Full circle: From the Academy to the Front Row. ⚽️
- maddenolivervolunt
- Apr 12
- 1 min read
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Inaugural Match for Denver Summit FC as they faced off against the Washington Spirit. For every fan it was a historic experience, as the Summit shattered the single game attendance record by 22,913 fans! And for me, it was deeply personal.
As a kid, I grew up playing for the Washington Spirit Academy. Walking into the stadium to see my former club face my new home team, the energy of the match felt electric.
Growing up, I was inspired by icons like Tobin Heath, Lindsey Heaps, and Christine Sinclair. I clearly remember 2016—huddled over a laptop, watching National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) games on a YouTube channel, (a reality that carries a certain absurdity to it now, given how far the league has come).
Standing there for the Denver Summit kickoff, I felt that exact same giddy, awestruck feeling I had as a 12-year-old.
But I wasn't just watching as a fan. As a marketing professional, I found myself captivated by the details. From the branding to the fan engagement, the entire event was pure class. And as a student at the University of Denver, I am incredibly energized by what the official partnership between the club and my university will hold for the future of the sport.
I am proud to call Denver Summit my home team. They are raising the bar in women’s sports—exciting fans, delivering world-class experiences, and reminding us all of the unifying power of sport.
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