WPS News Release - www.womensprosoccer.com

Monday, November 17, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) announced the first group of players who have accepted invitations to the WPS West Coast and East Coast Combines held Dec. 11-14 (San Diego, CA) and Dec. 18-21 (Ft. Lauderdale, FL). Among the 188 players initially announced were 72 current and former W-League players.

Invites to the invitation-only combines were made through a careful selection process done by the WPS Coaches Committee. In total, up to a maximum of 144 players will participate in the WPS Combines; no more than 72 at each location. More confirmed attendees will be announced in the coming weeks.

Among the invitees were several standout W-League players such as 2008 Most Valuable Player Sarah Steinmann of the Atlanta Silverbacks, 2003 Defender of the Year Fanta Cooper (Jersey Sky Blue) and Portuguese international Kim Brandao (Jersey Sky Blue). In addition to Steinmann and Cooper, other 2008 All-Conference honorees Stacy Bishop (Tampa Bay Hellenic), Jen Buczkowski (Chicago Gaels), Katie Hooker (Real Colorado Cougars), Lyndsey Patterson (Atlanta Silverbacks) and Julianne Sitch (FC Indiana Lionesses) were among the players accepted for the next set of combines.

WPS Combines - Initial Player List [+]

Combine participants include graduating college seniors who will have completed their eligibility following the conclusion of the 2008 season and other national and international talent from top level amateur leagues such as the W-League and WPSL.

“The WPS Combines will be a tremendous platform for players to showcase their best in front of team officials and coaching staffs,” said Mary Harvey, Chief Operating Officer, Women’s Professional Soccer. “It is important that there are ample opportunities for teams to evaluate talent as they look to put together the strongest possible team on the field for the inaugural WPS season.”

During the combines, players will undergo general training and physical testing and will be assigned to specific teams with the opportunity to play in three games over the course of three days. Players’ rights will be drafted by teams at the 2009 WPS Draft on January 16 in St. Louis at the NSCAA Convention. Beginning in February, teams will also hold local try-outs in their respective markets.

Participating in the WPS East or West Coast Combine is not mandatory for a player to be eligible for the 2009 WPS Draft or a future roster spot on a WPS team. The full list of WPS Combine attendees will be released prior to the events.