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About the Team: The Utah Spiders were established in 1999 to showcase Utah's top women's soccer talent. The "Spiders" entered the WPSL in 2000 and upon doing so, the WPSL became a regional women's league. In 2001, the Utah Spiders won the prestigious Gothia Cup, Youth World Championships in Sweden, captured the U-23 National Championship, and placed second in the WPSL in 2002. The Spiders continued in 2003, stunning the WPSL with the first ever WPSL National Championship Trophy. In 2004 the Spiders made it to the WPSL Final Four, and in 2006 hosted the WPSL Final Four Championship. In 2008, the Utah Spiders partnered with the Utah Avalanche (an all girls youth club) as the senior team in the Club, and hence forth will be known as the Utah Avalanche's senior womens team. The Senior Team will retain the "Spider" in the senior team logo. The Utah Avalanche are official partners with the Utah Youth Soccer Association (UYSA), the Fiji Woman's National Team, under coach Carlos Buzzetti, and the Queensland Blaze of Australia under coach George Cowie. About the Coaching: Joanna Barney enters her 6th year at the helm of the "Spiders" where she has the distinction of being the first Female Head Coach in the WPSL, and the first Female Coach to win the WPSL National Championship Title. Joanna played NCAA Varsity soccer and graduated from the University of Utah and was a founding member and team captain of the Utah Spiders. Joanna is known nationally for her role as the Technical Director of the Avalanche Girls Soccer Club. The Avalanche Soccer Club has the distinction of being the only stand alone girls club in Utah as well as holding the most State Championships by a Utah Women's Club. The Utah Avalanche has placed several players to the US National Team's U-17 and U-20 level, as well as placed dozens of players to top University programs throughout the United States. Joanna hold a USSF "B" License and works full-time as an account manager. Simon McFall enters his third season as an assistant coach. Simon has more than 10 years coaching experience with women's soccer programs and is the Director of Coaching and Player Development for the Avalanche Girls Soccer Club. Simon holds a USSF "B" License and played NCAA Varsity soccer for Susquehanna University. Gabe Smart enters her first year on the Spiders coaching staff. Gabe is a seasoned coach with a great background in women's soccer. Gabe played NCAA Varsity soccer for Brigham Young University, is the former girls Technical Director for Inter FC, and was the Head Coach for Utah Valley State University. Gabe holds a USSF "B" License.
Type of Players: Utah Senior Avalanche players are the top players in the state and play at the National, Collegiate, and Club Premier Levels.
Local Colleges: Brigham Young University, University of Utah, Utah State University, and Weber State University.
Player Tryouts: The Utah Avalanche Seniors do not hold try outs. The team is selected by their earned reputation and accomplishments. Players may submit CV's to our web site. |