The Gulf Coast Texans of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) will begin their second season with a home opener on Friday, June 1, against Mississippi Fuego at the Ashton Brosnaham Stadium, with kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
The team has been in training camp since May 18, and features many top quality new signings to add to last season’s successful squad. A trio of new players from NAIA powerhouse Lindsey Wilson College is headed up by Mia Persson, a Swedish native and three-time All-American. Teammates Ida Gregersen, a Danish native and three-time All-American, and Saeda Sueki from Japan will also provide an immediate impact on this year’s team.
Patrica Nardy brings a wealth of experience to the goalkeeper position, having represented Brazil at the U20 National level, while also being an All-American at Union College. Christina Devito, who played college at Auburn University at Montgomery, is another All-American and along with All-Region selection Fanny Forsman from UNC Pembroke, another Swedish native, will provide depth to the defensive line. Michaela Hahn continues the team’s connection with FSU, and the Seminole freshman will give the Texans a dangerous option in the final third.
The Texans also return some big names from last year’s team including All-WPSL selection Shakira Duncan, along with fellow Jamaican Tina Murray. The roster also includes seven playerswho came up through the Gulf Coast Texans youth system: Jess Oram,Shawn Meach and Clarissa Hernandez out of South Alabama, Courtney Mincy and Alex Pickrell from UWF, Maggie Rodgers from Florida, and rising High School Senior Katie Richmond, a 2013 Florida commit.
Head Coach and Texans DOC David Kemp had this to say about the 2012 squad: “We are extremely proud to feature so many of our youth products on the WPSL team and give the community a chance to see them play with so many accomplished players at the top level. We want to build on an incredible inaugural season last year and keep progressing. The roster is rounded out by South Alabama players Morgan Motes and Lauren Arnold, Troy University forward and Panama City native Chelsey Williams, key returnees Jordan Stone and Tori Fish, both from UWF, and Jasmine Kauka from UAB.”
The last regular season home game will be July 7 and will be played in Orange Beach, at the same stadium that hosts the SEC Championships and recently hosted the Men’s NAIA National Championships. Kemp thinks the team can help grow interest in the game across the Gulf Coast.
“The City of Orange Beach have been extremely helpful,” he said, “and have shown a keen interest in our team, recognizing the impact it can have on the youth and the community. Having a game there will hopefully expand our fan base and inspire some young players.”
Tickets for home games are just $6 for Adults and $3 for kids. For the full schedule and more info, please visit www.gulfcoasttexans.com/WPSL.php.
