Tampa, FL (March 8, 2024) – Today, WISE Tampa Bay proudly announces its newest Champion Partner, the Tampa Bay Sun FC women's soccer club. This partnership marks an exciting collaboration between two entities committed to fostering growth, inclusion and opportunity within the Tampa Bay community.
“This is an exciting time for women’s sports and women in sports and we are ecstatic to be welcoming our first-ever professional women’s soccer franchise to Team Tampa Bay,” said Claire Lessinger, President of WISE Tampa Bay. “The owners, front office, coaches, and players at Tampa Bay Sun FC are dedicated to supporting and empowering women while creating a platform that grows the game and inspires the next generation of girls and women in sports. The WISE Tampa Bay community is thrilled about this partnership and the collective support that will come from it and we can’t wait to cheer our Sun on come opening day in August!”
The addition of Tampa Bay Sun FC to the WISE Tampa Bay family further enhances the organization's dedication to facilitating meaningful industry connections and strengthening its impact in the community.
“At Tampa Bay Sun FC, we are developing an exceptional team, fueled by both on-field talent and off-field champions. WISE Tampa Bay's partnership strengthens our commitment to the community and reinforces our vision for greater equity for women and girls," says Christina Unkel, President and General Counsel for Tampa Bay Sun FC. "We are thrilled to launch our inaugural season with WISE's inspiring support, paving the way for the next generation of women leaders working in the sports industry.”
About WISE Tampa Bay
The WISE mission is to empower women in the business of sports with the tools to reach their career goals. Through peer support, mentoring programs and professional development and training, we strive to help members maximize their potential, sharpen their skills, and advance their careers at every stage of their professional journeys. Founded in 2018, WISE Tampa Bay carries out the WISE mission by facilitating meaningful industry connections while creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for our members. With a strong emphasis on education, mentorship and networking, WISE Tampa Bay hosts a wide variety of events and initiatives throughout the year that strengthen and impact the local sports and entertainment community. WISE Tampa Bay is led by talented, experienced, and diverse industry professionals who are committed to providing women with the tools and resources to help take their careers to the next level.
About Tampa Bay Sun FC
Tampa Bay Sun FC is the first professional women’s soccer team set to kick off in Tampa, Florida in August 2024. The Sun will light up the pitch, playing their home games in a stunning newly-renovated riverfront stadium situated along Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. Joining the USL Super League's historic inaugural season, the Tampa Bay Sun FC is one of eight initial markets paving the way for a national expansion of first-division professional women's soccer. With a shared vision to become a global leader in the sport, both on and off the field, paves the way for increased opportunities for talented female athletes across the country, fostering growth and empowerment within local communities. For more information please visit: www.TampaBaySunFC.com.