GSL Tampa Bay Sun FC

Tampa Bay Sun FC Strengthens Inaugural Roster with Signing of Forward Riley Mattingly Parker and Defender Vivianne Bessette

Published on April 29, 2024 under Gainbridge Super League (GSL)
Tampa Bay Sun FC News Release


TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Sun FC, Tampa Bay's first professional women's soccer team, today announced the signing of forward Riley Mattingly Parker and defender Vivianne Bessette, further solidifying the team's roster ahead of its historic inaugural season in the USL Super League; pending league and federation approval.

"We are thrilled to welcome Riley and Vivianne to the Tampa Bay Sun organization," said Tampa Bay Sun FC Head Coach Denise Shilte-Brown. "Both players bring a wealth of experience and talent to our team, and we are confident they will be key contributors to our success on the field."

Riley Mattingly Parker joins the Sun after a standout collegiate career at the University of Alabama, where she was an All-Southeastern Conference first team and SEC Forward of the Year and a finalist for the prestigious Hermann Trophy. In 2023, Parker was drafted as the 31ST overall pick in the NWSL Draft. Known for her playmaking ability and vision on the pitch, Mattingly Parker is expected to be a force in the Sun's offensive efforts.

"It means a great deal to me to have the opportunity to be a part of this historic team and league", says Parker. "It excites me to see how women's soccer is growing, and I can't wait to see the mark that Tampa Bay Sun FC leaves on the game"

Vivianne Bessette, a seasoned defender with experience at the University of South Florida and U20 Canadian National Team, brings a competitive mentality to the backline. Bessette's exceptional tactical awareness and defensive prowess will be crucial for the Sun as they compete in the USL Super League.

"Playing for a new team, in a new league, in a great city like Tampa is a historic moment for myself and everyone else involved", shares Bessette. "It is a fantastic opportunity for me to start my professional career somewhere where I can embrace the challenge of building this club from the ground up."

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