WPS to begin on March 29 when the Los Angeles Sol take on the Washington Freedom

On the verge of Women's Professional Soccer's inauguration this weekend, we take you down the trail-blazed path that led to this present reality - a league which embodies the progression of women's sports in the U.S.

By Shea Morrissey

Published: March 23, 2009

When their cleats met the field, they sunk deep into the game. Forming leagues almost 40 years after women in some European countries, the United States dove into soccer in the 1970s. Participation rose from the roots among youth leagues, high schools and colleges, fostering a competitive culture of women’s soccer that would enhance the global peoples’ pastime. The U.S. women made their debut on the world stage by winning the first FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991. That year marked the birth of an era that would bridge time and talent, from early morning wet grass of America’s youth soccer to freshly cut fields of world-class matches.

The national team continued to meet every benchmark illustrative of an elite squad, gaining an Olympic gold medal in 1996 and another FIFA World Cup title in 1999. Riding on the momentum of the ’99 win, and looking for the opportunity to domestically develop the sport, a professional women’s soccer league became a reality. Although the existence of a professional women’s league in the United States was long awaited, the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) was pulled together quickly, leaving too many sustainability questions unanswered. After a few seasons, it became evident that the budget was unrealistic, causing the WUSA to fold by 2003.

It didn’t take long for players, past and present, to appreciate the lessons the WUSA had to teach.

Scoring leader for the United States in Beijing 2008 and WPS Boston Breaker Angela Hucles offered, “Maybe, before, we all took it for granted a little bit that the WUSA would still be around today, given the history of success for women’s soccer in our country; but now I think we all have even more of a personal investment to see a different fate.”

It was this sentiment that produced a quick pivot to strides in a new direction. Almost immediately following the unfortunate fate of the WUSA, a not-for-profit, Women’s Soccer Initiative, Inc. (WSII), was formed, in part, by national soccer team captain Julie Foudy and current Commissioner of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) Tonya Antonucci. The mission had a holistic feel to it, situating the hope of a sustainable pro soccer league in the larger context of women’s soccer. Rather than starting with the product, WSII wove developmental components into a solid foundation. For Antonucci, it’s about the “ability to map your vision, to listening, learning and staying patient in building this from the ground up.”

Still, there are questions as to whether now –in the current economic climate—is the best time to launch the league. A fair concern, but the deliberative planners of the league are not operating on chance. The coin has been tossed, and the face clearly reads opportunity.

Antonucci commented, “Coming off the 2008 Olympics is the right timing for the world-class players who are WPS. The league has a strong position in cash, and with our partnerships including PUMA as a major national sponsor we can weather through current conditions.”

In addition to the thorough consideration of league logistics, we’re witnessing an age of players whose flair lends itself solidly to the marketability of a professional league.COO of WPS and Olympic soccer gold medalist Mary Harvey said, “This generation is about showing off excellence in the sport and playing it with skill and flamboyance that we’ve never seen before.” The essence of this league is one that appeals to crowds beyond any demographical definition. The fandom of wide-eyed little girls will be no less present or appreciated, but we shouldn’t be surprised when her admiration is matched by those from all walks of the game.

With the past in mind, the present is rightfully at the feet of those kicking off the inaugural season of Women’s Professional Soccer. When three and a half years of meticulous league planning meet the most elite women’s soccer players in the world this Saturday, nothing will make more sense than WPS – a league with the poise of its players, the confidence of its creators and the passion of its supporters.

Hear it straight from the leaders themselves: WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci and COO Mary Harvey answer our questions in Antonucci and Harvey Lead The Way.

Catch the inaugural match on March 29 when the Los Angeles Sol take on the Washington Freedom. Get the full schedule.