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Women's Premier Soccer League
Women's soccer league in the United States From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) is an amateur women's soccer league in the United States.
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History
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The WPSL is the longest-running active women's soccer league as it enters its 25th season in 2023. The WPSL is also the largest women's soccer league in the United States, North America and the world with 130 active teams as of 2023.[1]
The WPSL started as the Western Division of the W-League, before breaking away to form its own league in 1998. The league is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association,[2] an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).[3] WPSL teams feature collegiate and post-collegiate players, who currently or previously played across all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA. Former players of the WPSL have taken their playing careers to the next level by signing professional in the NWSL and top leagues overseas.[1] WPSL Alumnae have also reached international status by making international rosters seen in the FIFA Women's World Cup and the Olympics. Notable alumnae include Brandi Chastain, Kristine Lilly, Heather Mitts, Julie Foudy, Shannon Boxx, Alex Morgan and Leslie Osborne.[1] The Jerry Zanelli Cup is awarded to the champion of each WPSL season.[4]
When Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) suspended play in 2012, WPSL moved forward with its ambitions toward professionalism and created the WPSL Elite League.[5] The Elite League was a pro-am league, with at least four fully professional teams, including three former WPS teams. The Elite league operated for just the 2012 season, disbanding in 2013 with the formation of the NWSL, which the three former WPS teams joined.[1]
WPSL Division II
In 2021, the WPSL announced its second division, WPSL U21, which is scheduled to begin play in mid-2021.[6] In September 2024, WPSL announced a change to the WPSL U21 program, evolving it to the WPSL Division II, which provides a pathway for higher developmental opportunities. The new division is set to launch in 2025, with an emphasis on competition and standards through a fully connected developmental program.[7]
WPSL PRO
On February 8, 2023, WPSL announced plans to create a Division III professional league named WPSL PRO. The league plans to start in 2025 with ten teams.[8] In August 2023, five teams signed letters of intent to join the WPSL Pro. SouthStar FC, Sioux Falls City FC, Oklahoma City FC (WPSL), Austin Rise FC, and The Town FC will be five of the first ten teams to join WPSL Pro.[9] On February 6, 2024, the league announced the sixth team will be Georgia Impact FC.[10] The league needs six teams to conform with US Soccer Division III Professional League Standards [11] On February 20, 2024, the league announced the seventh team signing a letter of intent was AC Houston Sur for the 2025 season.[12] On February 22, 2024, the league announced the first team signing a letter of intent for the 2026 season was Dakota Fusion FC.[13] To celebrate Women's History Month, WPSL Pro revealed it's temporary branding and new website. The league confirmed they would reveal their official branding later in the year.[14] In July 2024, WPSL Pro announced their ninth LOI from a group led by Gina Prodan Kelly to bring a club to Northeast Ohio.[15] WPSL Pro reached the milestone of their 10th LOI from Soda City FC from Columbia, South Carolina, in August 2024.[16] In September 2024, WPSL Pro announced their 11th and 12th LOIs, the first from Wichita, Kansas, and the second Indios Denver FC from Denver, Colorado.[17][18]
League Affiliations
On April 2, 2024, WPSL announced they had partnered with the Michigan Super League to provide support to the development of underrepresented leagues. The WPSL will partner with the United States Adult Soccer Association to provide support to these leagues. The Michigan Super League will consist of five teams for the 2024 season.[19] On January 3, 2025, WPSL announced a partnership with Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL). This partnership will have 8 of the 12 top GCPL teams form the Gulf Coast Conference for the 2025 season, allowing for the opportunity to participate in regional and national play-offs.[20]
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WPSL champions
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As of July 21, 2024[update].[21]
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Staff
Executive committee
Front office
As of November 28, 2023[update].[24]
- Nichole Singleton – communications & creative services director
- Alex Simpson - team services manager (West & East)
- Jaclyn Purvine - team services manager (Central & South)
- Lunden Foreman – team services manager (WPSL U21)
- Rob Kehoe – collegiate relations
- Josh Fredrickson – match reporting
- David Simmons – referee coordinator
- Dr. Vytas Ringus – medical director
Associate commissioners
As of November 28, 2023[update].[24]
- Shelley Dougherty – East Region
- Gretchen Hammel – South Region[27]
- Lindsay Eversmeyer – Central Region
- Sly Yeates – West Region
League Structure
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The league is divided into four regions - West, Central, South, and East. Each region is divided into conferences, with the West Region having four conferences, one of which has two divisions, the Central Region having four conferences, two of which has two divisions, the South Region having four conferences, one of which has two divisions, and the East Region having four conferences, one of which has two divisions,.[28]
Current teams
Division II
- ^ Returning to WPSL Division II
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Former teams
- AFC Columbia Missouri (2020–2023)
- ACF Torino USA Maryland (2014–2015)
- AHFC Royals Texas
- Ambassadors Cleveland Ohio (2021–2024)[146]
- ASA Charge FC Maryland
- Ajax America Women California
- Albuquerque Crush New Mexico (2002)
- Albuquerque Lady Asylum New Mexico (2007–2008)
- American Eagles Soccer Club Texas
- Arizona Sahuaros Arizona (2003)
- Arkansas Comets Arkansas
- Atlanta Silverbacks Women Georgia
- Auto Trader Select SC California (1998–1999)
- Bat Country FC Texas (2021–2023)
- BattleBorn FC Nevada (2023–2024)[147]
- Bay Area Breeze California (2011–2012) – Left to join W-League
- Boston Aztec Massachusetts
- Brevard County Cocoa Expos Florida (2008)
- Broomfield Burn Colorado[148]
- Boulder County United Colorado (2021–2023)
- Cape Coral Cyclones Florida[149]
- Challenge Red Devils Texas
- CFC Passion Connecticut
- Central California Gold California (2004)
- Central California HEAT California
- Charlotte Eagles North Carolina[150]
- Cincinnati Lady Saints Ohio (2014–15)
- Claremont Stars California (2007-2011)
- Classics Elite SA Texas
- Clermont Phoenix Florida
- Cleveland Ambassadors Ohio (2017–2024)[146]
- Club Tijuana USA Baja California
- Colorado Rapids Women Colorado (2019–2023)
- Colorado Rush (2021–2022)
- Colorado Springs United Colorado (2007–2008, Colorado Springs Sabers 2006)
- CU Diamonds Washington
- Dayton Dutch Lions WFC Ohio (2016–2024)[57]
- Cultures United Football Club Washington (2020–2023)
- Dade County Football Club Florida (2024)[151]
- Dakota Fusion FC North Dakota (2018–2024)[152]
- Diablo Valley Wolves California (2021–2023)
- DKSC BADTOP Texas
- Elite Development Academy California (2020–2023)
- Elk Grove Pride California (2002–2005)
- Emerald City FC Washington
- Empire Revs WNY New York (2013–2015)
- Everton FC America Texas (2005)
- Eugene Timbers FC Azul Oregon
- FC Austin Texas
- FC Metro Magic Missouri (2009–2010)
- FC Milwaukee Nationals Wisconsin
- FC Nashville Wolves Tennessee (2021–2024)[153]
- FC Prime Florida
- FC Sacramento Thunder California (1998–1999)
- FC Spirit Indiana[154]
- FC St. George Utah
- FC St. Louis (2006–2008)
- FC Surge Florida (2013–2023)
- FC Ulindi Pennsylvania
- FC Virginia Virginia (2006)
- FC Westchester New York
- Flatirons Rush SC Colorado (2023)
- Florida Krush Florida
- Foothill FC California (2000)
- Fort Lauderdale Fusion Florida (2006)
- Fort Wayne FC Indiana
- Fresno FC Ladies California (2018)
- Georgia Revolution Georgia
- Houston Aces (2012–2024)
- Houston Stars Texas (2003–2005)
- Houston Tornadoes Texas (2003)
- Indiana United Indiana
- Iowa Raptors FC Iowa (2021–2023)
- Kansas City Scott Gallagher SC Missouri (2023–2024)[155]
- Kansas City Current II Missouri (2022–2024)[156]
- L.A. Salsa California
- Lancaster Inferno (WPSL) Pennsylvania – moved to United Women's Soccer
- Las Vegas Shooters Nevada (1998–1999, 2001)
- Las Vegas Tabagators Nevada (2004–2006)
- FC Lehigh Valley Lady Sonic Pennsylvania – Left to join W-League
- Lions Swarm Maryland
- Liverpool Lady Warriors Texas
- Lonestar SC Texas
- Madison 56ers Wisconsin
- MapleBrook Fury Minnesota[157]
- Maryland Capitols FC Maryland
- Maryland Pride Maryland (2004–2007, 2009–2010)
- Massachusetts Stingers Massachusetts (2004–2007)
- Memphis Mercury Tennessee (2006)
- Michigan Chill SC Michigan (2016)
- Michigan Lions Michigan
- Michigan Phoenix Michigan (2006)
- Midwest Select SA Muskrats Indiana
- Miss Kick FC California (2022–2024)[158]
- Mississippi Fuego FC Mississippi
- Mississippi Fuego FC U23 Mississippi (2012)
- Neuse River Futbol Alliance North Carolina
- New England Mutiny Massachusetts – moved to United Women's Soccer
- New England Mutiny Reserves Massachusetts
- New Jersey Blaze New Jersey
- New York Vendaval New York (2003)
- NJ Wizards SC New Jersey[159]
- Norcal Shockwaves California (1998–1999)
- North Shore Girls Soccer Club British Columbia (2016–2017)
- Northampton Laurels Pennsylvania (2006–2008)
- Northern California Blues California (2003–2004)
- Northern Utah United Utah (2024–2025)[160]
- ODFC Cesena
- Oregon Rush Oregon
- Orlando Falcons Florida (2006–2007)
- Ohio Galaxies Ohio
- Ohio Premier Women's SC Ohio
- Orange County Waves California (2011)
- OSA XF Washington (2022–2023)
- PAO ST. Louis Missouri (2011) no games played
- Palm City FC Florida
- Philadelphia Fever Pennsylvania
- Phoenix U23 Arizona (2012)
- Pines 1779 Texas
- Portland Rain Oregon
- Quad City Eagles Illinois
- Quad Cities Rush Iowa[161]
- Real Del Mar California (1998)
- Real Salt Lake Women Utah – moved to United Women's Soccer
- Real Shore FC New Jersey (2007)
- Rebels Empire California (2023–2024)[162]
- Reno Zephyrs Nevada (1999)
- Rochester United FC Minnesota (2019–2024)[163]
- Royals AZ Arizona (2023–present)
- Rhode Island Rays Rhode Island (2003–2006)
- River Cities FC Missouri (2006–2007)
- RSL Southern Arizona Arizona (2024)[164]
- Rochester Reign New York (2004)
- San Antonio Blossoms Texas (2018–2023)
- San Antonio Runners Texas (2024–2025)[165]
- San Francisco Skyhawks California (1998–1999)
- San Joaquin Valley Quest California (2003)
- Sioux City Sol Iowa (2024)[166]
- Sioux Falls City FC Iowa (2022–2024)[167]
- St. George United Utah
- St. Louis Archers Missouri (2005)
- St. Louis Scott Gallagher Elite Missouri (2009–2010, 2023)
- Silicon Valley Red Devils California (1998–2000)
- Spokane Shine Washington
- Sonoma County Sol California (2006–2008)
- Sonoran Thunder Arizona (2002–2003)
- SoCal Reds FC California (2023)
- South Florida Strikers Florida
- Steel City Sparks Pennsylvania (2004–05)
- Tampa Bay Elite Florida (2006–2007)
- Team Boca Blast Florida (2012–2023)
- Tennessee Lady Blues Tennessee (2006)
- Texas Football Club Texas
- Tidewater Sharks Virginia
- Tkaronto Justice New York (2015)
- Torch FC Pennsylvania
- Trinity Fire North Carolina (2024)[168]
- Tri-City Celtics New York
- Tulsa Soccer Club Oklahoma (2018–2023)
- United FC Binghamton New York
- United Soccer Alliance Florida
- Utah Starzz Utah
- Vancouver Island FC British Columbia (2019)
- Vancouver Angels British Columbia (2000)
- Vermont Fusion Vermont
- TSS FC Rovers British Columbia (2018-2020)
- Washington Dutch Lions FC Washington D.C. (2021–2024)[57]
- West Texas Pride FC Texas
- Windsor Essex FC Ontario (2015)
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See also
References
External links
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