The last five years have seen soccer take off in Tulsa, with Athletic, the Roughnecks and now Fortuna Tulsa.
Fortuna, named for the Roman goddess of fortune, begins its inaugural season in the Women’s Premier Soccer League on Friday night.
The team is stocked with current, former and potential NCAA Division I players.
"We’ve kind of dreamed of seeing these young ladies together all on the same field. How would that really be if it were to come to be? And right now, that opportunity is there and I think there’s a lot of excitement behind it and we’ll be looking forward to showcasing what we can do," said Coach Michael Wilson, who just led the Union High School boys soccer team to a 6A state title.
University of Tulsa four-time, all-conference first-team midfielder Rachel Blankenship said expectations are high, and that started at her first meeting with the coaching staff.
"They came in and they told me the game plan. The game plan is to make the final-four tournament. You know, the game plan is to win," Blankenship said.
Players have taught at youth soccer camps, visited Mayfest and participated in other outreach events to forge a connection with Tulsa before they ever take the field.
"I’ve just been very thankful to be a part of this team and just to experience just how well the community has opened to us and the city," Blankenship said. "So, I’m very excited to experience that more so as we play the games."
Fortuna’s 12-game season starts with Oklahoma City FC at the TU soccer stadium at 7 p.m.
