Sports stats



Thank You, Freedom Fans

October 1, 2003 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
magicJack News Release


Dear Freedom Fans - as you know, we are in the midst of the sad process of suspending operations at the Washington Freedom and the WUSA. It is important during this process to look back and remember some of the wonderful highlights of our three seasons here in Washington. From the Inaugural Game and 34,000 fans to winning the Founders Cup this past August in San Diego, there has been so much that we can all be proud of.

We can be proud of our players; from Mia Hamm to our reserve goalkeeper, every one of them showed up for every practice and every game ready to play. They used every ounce of energy that they had in their bodies, but still stayed to sign autographs. They took pay cuts and carried their own bags, but still devoted countless hours to worthy charities like DC Scores and the Children's National Medical Center.

We can be proud of our front office and coaching staff. They worked countless hours behind the scenes to make the team a success both on and off the field. Whether working the phones, putting up signs at the stadium or analyzing hours and hours of game tape, they took pride in working to advance and grow the sport of women's soccer.

We are obviously incredibly proud of, and indebted to, our owner John Hendricks. "St. John," as we call him, was the driving force behind the creation of the WUSA and made this wonderful adventure possible. Women's professional soccer would never have existed in the first place without the energy, creativity and faith of John Hendricks.

And finally, we are most proud of our fans and all that you did to make the Freedom a success. Not only did we lead the league in attendance all three seasons, but we also loved every minute of working for and with all of you. You came out in April when it was 40 degrees and raining, and you came out in August when it was 100 degrees and humid. You also supported the Freedom on the road during the playoffs the past two years, traveling hundreds of miles to cheer on the team. All it took for our players and staff to keep going was to look into the stands and see all of you.

Many of you have started grassroots efforts to bring back the WUSA - from signs at World Cup games to websites to letter-writing campaigns. We continue to be amazed by your support. If you want to lend your voice, you can check out some of the great websites listed here: www.wusaid.com; www.girlsforsoccer.org. As you know, many of us at the League continue to lead formal efforts with the same goal. You and I both know we have something too genuine, special, and exciting in women's professional soccer for the game to stay away for too long.

So, thanks to everyone - players, staff, investors and fans - it was a wonderful ride.

Sincerely -

Katy Button
General Manager

NOTE - Many of you have called to ask if Freedom merchandise is still available. You can continue to order a wide variety of gear at our online store - www.washingtonfreedomstore.com.



Women's Professional Soccer Stories from October 1, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central