TACOMA GALAXY TO JOIN USL W LEAGUE THIS SPRING

by Pete Richmire

TACOMA, Wash. – Today, USL announced that Tacoma Galaxy is set to make its debut in USL W League in 2024.

The club joins its already-announced counterpart in USL League Two, Tacoma Stars, in the USL ecosystem. The Galaxy will be partnering with nearby Washington Premier FC for technical staff and outdoor training facilities and will play home matches at Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma.

"Bellarmine is a proud community partner and supporter of women's sports in the Pacific Northwest,” Dr. Kelly Goodsell, President of Bellarmine Preparatory School, said. “We are excited to host Galaxy and to watch women's soccer continue to grow and thrive across the country."

An already-established indoor club in the area, the partnership between Galaxy and Washington Premier will allow the club to complete this expansion of its program.

“WPFC is excited to be joining forces with Tacoma Galaxy on this new W-League platform!  Scott Ford will be leading the charge, and we are confident he will field a very competitive team filled with WPFC alumni,” Seth Spidahl, Washington Premier FC CEO, said. “To be able to partner with the Tacoma Galaxy brand, coupled with our League Two Tacoma Stars partnership, we feel very grateful for this amazing opportunity! A special thanks to Lane Smith for his partnership and support and we look forward to growing the women’s game in the Tacoma area."

Smith, previously served as co-owner and CEO of the Sounders Women, which competed in the previous iteration of the USL W-League and provided a development platform for women’s soccer in the region.

A group of prominent local women with soccer backgrounds will help guide and support the club in the community. The group includes Stephanie Gilchrist, Trixy Dorn, Kappy Names, Tara Enneking, Dolly Stanley, Lynn Smith and Allison Tuttle.

“Expanding the Tacoma Galaxy to compete in the USL W League in Tacoma is a great opportunity for both players and fans,” said U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10). “Tacoma has shown continued support for our local sports teams – especially for women’s athletics."

Support for the club is already coming in from people in all industries with Tacoma connections, including former Seattle Seahawk and Tacoma resident Marcus Trufant, who says he is “excited to see his hometown with a USL W League women’s soccer franchise”, and Tacoma mayor Victoria Woodard, who says the news “continues to grow excitement and opportunity for Tacoma soccer fans to support local teams.”

For further updates on Tacoma Galaxy, stay connected through the club website and Instagram.