Washington Freedom

The Washington Freedom returns to action in 2009 as a charter member of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS). The Freedom will be one of seven franchises in 2009, with the league’s eighth franchise, Philadelphia,will begin play next season with Atlanta expected to join as the ninth team in 2010, as well. The Washington Freedom begins play in the WPS having already established a tradition of excellence over the past seven years. Playing its first match in 2001 as a charter member of the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), the Freedom advanced to the Founders Cup (the league’s championship game) in 2002 and 2003, winning the title in 2003. When the WUSA suspended operations after the 2003 season, the Freedom focused on building a European-style soccer club. The Freedom competed in exhibition matches in 2004 and 2005, while also emphasizing the growth of youth and amateur teams. In 2006 the Freedom took the field as an “associate” member of the USL W-League before becoming a full member of the W-League in 2007. Continuing its championship tradition, the Freedom won the W-League North American title in 2007 and reached the semifinals in 2008. The Freedom was founded by John Hendricks, Founder and Chairman of Discovery Communications, and is operated by his wife Maureen, the Chairwoman of the team. Jim Gabarra, the only head coach in franchise history, continues to coach the Freedom along with longtime assistant coach Clyde Watson.