge, Rochelle Wimbush said,
“The WPSL allows each franchise to have a lot of autonomy while providing the organizational structure necessary for running a cohesive and high quality league”
The mission of the WPSL is to provide a sanctuary for women soccer players to develop in an elite environment. Continuing its mission to give women greater opportunities, the WPSL hopes to gain more women owners in the future.
Source: Women’s Premier Soccer League. Main Photo Credit: Aaron Jaffe
