THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 22, 1994 TAG: 9412220665
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KEVIN DOEPP, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
Hampton Roads has been selected for a franchise in the 24-team United States Women's Interregional Soccer League, which will begin play in May.
The amateur team will be managed by the Hampton Roads Mariners, which competed in the United States Interregional Soccer League last summer under the name of the Hampton Roads Hurricanes.
Although a team name has not been announced, the team is expected to play a 10-game schedule and compete in the six-team South Atlantic Division along with teams from Greensboro, Atlanta, Boca Raton, Orlando and Jacksonville.
According to Mariners general manager Shawn McDonald, who will put together the team, the area is ripe for women's soccer.
``Everyone that I have talked to about it is very receptive to it,'' McDonald said. ``There isn't another women's team in the state.''
John Daly, the women's soccer coach at William and Mary, said he thinks the idea of a women's team in the area would work because the sport has grown tremendously.
``Anytime there is a pioneering effort it gives a great sense of accomplishment,'' Daly said.
``I would be interested in doing all I could to help further the game.''
USISL commissioner Francisco Marcos feels that the timing for the league is right ``because of the quality of the American players.''
``I feel like if we didn't do this someone else would,'' said Marcos, who was on his way to Portland, Ore., to talk to Nike about sponsorships for the league.
College and professional players will be able to tryout.
``I would love to further my career and play if I had the opportunity,'' said two-time Catawba College All-American and former Maury standout Allison Ankerson. ``I want to play as long as I can.''
Tryouts will be scheduled when a coach is named. McDonald said he has talked to three college coaches and expects to be offer the job to someone next week. He declined to name the candidates.
The players on the 26-player roster will not be paid, but the team will try to cover travel expenses. by CNB