Lettiere:  The W-League officially began in ‘95 after a successful trial run in the summer of ’94. Some of the most celebrated names is U.S. Women’s National Team History played in the W-League at one time or another during their careers – Kristine Lilly, Julie Foudy, Michelle Akers, and Brandi Chastain, just to name a few. 

 

The W-League avoided conflict during the time of the Women’s United Soccer Association (2001-2003) because of the NCAA rule that prevents collegiate players from doubling as paid professionals or even being on the field with professionals.  Where the WUSA was a professional league – our W-League remained amateur and therefore continued to be home to elite college talent. 

 

The W-League has always continued to thrive out of necessity.  This is a place for college players to play during the summer months.  Women retain eligibility for their college teams while learning the professional atmosphere.

 

 

Lettiere: Any amateur female player, including foreign born players can play on W-League teams, provided they have the adequate skill level.  College players are not allowed to play during the academic semester of their university.

 

 

Lettiere: Developing the best women’s league in the world is our principal goal. The key to the W-League is the competition.  Mixing elite level college athletes with premier international players creates an environment that capitalizes player potential.

 

Playing together helps all players broaden their horizons.  The W-League has become a medium for American players to make overseas contacts.  Many of our own have ended up playing for professional clubs abroad partly because of the rich friendships they forge with foreign players.

 

 

Lettiere: When a women’s professional league starts to operate again the W-League hopes to become a direct feeder system, for them or any other professional women’s league that may be created in the future.  Although everyone involved in women’s soccer hopes for the return of a professional league in the U.S., the W-League is making the most of its time in the spotlight.  We have taken this opportunity to attract media attention and top players from around the globe.  The W-League will continue to attract even more players of the highest caliber in the absence of a professional league.

 

 

Lettiere: There are currently 38 W-League franchises in three conferences. Teams are located in either the United States or Canada.  They play 12 to 14 regular season matches as well as several cross-divisional exhibitions. 

 

 

Lettiere: Several of our coaches hold A-level licenses. A-level is the highest level coaching license in the U.S.  Many are coaches on the collegiate level.  A few are very successful high school coaches. These ties create situations where the coaches have more opportunities to select top local players. Coaches also search abroad for many top level international players.

 

 

Lettiere: U.S. and Canadian National team coaches attend W-League matches and follow the league to discover new talent. W-League coaches have built strong relationships with many of the National Team staff.  This opens a direct line of opportunity for players to meet important contacts. 

 

 

Lettiere: Our coaches are very good about helping them find other jobs.  Many supplement their income by becoming coaches themselves.  Players earn money helping out at soccer camps and things of that nature, which is good for the future of the game.

 

Lettiere: Yes.  Illustrious players, including Brazilian star Formiga (New Jersey Wildcats), and top notch former U.S. National Team standout Tiffany Milbrett (Vancouver Whitecaps F.C.) call the W-League home.  The majority of the Canadian Women’s National Team also plays for a W-League team.