Name, logo set for women's pro soccer league

Formally announced in September, the women's professional soccer league launching in spring 2009 with one of seven teams based in Chicago, now has a name, Women's Professional Soccer.

With the unveiling of its logo and its new website, womensprosoccer.com, the league made its official debut Thursday at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America convention in Baltimore, Md.

"The league and team owners reviewed countless variations of league names and logos and conducted numerous focus groups before ultimately deciding on a brand identity that we strongly believe will resonate with fans for years to come," said Tonya Antonucci, WPS commissioner.

The WPS logo features a deep navy, red, and gold color scheme while showcasing a familiar silhouette - FIFA World Cup champion, Olympic Gold Medal winner and Hall of Fame player Mia Hamm, renowned as a pioneer for women's soccer.

"I am extremely honored and humbled to personify the WPS brand, knowing full well that this league will be revered by generations of soccer fans around the world," said Hamm. "Above all else, this league represents opportunity - not just for female soccer players, but for women everywhere."

Former Chicago Fire general manager Peter Wilt, now president and CEO of the Chicago WPS team, served as chairman of the WPS Marketing Committee that approved the name and logo.

Also Friday, the league launched its website at womensprosoccer.com. Its fans will have access to behind-the-scenes videos on WPS TV, prospective player blogs, event and community calendars, league and team news, job and volunteer opportunities, as well as links to individual team pages.

Since the league was formalized four months ago, operations have been under way at the WPS office in San Francisco and the team offices in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington D.C.

Teams have also been active in hiring staff. Former Women's National Team Head Coach Tony DiCicco was named as the head coach of the Boston Breakers. The Washington Freedom, meanwhile, appointed Joe Quinn as team president and general manager, Jim Gabarra as head coach, Louise Waxler as director of operations, and Clyde Watson as assistant coach. Likewise, Chicago's WPS team announced Marcia McDermott, former coach for the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) Carolina Courage, as general manager.