THE WPSL WELCOMES 100 PERCENT WOMEN-OWNED CLUB AS 2023 EXPANSION SIDE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUSTIN, Texas (Dec. 15, 2022) – The Women’s Premier Soccer League announced today that Austin Rise FC will officially compete in the 2023 season as the league’s latest expansion team. With the announcement, the WPSL solidifies its footprint in the Lone Star State as it continues to see rapid growth.
 

“We are thrilled to be welcomed into the WPSL for our inaugural season and are excited to be part of a league that dedicates itself to positively impacting the women’s game,” Austin Rise FC founders stated in a collective statement. “We look forward to running a successful campaign in 2023 and are proud to call the WPSL home as we start our journey!”         
  

Austin Rise FC, a 100 percent women-owned club, was founded in July 2022 by Bethany Cyrtmus-Davaul, Rachelle D’Amico, Erin Webb, Amanda Lisberger, Katie Reed, and Christiane Lessa whom each share a passion for soccer, creating women-specific opportunities, and building community through sports. This group of women hold extensive soccer knowledge and experience and has the hunger to make their mark in growing the women’s game.
 

Austin Rise FC looks to provide a space for players to pursue their goals of playing at the highest level desired and be inspired by and harness the joy of the game. The club is committed to becoming a vital part of the Austin community and looks to create educational opportunities through in-service group activities, soccer camps and clinics, and discussions around physical and mental health. This educational commitment is focused on Austin’s youth.
 

For its inaugural season, the club has named Christiane Lessa as its head coach and head of recruiting. The Brazilian native has a combined 15+ years of professional playing and coaching experience. After her collegiate career, Lessa began playing professionally in Iceland in 2005. Coaching opened even more opportunities for her in Norway, China, Canada, and Brazil before returning to the U.S. and spending time with the then-Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League. Lessa holds numerous licenses with USSF, FIFA, and CONCACAF.
 

As part of their commitment to impact the Austin community and women’s soccer in the area, Austin Rise FC has elected not to charge for tickets during its 2023 season.

 

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More information about Austin Rise FC can be found at its official website or on its social media platforms – Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. For additional information on the WPSL visit wpslsoccer.com.
 

About the Women’s Premier Soccer League
In its 24th season, the WPSL is the longest active women’s soccer league, with more than 125 clubs from coast to coast in 35 states – making it the world’s largest women’s soccer league. WPSL rosters feature elite collegiate, post-collegiate, international, and standout prep student-athletes. Many of the United States’ most accomplished women’s players have played in the WPSL, including household names such as Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach, Megan Rapinoe, Julie Foudy, and Brandi Chastain.