Colorado Rapids Women News Release - www.coloradorapids.com/women
Monday, April 8, 2013
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - The Colorado Rapids are pleased to announce that Australian National Team member and 2012 Colorado Rapids Women Captain Brooke Spence will return to lead the squad for the 2013 W-League season.
Spence, a key member of the Brisbane Roar in the Australian W-League, played a crucial role in the Rapids Women success last season, leading the team as captain in its inaugural season. Head Coach and Australian native Daniel Clitnovici handed the captain’s armband to his fellow Australian and Spence never disappointed. She led the team from the center of the defense, playing in 12 games and scoring an important game-winner against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final game of the season.
Amy Snider, managing director of the Colorado Rapids Women, was extremely happy about the re-signing of Spence.
"We have rostered hundreds of players over the years of our W-League franchis; if I had to pick the ideal prototype of what we always wanted representing our Rapids Women, Brooke Spence is it!," she said. "She is a strong captain and leader. We are so excited to have a player of her level leading our team into the 2013 season."
Spence was asked a few questions by the Rapids media about the upcoming W-League season:
What is it that brings you back to the Rapids Women and to rejoin Head Coach Daniel Clitnovici’s squad for the 2013 W-League season?
“It was so fantastic to be a part of the Rapids family in the 2012 season and the challenge of going one better this year and earning a spot in the playoffs has definitely contributed to me wanting to throw on the maroon jersey again. Aside from the drive to want to be a part of the team and achieve more this season, I am really looking forward to the positive, hard-working football environment and the opportunity to be a part of an extremely special group of players, coaches and support staff.”
How do you think the 2013 season will differ from the Rapids’ inaugural season?
“We want to make the playoffs, raising the bar higher in terms of team performance and hopefully achieving our objective!”
How does playing in the W-League for the Rapids Women compare to other playing experiences you have had, such as with the Brisbane Roar and the Australian National Team?
“To be honest playing with the Rapids feels just as much like ’home’ as it does throwing on my orange jersey back in Australia for the Roar. I am proud to be a Rapid and honored to have been offered the opportunity to develop myself as a footballer [and person] and hopefully lift and encourage those around me to do the same.
In terms of football - I think Australia and America both bring that ’never say die’ fighting spirit when they step on the pitch as well as a highly athletic edge and intensity to the way we play.”
How important is it to have a core group of players, like yourself, who are returning from last season’s team?
“I think it’s extremely important to have a core group of girls that have stuck together and returned to play... It will give us a chance to build on our performances from last season and develop our combination play on the pitch. It is also fantastic to see some of the U-20s making their senior appearances as well as some new faces around the team lifting the standard and ensuring the club is moving forward. I can’t wait!"
The Rapids Women kick off their season on May 25 with the “Derby” Home opener against the Colorado Rush. For more Information about the Colorado Rapids Women please visit their website at: www.coloradorapids.com/women and also, keep an eye on the Colorado Rapids Women’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/corapidswomen.