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1)
Lynn
Morgan appointed President of the WUSA, 2) Tony DiCicco named WUSA Commissioner. New
York (August 30, 2001) -- The Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
today unveiled plans to dramatically strengthen the innovative
league's long-term operations.
John S. Hendricks, Chairman of WUSA's Board of Governors,
stated: "All of us
on the WUSA Board of Governors utilized our time together in Boston
during the weekend of our historic first championship game to
carefully craft a new 5-Year Business Plan which (1) takes full
advantage of our experience in season one including documented fan
research; (2) maximizes
the league's use of all investor resources including cash funding,
television exposure, local team market promotions, and
administrative infrastructure support; and (3) incorporates a
strategy to develop integrated sponsorship opportunities which
deliver all of WUSA's considerable marketing assets to sponsors
including commercial avails, player appearances, event signage,
event promotional tie-ins, co-branded merchandise and promotional
items, and other benefits which associate this wholesome
and valuable league undertaking with the products and services of
our dedicated sponsors.
Since the time of our meeting in Boston, the WUSA Board of
Governors has also approved the management structure needed to
implement the new five-year Business Plan from a base of operations
in Atlanta utilizing the corporate infrastructure and resources of
Cox Enterprises."
League Headquarters Moves To AtlantaIn
a significant step to take full advantage of investor resources
during the League's formative years, WUSA announced that its
headquarters and all league-wide functions will be based in Atlanta,
drawing upon the considerable corporate infrastructure of Cox
Enterprises. Although
an "Atlanta
offers us tremendous community support and Cox Enterprises offers
us the enthusiastic involvement and support of one of
America's great companies. The
commitment by Cox to this league has been outstanding and their
cornerstone support for the league's central functions is a key
ingredient to making the WUSA a long-term enterprise," said
Amos Hostetter, member of the WUSA Board of Governors and a founding
investor in WUSA. Founding
player Julie Foudy commented, "I have witnessed firsthand what
a wonderful organization Cox is and what valuable contributions they
make in the communities across the country where they have
businesses such as in San Diego and in Atlanta. Our league and our players are very fortunate that Cox
stepped up to provide this extra support.
The other founding players
and I can't wait to be watching as little old ladies one day,
looking at what we've helped Lynn
Morgan Named President of WUSA Concurrent
with the approval of the league's headquarters move to Atlanta, the
WUSA Board of Governors approved the appointment of Lynn Morgan as
President of WUSA. Reporting
to WUSA's Board of Governors, Ms. Morgan assumes her position as
league chief executive immediately.
She will be based in Atlanta where she currently resides.
"Stars
shined on and off the field during WUSA's first season. I speak for all WUSA investors and founding
players when I say that Lynn Morgan was one of our greatest
off-the-field executive stars whose passion, intelligence, and
organizational skills were truly inspiring," said Hendricks.
As we transition our league from start-up to long-term
business, there was an individual we knew we could count on for
extraordinary leadership and that person is Lynn Morgan,"
Hendricks stated. During
WUSA's inaugural year, Lynn Morgan served as General Manager of Cox
Pro Sports and was responsible for the development and management of
the Atlanta Beat and the San Diego Spirit, two of WUSA's eight teams
Commenting on WUSA's move to Atlanta and the appointment of Lynn
Morgan as WUSA President, Jim Kennedy, Chairman and CEO of Cox
Enterprises stated: "Our company is proud to be a founding
investor in WUSA and we are delighted to provide corporate support
for the League's new home here in Atlanta. Today we also
congratulate Lynn Morgan on her selection by the WUSA Board of
Governors as the new President.
Her passion for the WUSA is visible to
everyone and will contribute greatly to her success." Lynn
Morgan stated: "To
participate in creating the long-term success of WUSA will be an
everyday honor for me. There
are challenges, to be sure, but the incredible spirit of the players
combined with the continued enthusiastic support of our investors,
sponsors, and fans gives me a great deal of confidence that we will
surpass our goals. I
thank the WUSA Board of Governors for giving me this very special
opportunity." Tony DiCicco Named Commissioner of WUSATony
DiCicco was named to the position of Commissioner of WUSA by the
WUSA Board of Governors. Reporting
directly to the Board of Governors, DiCicco will be responsible for
developing and coordinating the League's relationship with all
external organizations including U.S. Soccer, FIFA, NCAA, and
international organizations, as well as overseeing the competitive "As
WUSA's ambassador to the world of soccer and sports, Tony DiCicco
continues to be the passionate and dedicated leader who is the key
architect in building the league and in creating an international
groundswell of support for women's professional soccer," said
Hendricks. Founding
Player Carla Overbeck stated, "Tony has been with us from the
beginning. In a
way, he is still our coach, showing us the way to victory as we
build this league in an enduring fashion.
His tireless work for the league is so appreciated and all
the players join me in congratulating Tony in his appointment as
Commissioner." Barbara Allen Continues Advisory Support Through Headquarters Transition Period"We
were fortunate to have the services of Barbara Allen as our chief
executive officer during our critical launch year," said
Hendricks. "The
task was enormous... organize 84 games in 8 markets plus playoffs
with a professionalism that insured fan satisfaction... and Barbara
delivered on Barbara
Allen commented: "
It has been a privilege to work with the dedicated people who have
brought a dream to life -- from players to team and league staff to
investors. Through
determination, dedication, effort and passion, we have brought world
class soccer entertainment to our fans. On a personal level, it is
inspiring to celebrate women's athletic power while opening new
doors of opportunity for young women." Julie
Foudy and Carla Overbeck (members of the WUSA Board of Governors)
Comment On The League And New Long-Term Business Plan "Since
Carla and I unfortunately had no role on the field during
Championship Weekend (wait till next year), we were able to spend
long hours with the investors to develop a lasting approach to
building the WUSA," said Julie Foudy.
"WUSA continues to be an incredibly collaborative team
effort on the part of the Board of Governors and my confidence could
not be higher following our Board discussions," Foudy stated. Founding
Player Carla Overbeck stated: " Not everyone has the privilege
of participating in an activity that has the promise of producing
such a positive and lasting effect on our society.
It is this higher calling that has connected the players and
the investors in the WUSA. The mutual support
and respect between the players, the investors, and teams has been
so personally moving to me.
I could not be more proud of the league's first year
accomplishments... especially the support of the fans.
We are committed to building on these successes and I
continue to be amazed at the level of investment and passion by all
of our investors. This
is truly a great cause." The
WUSA Investor Group includes media giants AOL Time Warner, Comcast
Corporation, Cox Enterprises, Inc. and Cox Communications, Inc. as
well as individual investors John Hendricks and Amos Hostetter.
The
eight WUSA teams include the Atlanta Beat, Bay Area CyberRays,
Boston Breakers, Carolina Courage, New York Power, Philadelphia
Charge, San Diego Spirit and the Washington Freedom.
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