Demize Soccer Academy has taken another large leap within the Southwest Missouri communities by providing the first WPSL team in the area.

The SGF Lady Demize soccer team will provide additional opportunities for women to play at a high level while sharpening their skills during their summer break from collegiate play.

Competing in the Heartland Conference in the Central region, team ownership plans to avidly fight for a conference title against area teams: KC Courage, St Louis Lions, Elite Girls Academy (Nebraska), FC Wichita and Fire & Ice SC, the 2017 WPSL Champions.

Demize Director of Soccer Operations Chris Hanlon is working hard to get his squad ready for the upcoming season, with its home opener set for Saturday, May 25 against the St Louis Lions.

“It is an extremely exciting opportunity for ladies from the Southwest Missouri to be competing with some of the best players at this elite level in the nation,” Hanlon said.

And though the Lady Demize is new to the largest women’s soccer league in the world, no introduction will be needed for returning head coach Bruce Deaton. He is the director of soccer operations and women’s soccer coach at Evangel University in Springfield.

Deaton holds a USSF B license and a United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma and team ownership believes he will continue to provide a wealth of knowledge to propel the Lady Demize in the right direction this season.

“I am excited to help continue the growth and development of women’s soccer in Southwest Missouri with the onset of our first full season as a part of the WPSL,” Deaton said. “The quality of players at our area universities plus those players returning home for the summer should continue to elevate the level of our team this season.

“Training and working with this group of very talented players is exciting for me and something that absolutely helps me continue to grow as a soccer coach. I look forward to allowing the talent of these players to shine through during our 10-match season. I am hopeful that they will inspire the next generation of female soccer players, showcasing the potential that can be achieved through focused effort and hard work.”

The Lady Demize will play at Cooper Stadium within the Lake Country Soccer Complex, which is Southern Missouri’s only soccer-specific arena. Training sessions and tryouts will take place May 18-19 to round out the roster and get ready for WPSL play.