11.19.2014 Press Release
November 19, 2014
Media Contact: Jeremy Schultz 559.623.1916
LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER BRINGS WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM TO THE VALLEY
Fresno Freeze is the newest Women’s Premier Soccer League Franchise
FRESNO, CA – Alexander Ott announced today that next May, the Valley will be home to a Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) Team called the Fresno Freeze. The WPSL is a 70-plus team national league and has featured players such as current US National Team stars Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Abby Wambach.
“We are elated to announce the Freeze today and look to provide an opportunity for women to display their soccer talents in Fresno,” stated Fresno Freeze Owner Alexander Ott. “We hope to inspire the many young female soccer players in our community to strive to someday put on a Freeze jersey in their path to professional soccer careers. This is a great opportunity to expand the women’s game, while showcasing talent at one of the highest levels in women’s sports.”
The anticipation has also reached City Hall, where Mayor Ashley Swearengin made a statement. “We have been steadfastly committed to providing more entertainement options in downtown Fresno. We welcome the Fresno Freeze and look forward to our new women’s soccer team becoming a part of Fresno’s continued growth.”
Ott reaffirmed, “I would like to thank the overwhelming support we have received from our community in bringing a team to Fresno. There is exceptional excitement coming in 2015 with the Women’s World Cup. It is our goal to be known as an organization that develops talent and attains hopes of producing players that will someday be highlighted by playing for the US National Team.”
Ott has appointed Jeremy Schultz as the General manager of the Fresno Freeze. Since Schultz completed his professional playing career, he has been tireless in his promotion of soccer in the Valley. He has been the General Manager of the Fresno Fuego since 2008 and was responsible for brining the Central California Cup to downtown Fresno, which offered fans the opportunity to see LA Galaxy play the San Jose Earthquakes in a Major League Soccer Exhibition.
“This is an incredible opportunity to have two senior level clubs collaborate for the good of soccer and ultimately provide a platform to showcase our elite local talent,” stated Schultz. “As soccer continues to flourish in our country it is an honor to be a part of the Freeze and offer something special in our community that will give women an opportunity to achieve their dreams of competing at the top level, as we do for the men with Fuego.”
Fresno Freeze will begin its inaugural season next May and will be hosting a combine January 3-4, 2015.
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ABOUT THE WPSL
The Women’s Premier Soccer League is a 70-plus team national pro-am league and is the largest women’s soccer league in the world. The league was formed in 1998 and is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) as an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). The WPSL’s mission is to provide the highest level of soccer in our effort to: bring affordable & quality family entertainment to the community; display positive role models for our youth; while, being a stepping stone for aspiring professional & international-level players. (http://www.wpsl.info/history/)