Behind Every Team: The Spirit Squadron of the Washington Spirit.
MyWSports believes that in order to see women’s sports grow, it will take fans, players and sports writers alike to #GrowTheGame. In a new series, we will be profiling arguably the most enthusiastic people behind the teams, the fans.
The Spirit Squadron during their first road game. The group traveled to New Jersey to see the Washington Spirit take on Sky Blue FC last April. Washington prevailed 3-1.
(Photo Credit: Nicole Gamard)
If you watched the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) College Draft, you certainly heard the Spirit Squadron, even if you’ve never heard of them. The supporters group for the Washington Spirit was there ready to embrace its newest players. The Washington fans made roughly four hours of college draft coverage even more awesome, so MyWSports decided to find out more about the spirited group. We caught up with Megan Wesson & Angie Kanellopulos from the Spirit Squadron to discuss the upcoming NWSL season and the growth of women’s soccer.
“Cheyna Williams actually came over and chatted with us for a minute or two,” recalls Angie, “She was a lot of fun to talk to, and she let us know that she appreciated all the noise that we were making and she was excited to come play [for the Spirit]. And that’s all it was. We wanted to go [to the draft] and have a good time and represent D.C well.”
Represent they did, even getting a shout out at the conclusion of the draft. During his final remarks, Commissioner Jeff Plush stated, “And last but certainly not least, thanks to our friends in the corner from the Washington Spirit Fan Group ...”.
However, before props from Commissioner Plush, the Spirit Squadron was birthed by two soccer fans eager to have a local(ish) team to root for. In 2013, Megan Wesson and Ashley Nichols co-founded the Spirit Squadron. In the same year, the Washington Spirit was named one of the eight original clubs for the current (and longest lasting) professional domestic soccer league.
Humble Beginnings
Although Megan and Ashley live over 3 hours away from Washington, D.C, the two were still excited to develop a fan group to support the new team. Wanting to emphasize the club name, spirit, the Spirit Squadron was the name selected for the group. Megan, Ashley and a few friends found on social media began attending Washington preseason games together.
Other members like Angie, current Vice President & Lead Drummer, were recruited during games. Angie had already been keeping up with the Washington Spirit on Twitter, as well as attending games before she became involved, “I think [Spirit Squadron] was just a suggested Twitter handle that I should follow … I was at a game by myself during the preseason, [so] I just sat with them and never went away.”
By offering fans the opportunity to enjoy a game, and the occasional tailgate, the small group began to grow its numbers. “That first year was … from the beginning I think it was about four people when the season started”, recalls Angie, “by the end of the season, we had between fifteen and twenty who showed up pretty regularly, so that was pretty cool.” Squadron fans range in age and profession, but most are women. Although the average age of Squadron members is about 30, the group is committed to creating a welcoming environment that all people, especially families, can enjoy.
Gaining Spirit
Although good, clean family fun is a priority, so is serious cheering. After the first season, Megan and other members strategized the best ways to be a positive, motivating force for the players, as well as other fans. Knowing the history of domestic women’s soccer leagues, the growing squadron was unsure that team, or the league would return. However, the group planned for the best. Despite finishing last with 14 points from 3 wins, 14 losses and 5 draws, the momentum for the Spirit Squadron took off.
In the offseason, the supporters group coordinated cheers and secured a drum to keep on beat. Megan also recall that the group began to focus on the players, as opposed to the team generally, “ … we didn’t have the best year the first year, but we knew that the team was going to grow and they were going to improve, so we kinda wanted to support the players ...” As it turned out, this approach also helped gain more regular members, “Once the players started interacting with us, saying ‘Hey we like this, this is great’, then more people got excited and more people wanted to be a part of it.” Megan likened the group and the players to a family, even after just one season.
Washington Spirit with Spirit Squadron (Erica McCaulley/EqualizerSoccer)
By the next year, the Washington Spirit improved to10-9-5 and claimed the first playoff berth in franchise history. The team traveled to Seattle to take on the 1st place Reign; they lost the semifinals match 2-1.
Despite the loss, the Spirit Squadron continued to grow strong. The 2014 team was met back from Seattle to a cheering fan base with signs and flowers. Erica McCaulley of The Equalizer was on hand to snap a photo of the reunion at the airport (top).
Last season, the Washington Spirit again earned a playoff berth. The team again traveled to Seattle to take on the 1st place Reign, and lost 3-0.
Help from Friends
Over the years, the Spirit Squadron has sought advice from other support groups on creating a fun environment for players and fans alike. For example, squadron members have attended DC United games together. A member of the Spirit Squadron had a connection to one of the leaders of the Screaming Eagles supporters group. Members took to RFK Stadium to learn from fellow soccer enthusiasts, “we really got to experience what it was like on the men’s side” said Angie, “and we took some ideas that we learned [like] setting up a tailgate. And once you get into the stadium, how you can keep your group and beyond your group … consistently involved throughout the entire 90 minute game.”
Despite the rivalries on the pitch, NWSL groups also support one another, and the league as a whole, “The other supporters groups, if you have a question, they are more than willing to be accommodating”, said Megan. As far as why she thinks rival supporters groups would be helpful, she stated, “I would say, just the love of the game in general … at the same time, because we want to see the NWSL succeed … helping other supporters groups is going to help the league thrive.”
The Spirit Family
Ashlyn Harris and Francisca Ordega interact with fans after a 1-1 tie with the Chicago red Stars last July.
Now, players and fans alike join the Spirit Squadron for tailgates at maureen Hendricks Field Maryland Soccerplex, “JoAnna Lohman comes to tailgates,” says Megan, “it’s nice to kinda get to see who [the players] are off the field too. And all the players are so nice, they take the time to go and sign [autographs] … and give us a wave. It’s a lot more fun when they’re enjoying it too.” Although there is no formal relationship with the Washington Spirit, Megan acknowledges that the organization is very supportive of the group, “[the Washington Spirit] allow us to have our own section and we can have flags and drums and everything … they have been pretty accommodating for us.”
As far as the best interactions with the players, both Megan and Angie agreed that the highlight so far was during the final home game last season. As many teams do, the Spirit players, coaches and staff walked the perimeter of the pitch to thank the fans. The Spirit made their rounds while holding a sign that read, “Thank You Spirit Family”. However, when the team got to the Spirit Squadron section, they had something extra special, “They serenaded us with our own little chant. That was probably one of the coolest things”, recalls Megan.
The NWSL broadcast of that final match captured the moment just before signing off. If you look closely, you can see former Head Coach, Mark Parsons leading the choir. Parsons was very supportive of the Spirit Squadron, “we will miss him” added Co-President Megan Wesson, “really bad”. However, the Spirit Squadron is looking forward to a great relationship with new Head Coach Jim Gabarra for the upcoming season.
Plans for 2016
As preseason continues, players and fans alike are preparing for opening day. Overall, Angie wants to see the Spirit Squadron grow, “We’re just trying to get bigger. I feel like it’s one of our main jobs to make our team feel like rock stars and to make the other team feel as unwelcome as possible, and to turn our stadium into a fortress for incoming teams.” Megan agrees, “As long as the players know that we’re out there for them, that we’re going hoarse and just making sure we have a much fun as possible.”
The women, as fans of soccer, also had thoughts about how they hope the NWSL will grow, “[I want] for [the players] to get the support and the faith in them that they actually deserve, because they work hard for it” stated Megan. Both women believe this should be accomplished through higher salaries and more television broadcasts.
Angie and Megan also said a few special plans are in the works when former Spirit players return to The Plex. Details were not revealed, but the ladies promised a fun, if not altogether friendly, welcome back can be expected.
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Be sure to catch the Washington Spirit and the Spirit Squadron in action at the home opener against the Boston Breakers on April 16th. You can connect with Megan, Angie and the rest of the Spirit Squadron on Twitter @SpiritSquadron or at www.spiritsquadron.org. Additionally, all are welcome to swing by Section 117 on the visitors side and cheer with the group.
Tickets for the Washington Spirit home games can be purchased here. On April 9th, the Spirit face Duke University in the final preseason match of 2016.
Follow Erica Ayala on Twitter @elindsay08
