Highlighting the future of women’s soccer

“Being able to provide a place where top female soccer players can play in front of big crowds and their community, and just the level of players all coming together on one team is really, really exciting,” Arrant said. (Courtesy of Marissa Lordahl)

As the whistle blew, tryout participants rushed onto the field, hearts pounding with hopes of earning a spot on Salmon Bay FC. With every pass, they pushed their skills to their limits, each eager to prove they had the skills to represent the team.

Head coach Malia Arrant sought players who blended competitive spirit with technical prowess. 

“I look for competitive players who want to give everything they have every time they step on the field, for players that find joy in competing and have fun while they’re playing,” Arrant said in a phone interview. “After that, I want smart players that make decisions in the game that are technically sound.”

Milly Bray, a Lincoln High School senior, credits her commitment to fitness as key to making the team.

 “Going to train when I didn’t want to to work on my fitness and health [helped],” Bray said in a phone interview. “More than just going to train for soccer, [I’m] also training to keep my body strong.”

Vice President Tiffany Mallick envisions Salmon Bay FC inspiring young athletes.

“We want to show that women’s soccer games can be exciting and fun to attend and inspire more girls to get involved in the sport,” Mallick said in an email interview. “If they see it, they can do it.”

Arrant agrees, noting that a high-level women’s team could motivate young athletes to dream big. 

“The more young girls can see women playing soccer at high levels and experience, [the more] they can dream about playing at that level,” Arrant said. “I think this team is very, very inspirational and and hopefully motivational for young soccer players who dream about moving on and playing in college or playing professionally.”

Bray echoes these sentiments, emphasizing that the team’s success could boost confidence among younger athletes. 

“I feel like if the team gets more popular, [it would be] obviously a positive impact to younger female athletes because they can watch people who are older and who are in college,” Bray said.  “If the younger female athletes wanted to play pro or wanted to keep playing, just seeing older girls who keep playing and are at a high level [would] be good [for them] to see.”

Arrant is thrilled to coach Salmon Bay FC, praising the team’s talent and the community support . 

“[I’m excited about coaching Salmon Bay FC because of] the level that the players are at and the communities and [also] the community support,” Arrant said. “Being able to provide a place where top female soccer players can play in front of big crowds and their community, and just the level of players all coming together on one team is really, really exciting.” 

 Bray, who previously trained with Arrant at Pacific Northwest Soccer Club, is excited to reconnect. 

“[I am] super excited, and I know some of the coaches and players from the past a little bit, so it’s nice to reconnect with them,” Bray said. “Also, I’m really excited because it’s near where I live, so my friends and family might come… and it’s going to be a high level of training and everything.”

Mallick is eager to offer opportunities for female athletes and witness the team’s improvement. 

“What excites me most about being Vice President of Salmon Bay FC is the opportunity to give back to women’s soccer and ensure that female athletes have access to opportunities I didn’t have,” Mallick said. “I want to empower the voice of female athletes and help influence positive change in the sport.”