Dallas Trinity FC Women's Soccer Team Inspires Future Generations
Practice sessions are intense for the Dallas Trinity FC women's soccer team, with forward Lucy Shepherd fully engaged. "We usually have an attacking day and then a defensive day," she explains, highlighting the structured approach that defines their training.
Shepherd's path to Dallas began in England, where she distinguished herself on the field from a young age. "I started around the age of 6," she recalls. "I grew up on a boys team. I was better than them. They gave me a bit of respect, but it was definitely a shock for a lot of the boys seeing a girl playing." Her transition to Texas has been marked by both challenges and triumphs.
Head coach Pauline MacDonald, who hails from Scotland, shares her own journey. "I'm from Scotland," she states, having moved to Dallas in mid-September last year. Her goal is clear: to make history with the region's first professional women's soccer team. "The inaugural season's been interesting. I think for everybody, just kind of going into the unknown can be a little bit potentially scary but exciting at the same time," she notes, reflecting on the team's unique position.
The support from Dallas sports fans has been palpable, according to Shepherd. "We've had big turnouts, which has been great to see, and we love seeing all the fans there—especially the season ticket holders who cheer us on from the stands every single game," she adds, emphasizing the community's enthusiasm.
Midfielder Gracie Brian, a local talent from Frisco, Texas, also feels the warmth of home support. "I'm super blessed because my whole family gets to come watch me and my grandma," she shares. The emotional connection is evident as she describes looking up into the stands at the Cotton Bowl and seeing familiar faces.
The team's mission extends beyond winning games; they aim to inspire young girls to envision themselves in professional soccer. "I was always looking toward male counterparts," MacDonald reflects. "I think for young players now, that visibility is huge." The presence of young girls in attendance at their matches reinforces this vision.
"To have women in sports who are out there working hard every single day, getting to go into the Cotton Bowl and watch that—it's awesome for these young players," Brian asserts, recognizing the impact of their role as athletes.
"There's no one that's ever done it before, so we're kind of paving our own way for the club and creating history," Shepherd states with pride. "I think that's really exciting, and it inspires a new generation." This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of their inaugural season.
As they prepare for their final regular-season match against Carolina Ascent FC on Saturday, the stakes are high. "If we win, we're in and we'll make the semifinals," Shepherd explains. The team is focused on progressing to the championship game on June 14, driven by their aspirations and the dreams they ignite in others.
In pursuit of a postseason berth, these pioneering women continue to demonstrate to young girls that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to, breaking barriers and setting new standards in professional sports.
