The team is one of four eastern cities included in the new league, and the second women's professional soccer team to call DC home. The Washington Freedom played in several different leagues including the professional WUSA (2001-2003) and WPS (2009-2011) before being purchased and relocated to Florida in 2011.
The name is inspired by the history and patriotism of the community the team belongs to, according to GM Chris Hummer via Twitter, as well as a core mission of the club to empower women through sport.
The team logo contains the expected red, white and blue patriotism of the Washington area. The 12 stars and 11 red and white stripes hail tribute to the American flag, while the crest surprisingly calls out "DC", perhaps looking to complementing "Washington".
The launch of the new team brand is the latest evolution ushering the DC-based organization into a new era. Formerly DC United of the W-League (semi-pro), the team has the same ownership, and used digital crowd-sourcing to get fan input on the re-branding efforts. The organization will have a robust development academy as well as a completely amateur W-League team as a platform to provide opportunity to players to develop into full professionals.
The Washington Spirit join several other professional sports team in the area including the DC United (MLS), Redskins (NFL), the Nationals (MLB), the Capitols (NHL), Wizards (NBA) and the Mystics (WNBA).
Here's how the Twitter reveal rolled out over a period of 10 minutes:
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| Twitter reveal |
With the team branding now clear, coach Mike Jorden (previously of DC United), assistant coach Cindi Harkes and Hummer will proceed to pull together the roster. Here are some burning questions that remain:
- What players will wear the Spirit red, white and blue?
- Speaking of rosters, what will the sponsor list look like including jersey sponsor?
- What marketing campaign will be used to introduce the players to the fans of the DC area so that they build allegiance and passion towards the players and team ahead of the season kick off in March/April at the Maryland SoccerPlex?
- Team mascot?
- What will the design of the team jersey look like?
Quick Facts
Twitter: @WashSpirit
Website: washingtonspirit.com
Venue: Maryland SoccerPlex
GM: Chris Hummer
Coaching Staff: Mike Jorden (Head Coach), Cindi Harkes (Assistant Coach)
Team Colors: Red, white, blue
Source: Washington Spirit.
Related posts:
If at First You Don't Succeed: US Soccer to Launch New Women's Pro League
Thoughts on the Launch of the US Women's Pro League
I count 11 stars.
ReplyDeleteWill be interested in seeing which "name" players end up with the Spirit as well as who moves up from the DC United Women.
Great point Kevin about the balance between local players and big "name" players. It's great to see they will retain a W-League team as well.
ReplyDeleteThe 12th star is stand alone at the bottom of the crest. I thought 11 might have been symbolic of the 11 out on the pitch so perhaps the larger star symbolizes the fan group?
I was interpreting the circle and star as a stylized soccer ball.
ReplyDeleteI'm also glad to see the W-League team retained, something the Washington Freedom did as well. That means I've got a good chance of seeing just about all my favorite players from last year again.
With you on that one, that was my first take, was that it was a soccer ball. The team confirmed on twitter that the large star represents the fans - nice tribute.
ReplyDeleteWho do you hope to join the roster?