Leading up to the inaugural USL Super League season kicking off this weekend, we’re dropping five facts about each club. Up next is Tampa Bay Sun FC.
1. The club’s name came from the community
Tampa Bay supporters submitted over 2,500 name ideas for the club last year. Nine of those submissions were for “sun,” which the club felt embodied the essence of the people of the city. During small group meetings with fans, the Sun was represented simply as a lined drawing, and referenced in countless ways, from light to energy, to the glorious weather that draws people there.
2. The first announced Super League signees play for Tampa Bay Sun
Tampa Bay Sun FC announced the first-ever Super League signings in April with the trio of Ericka Tymrak, Jordyn Listro and Domi Richardson. All three players made a name for themselves in successful college programs before starting impressive and decorated careers in the NWSL. Learn more about Tymrak, Listro and Richardson here.
3. The Sun plays home matches at the renovated Riverfront Stadium in Downtown Tampa
Tampa Bay Sun launched more than $6 million in transformative upgrades to the riverfront stadium in Downtown Tampa that will serve as the team’s first home. The renovations will include multiple enhancements, including increasing seating from 1,800 to more than 5,000. Tickets for the home opener against Dallas Trinity on Sunday, August 18 can be purchased here.
4. Former USF coach Denise Schilte-Brown is at the helm for Tampa Bay Sun
Head coach Denis Schilte-Brown joined Tampa Bay Sun after completing her 16th season as head coach for nearby University of South Florida. Schilte-Brown led the Bulls to six straight AAC championships and to eight NCAA Tournament appearances. She finished her career at USF with a record of 174-91-41.
5. Christina Unkel is Tampa Bay Sun’s club president
Tampa Bay Sun club President Christina Unkel, J.D, M.B.A is an entrepreneur, legal attorney, multi-business owner, and sports tv analyst/journalist. As a past NCAA collegiate soccer athlete and former FIFA referee, Christina has spent the past 15 years working and performing at the highest professional, international, and collegiate levels of the soccer game among the elite players and industry professionals of the world.
Follow along with Tampa Bay Sun this season on Twitter/X and Instagram, and find the team’s full Fall schedule here.