The Asheville Splash were a women's soccer franchise founded in 2001, and from 2003–2004 were members of the Atlantic Division of the USL W-League.
History
The team changed its name from the Blue Ridge Rapids in 2002 due to a trademark dispute with the Colorado Rapids. They played at Memorial Stadium in Asheville, North Carolina. The team folded after the 2004 USL W-League season. The team's mascot was an otter.
In 2004, the club's programs promoted a future men's team, the Asheville Slide, which was never founded.
Staff
- Ownership: Bernie Arghiere, Gabriele Beckman, Calvin Bennett, Gregg Condon, George Escaravage, Todd Escaravage, John Hepler, Mark Jordan, Steve Woody
- Managing partner, chief executive officer: Steve Woody
- Chief operating officer: Desmond Armstrong
- Media relations director: Bob Somerville
Former players
- Stacey Enos
- Lydia Vandenbergh
- Rebekah Fergusson
- Abby Crumpton
- Katie Roark
- Ricarda Nelson
- Izler Browne
Year-by-year
| Year | Div. | League | Reg. Season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | USL W-League | 4th, Atlantic | Did not qualify |
| 2004 | 1 | USL W-League | 3rd, Atlantic | Did not qualify |
Legacy
In 2018, Asheville City SC's newly formed women's soccer team hired Stacey Enos, who had captained the Splash from 2001–2003, as its inaugural head coach.
On June 19, 2021, Asheville City's women's side held a commemorative match marking the 20th anniversary of the Splash's founding. Icarus FC designed Asheville Splash throwback kits for the occasion.
References
- Page on Western North Carolina athletics on newcomer.com - mentions details about Asheville Splash
- ^ Burgess, Joel (July 15, 2017). "Dust bowl to frenzied fans, Asheville City Soccer Club heralds new era". Asheville Citizen-Times. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ Woody, Steve; Somerville, Bobby (May 4, 2021). "Asheville's beautiful game - Part 4 - Asheville Splash" (Interview). Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- Bell, Jack (June 30, 2003). "Hiccup for U.S. on Road to 2006 World Cup". The New York Times. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- "Soccer Assistant Lydia Vandenbergh To Participate in W-League Combine" (Press release). Florida State Seminoles. September 5, 2008. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- "24 Rebekah Fergusson". Duke Blue Devils. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- "Michigan Women's Soccer in the Pros". Michigan Wolverines. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- "Katie Roark". Duke Blue Devils. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ "PREVIEW: Trinidad & Tobago 2002 Gold Cup Squad". Soca Warriors (Press release). Concacaf. October 25, 2002. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- Steward, Kristy (May 5, 2018). "Asheville City Soccer women's team starts the season". Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- "Asheville Splash 20th Anniversary Jersey". Icarus FC. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
External links
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- Women's soccer clubs in the United States
- Defunct soccer clubs in North Carolina
- Defunct USL W-League (1995–2015) teams
- Sports in Asheville, North Carolina
- 2001 establishments in North Carolina
- 2004 disestablishments in North Carolina
- Association football clubs established in 2001
- Association football clubs established in 2004
- Women's sports in North Carolina
- Southern United States soccer club stubs
- North Carolina sports team stubs