Women of SMBA 22 Up Close with the Women of San Diego Wave FC

The San Diego chapter of Women in Sports and Events recently hosted an event with NWSL club San Diego Wave FC called “WISE San Diego’s Power Play - Up Close with the Women of the San Diego Wave FC.” The event was highlighted by a panel discussion featuring the accomplished women of the new local NWSL team, who provide proof of Wave FC ownership’s early commitment to hiring and empowering women. The event took place at the Snapdragon Experience Center in Mission Valley, since the soon-to-be-completed Snapdragon Stadium will be home to San Diego Wave FC when it opens this Summer.

The women of the San Diego Wave FC from left to right: Karla Thompson, Jeanene Valentine, Ali Williams, Bailey Torrez, Michelle Gulino, and Samantha Rivera

WISE SD’s Power Play - Up Close with the Women of the San Diego Wave FC Panel:

Karla Thompson - Executive Director of Team Performance and Development

Jeanene Valentine - Sr. Director, Ticket Sales, and Premium

Ali Williams – Director, Brand & Community

Bailey Torrez - Head of Medical / Head Athletic Trainer

Michelle Gulino - Sr. Director, Corporate Partnerships

The women of SMBA ‘22 were in attendance to show their support and learn from the panel’s years of diverse experience in the world of sports, which ranged from athletic training to corporate partnerships to team development. The discussion was led by Samantha Rivera, who questioned the panel about working in the difficult, often demanding, but always exciting sports business industry. 

Women of SMBA '22 listening to the Wave FC panel at the Snapdragon Experience Center

Current Sports MBA student Sierra Garcia (SMBA ‘22) said, “It was incredible to hear about the challenges that these successful women have persevered through, the barriers that they have overcome, and the difference they want to make, not only in the NWSL, but in the sports business industry as a whole.” 

There was an empowering energy throughout the discussion as the women of Wave FC laughed, reminisced, and shared ambitions for the team’s debut year ahead. They reflected on the women who have mentored them, the love they share for women’s soccer, and what they hope to achieve this year. The overall goal for these determined women was clear: they all aspire to be a force of good for the game they love! 

Thank you to WISE San Diego and Gema Deleon, Interim President of WISE SD, for organizing this event, to the women of the San Diego Wave FC, and to Snapdragon Experience Center for hosting!