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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, and in 2006 hosted the WPSL Final Four Championship. The Utah Spiders are official partners with the Utah Youth Soccer Association (UYSA) and the Fiji Woman's National Team under coach Carlos Buzzetti, and are finalizing a partnership with the Trondheim Eagles of the Norwegian Women's Football League. About the Coaching: Joanna Barney enters her 5th year at the helm of the Spiders where she has the distinction of being named 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 Club. In addition, Joanna has placed several players to the US National Team's U-16, U-18, 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 second 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: The Spiders look for players developed from the Utah Youth Soccer Association Clubs and local Universities.
Local Colleges: BYU, Utah, Utah State, Weber State, UVSC, SUU, Dixie State, and SLCC.
Player Tryouts: The Utah Spiders do not hold try outs. Players are selected by their earned reputation and accomplishments. |