TAMPA/INDIANAPOLIS – The USL W League Champion Indy Eleven women’s team was named the 2023 USL W League Organization of the Year, as announced by league officials on Friday.
Chosen from a league of 65 teams spanning from coast to coast, Indy Eleven was selected for not only its on-field success, but more specifically for the overall professionalism of the organization and its front office; its operational excellence; and the experience provided for fans by the club’s players, coaches, support staff and leadership.
“We continue to be proud of not only our W League players and their success on the field, but also Head Coach Paul Dolinsky, his staff and all those who work behind the scenes to make this a championship-caliber program,” Greg Stremlaw, Indy Eleven President and Chief Executive Officer said. “Being selected as the organization of the year is a true testament to the pride and dedication that everyone involved has toward Indy Eleven and being selected out of the 65 worthy organizations across the country is truly an honor. We will continue to celebrate these prestigious accolades, while using them to build upon when developing the future of our women’s soccer programs as well as the organization across the board.”
The Girls in Blue were crowned 2023 USL W League Champions in front of a record-setting home crowd at Michael A. Carroll Stadium on July 22. Indy defeated NC Courage U23, 2-1, with goals from Maddy Williams and a 99th-minute match winner from Alia Martin. It was the club’s first championship in its two-season history, which has seen playoff appearances in back-to-back years, as well as Stremlaw winning the Executive of Year honors for the League in the inaugural season.
Indy Eleven saw no shortage of accolades for individual players, as the club led all organizations with four selections on the 2023 Teams of the Year. Sam Dewey, who was also named the W League’s Divisional Player of the Year in the Valley Division, was honored on the league’s first team, while Nona Reason, Grace Bahr and Alia Martin picked up second-team accolades. Martin was also selected as the USL W League Final MVP.
The season finished with a 12-1-1 record and a second straight division crown, with the Girls in Blue only allowing three regular season goals, while scoring 40. The 16 goals scored in the June 30 match against St. Charles FC are a club record for Indy Eleven and the total and margin of victory were the most in league history. In 14 matches, Indy scored three-plus goals seven times and shut out opponents on 10 occasions, including twice in playoff action.
The USL W League Champions will hold open tryouts for its 2024 squad Dec. 20 and 21 at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana. For more information and to register, click here.
Originally posted on indyeleven.com