WPSL, More Than Just a League

May 24, 2023
By Aubrey McLin

My experience with the WPSL (Women’s Premier Soccer League) has been so much more than just playing soccer. While it’s a platform and opportunity for women to continue to develop their crafts, it offers so much more. Sportsmanship, mentorship, women empowerment, and leadership are just a few skill sets gained and continually built upon in this arena.

My experience with the WPSL first started when I was 14 years old. Although this may be an earlier age than most experience this opportunity, it is not unheard of. I found a home with the San Francisco Nighthawks. My private goalkeeper coach passed my name along to the Nighthawks coach when they were looking for a keeper for a tune-up regional game. After that game, I was invited back to train with the Hawks regularly and then earned a spot on the team and roster. I was so excited and humbled!

Being a member of the team meant great training on a higher level which was amazing, but I benefited in so many other ways that I had not anticipated.

I joined a wonderful team that gradually became a second family. So many times, I received great advice from my “sisters” that helped me in my social life. I could talk about anything and felt secure and safe in this environment with these women.

They were honest, respectful and had valuable perspectives that they imparted to me. High school and college advice were invaluable because they had first-hand experience with hurdles they had to overcome. Some of the advice I received that helped were:

How to find a balance between a social life with student-athlete responsibilities, which is paramount. Teammates shared examples of what worked for them and what did not.
Things to consider when selecting what colleges I apply for, such as: If you’re super close to your family, then you may want to choose a college close to an airport so that visiting is easier. This helps to achieve a quick mental health reset if needed.
What high school and college training schedules look like and how to prepare for these training environments vs. club soccer
Dating and healthy relationship tips and advice
Women’s Rights and Advocacy

The WPSL has helped to fuel my aspirations for achieving a higher ceiling! The athletic platform that the WPSL has given us women is largely due to its founder, Jerry Zanelli, and his vision for women in sports and Nighthawks founder, Dick Cross, who started one of the original four founding WPSL teams 25 years ago. The WPSL has helped to inspire young girls and women to pursue their dreams in soccer.

I feel honored to be playing in the WPSL and am in awe of some of the greats who have played in the league before me, like Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, Megan Rapinoe, Leslie Osbourne, and Alex Morgan, just to name a few. A big shout out and thank you to the San Francisco Nighthawks for providing me with so many wonderful experiences that I could only receive being on a WPSL team.