“There’s so much talent in Pittsburgh, it almost feels like a luxury to have the option to really select players that are right for our program, not just women who can play, so we are looking forward to showcasing the players that we have representing our club,” Jordan Daloisio, coach of the Pittsburgh Hotspurs women’s first team, said.

Jordan grew up on the soccer field herself, playing for Kittanning High School’s boys’ team and Northern Crew Soccer Club before heading to play at Clarion University and the Hamilton Accies in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.

Now, Jordan is the Girls Youth Development Phase Leader where she manages the girls’ teams between the ages 13-15. She fell in love with coaching after working as the Assistant Coach for Point Park’s women’s team and Chatham’s women’s team. It was coaching at the collegiate level where she learned her passion lies with youth soccer.

When the decision was made to transition Steel City FC over the Hotspurs, it was a natural fit for Jordan to continue helping with the women’s team. She has previously helped with Steel City FC which gave her a working knowledge of how the WPSL operates.

“I think all of the games this summer will have such a great energy about them because everyone will just be really happy to finally be back on the field competing after such a long year!” Jordan said as their talented roster continues to grow. She credits Marikaye and Tommo for helping with the off the field tasks like marketing the team, ensuring the atmosphere of home games will be top-notch, and providing the players with opportunities to influence the Hotspurs youth academy players.

“Everyone knows that Pittsburgh is a sports city, so growing the soccer culture here just makes sense!” Jordan mentioned. “We have some amazingly talented female soccer players in Pittsburgh, and while there are a lot of young girls involved in the game (and growing every year!), we do still need to grow the numbers of girls who start playing at a young age.”

She continued explaining that research shows people are more likely to believe they can accomplish something when they see someone who looks like them in that role. For example, if young girls only see male soccer players, coaches, or club directors, it is hard for them to see themselves achieving those things. When women take on these roles, it pushes the game forward. Jordan brought up how every time the USWNT brings home a World Cup, girl’s youth soccer registrations increase across the country – which is a step in the right direction, but still not where we want to be. Jordan hopes to see similar effects with the success of the women’s team.

Jordan talked about the excitement about getting back on the pitch. There is also a new First Team Experience (FTX) program lined up where youth plans can sign up for weekly sessions with first team coaches and players. All players get a full FTX kit with a first team jersey which will double as their season ticket for all men’s and women’s first team games.

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This summer is gearing up to be an exciting one. Being back on the pitch will provide a sense of normalcy, and hopefully, fans can come support the team! Make sure to follow the team on social media by following Hotspurs Soccer Club on Facebook and @pittsburghhotspurs on Instagram. Be sure to purchase a first team jersey (which doubles as a season ticket) and other Pittsburgh Hotspurs gear in the club shop: https://hotspurs-sc-club-store.myshopify.com/