Independence names Waxler associate general manager

PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 25, 2009) The Philadelphia Independence announces that Louise Waxler is joining its front office on December 1^st as its Associate General Manager and Director of Operations.

Louise is recognized as one of the bedrock pioneers that has brought women’s professional soccer to the forefront of sports in the United States. Her credentials span executive leadership, operational planning and execution, and corporate construction, as well as sports PR and events management.

Team President/CEO David Halstead stated, “Louise brings to our organization a maturity in thinking about how to become fully integrated into the Philadelphia communities. She has successfully directed numerous women’s and youth soccer initiatives and understands all the key components required to deliver a superior fan experience to everyone following the Independence. She is well-known throughout the mid-Atlantic soccer world and strengthens our credibility in the areas of operations, venue management, player services, outreach programs, and youth development.”

Says team GM Terry Foley, “When we began advertising this position, we were hoping to find someone with Louise’s knowledge, expertise, reputation, established working relationships, and commitment to the success of women’s professional soccer. We could not have found a better candidate to fulfill these roles for our franchise. I have known and worked with Louise for many years, and there is no question that our staff, our fans, and the league will grow to appreciate Louise and what she does for us.”

For more than 20 years, Louise has served in key roles of professional and amateur sports management within the Maryland, DC, and Virginia soccer communities, as well as on the national and international levels for soccer expansion and governance. Most recently, she served as the Director of Operations for the WPS Washington Freedom where she managed all team, venue, and game day operations for the franchise. Louise has been a member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) since 1991 and served in several distinctive positions within that organization, including President, Women’s Committee Chairperson, Youth Representative, and Board of Directors. She was Maryland’s FIFA Women’s World Cup National Coalition Chair and currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association Board of Directors. Louise is widely recognized and respected for her experience running youth and professional sports and soccer events. She served as Director of the Washington Area Girls Soccer Tournament, RFK Stadium Director for Women’s World Cup Tournament, was a member of the staff at the Adidas/Disney International Youth Soccer Tournament, and served as Director of Discovery Cup Soccer Tournament and Columbia Invitational Soccer Tournament.