BEHIND THE BANNER
DALLAS TO HOST WBSC U-18 WOMEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CUP
BY: DAVID LEE
The WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup is coming to Dallas for the first time. Big D will host Group C, one of three in the group stage of the tournament with games being played from Aug. 29 through Sept. 2. at The Village Dallas.
The U.S. has hosted World Cup games just six times in the tournament’s history that dates back 42 years. This prestigious event will feature six teams from the USA, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, and the Philippines who have all earned their spots through continental qualification tournaments. The USA comes in ranked No. 1. Richard Baker, WBSC Media and Communications Director, detailed the new tournament format:
“In the past, we would have 12 teams in one location, and the event would occur every four years. Now we’ve got a four-year cycle with 18 teams participating, split into three groups of six.”
Dallas is the third host city in this new structure, following Group A in São Paulo, Brazil, and Group B in China. This group stage serves as the opening round of the World Cup, with a four-day, 15-game round-robin. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs on the final day, and the top two teams from each group will move on to the Finals which will take place in 2025. “These three groups are part of the group stage, the opening round,”
Richard explained. “For each of those group tournaments, two teams will book a ticket to next year’s finals.”
Andrew Dockrill, Director of Business Development for the Dallas Sports Commission, says the event is expected to attract passionate softball fans throughout the week. “It’s just adding to the historic event lineup,” he says of hosting the World Cup. We’re expecting international travelers such as the players’ families and friends to travel into the Dallas market, as well as local citizens who might have connections or ties to those international teams coming.”
The Village Dallas offers attractions such as restaurants, pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts, and more. “You’re not just buying a ticket to a stadium,” Andrew adds, “you’re buying a ticket to an entertainment district that allows you to spend more than just an hour and a half there for a game. You could spend the whole day there.”
For spectators, the atmosphere is expected to be electric, with high-quality games and various activities around the venue. Dallas is preparing to host an event that will not only highlight the skills of young athletes but also bring significant international attention to the city. The tournament will be broadcast live on WBSC’s OTT platform, attracting a global audience.
The top two teams will earn a spot in the finals, and two others will receive wild card spots. “It’s actually not a qualification tournament, it’s still a World Cup, but it’s over two years now.”
Richard clarified. This format not only allows more opportunities for national federations to host events but also promotes the sport globally.
“This age group are our future Olympians, and we’re looking ahead to L.A. 2028,” he emphasized about the players in the World Cup. “These will be the stars of tomorrow, especially with L.A. 2028 in mind.” Of the 90 softball players in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, 46 played in the WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup.
“With the pedigree and the quality of the structure and event facilities in the US, it was a no-brainer to include the USA as a host,” Richard said. This new format, by splitting the tournament into three different groups, provides more opportunities for national federations and host cities to host top events, making it more cost-efficient.
As Dallas prepares to welcome this global event, the local community eagerly anticipates the international spotlight it will bring, and the chance to witness future Olympians in action. The WBSC’s efforts in promoting softball through such a dynamic and engaging tournament structure ensure that the sport continues to grow within the US and thrive on the world stage.
Don't miss the chance to witness the future Softball Olympians battle it out for a chance at a world title. Secure your tickets HERE.
DALLAS TRINITY FC A NEW ERA UNFOLDS
BY: NANCY RODRIGUEZ
Dallas Trinity FC has officially arrived as the city’s first women’s professional soccer team, proudly reflecting the city’s diverse, enterprising, and passionate community. This historic moment opens doors for women’s soccer in Dallas, inspiring players of all ages and showing them that opportunities to become professional soccer players exist right in their hometown.
Trinity FC embraces the rich sports culture of the city, its commitment to promoting the game of soccer, its engagement with the community, and emphasizes the importance of discipline, practice and hard work that is required to become a professional athlete.
Trinity FC is more than a team, it is a family united by the passion for soccer. President Charlie Neil and his siblings hail from Dallas and were raised on the field and coached by their father. Charlie and his brother grew up knowing that there was an opportunity for them to aspire to be professional soccer players but his sisters did not.
After being surrounded by soccer his entire life, he has been closely connected to professional sports waiting patiently for the right opportunity, the right time, and the right place to launch Trinity FC.
“As a sport, as a market, and as a city, Dallas has progressed immensely and is the perfect business city for women’s soccer to be played,” Neil said. The introduction of the city’s first women’s professional soccer team to Dallas has raised many high expectations for both players and fans fostering a connection to the culture, past, present, and future of our city.
“We want to represent our community, we want fans to come out to our games and feel the reflection of Dallas and North Texas in the diversity that our market has and ultimately feel inspired by our players, their professionalism, their hard work, and determination,” said Neil.
Dallas Trinity FC features a talented roster of great professionals and leaders. That talent starts with General Manager, Chris Petrucelli, who brings a wealth of experience in professional soccer coaching and a feel for the city’s local market. Complimenting him is head coach Pauline MacDonald, a coach whose primary focus is player development, a huge factor and focus for the team. Her commitment will have a massive impact on the current players and in finding the future stars of the team.
“We have stories from our players having to play professionally overseas for years and have families that have never seen them play in person and now they get that opportunity,” said Neil.
Although, unfortunately, it took this long to establish a pro team in Dallas, it opens doors to recruit local talent who can now envision themselves playing in front of their families, in their hometown and striving to win championships. “We have players that are from North Texas that are getting to play professionally in their home market for the first time,” said Neil. The team has already secured signing from local talents including, Chioma Ubogagu (Coppell, TX), Enzi Broussard (Carrollton, TX), Cyera Hintzen (Garland, TX), Gracie Brian (Frisco, TX), Allie Thornton (Arlington, TX), Haley Berg (Celina, TX), and Hailey Davidson (Prosper, TX).
Dallas Trinity FC has had quite the take off since its launch in May, announcing its participation in the Division I USL Super League, set to kick off August.
The team has also welcomed Nike as the official kit supplier and NBC Universal’s Peacock as the official streaming partner for their matches.
Building a strong future for women’s soccer is essential, and Dallas Trinity FC is committed to the vision of growth. “It is immensely important for us to be active and involved with the community. I am such a believer in core memories and our players know that it is important to transcend the message that we do not only want to play an important role in the field but also play for more purpose than that” Neil said. Building a special connection with fans is vital, and Trinity FC plans to be highly accessible to the community, offering autographs and fostering loyalty and commitment to a city with a promising future for girls’ soccer.
“We want our audience to be a reflection of Dallas, we are going to have some very passionate fans from all over our city and our region and we are excited about all of those factors,” Neil said.
With just days until the first kickoff, the team is already planning for the future. “We want to be a vehicle for change and in the future start a foundation following in the steps of other Dallas professional teams who do such a great job of putting action behind their words,” said Neil.
Additionally, Dallas will serve as a host city for FIFA World Cup 2026 and Charlie Neil and Trinity FC recognize it as a huge opportunity for the team. “World Cup 2026 coming to town with nine games is such a great opportunity for us to take advantage of the spotlight soccer will have and in particular in this local market.”
Dallas Trinity FC is just days away from their inaugural match, which will offer a glimpse of what to expect for their highly anticipated debut at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium on September 7th. “If you are looking for fun, inspiration, cultural diversity, and exciting soccer make sure to come out to our games,” concluded Neil.
For more information about Dallas Trinity FC, including their schedule, tickets or merchandise visit DallasTrinityFC.com
2024 STATE FAIR CLASSIC
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
The pageantry of the State Fair Classic stretches beyond the field, including captivating halftime performances by the Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm and Grambling State University’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band. ALW Entertainment has secured Hip Hop legend Big Daddy Kane for a post-game performance. Gospel singer and songwriter Deitrick Haddon will perform a pregame concert.
During a hard time throughout the world, the Dallas Sports Commission hosted:
UPCOMING EVENTS
WBSC U-18 WOMENS SOFTBALL
WORLD CUP GROUP C
AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 2
THE VILLAGE DALLAS
NORTH TEXAS ROUNDUP (FENCING)
AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 2
DALLAS MARKET HALL
MEXICO VS CANADA | MEXTOUR
SEPTEMBER 10
AT&T STADIUM
STATE FAIR CLASSIC
SEPTEMBER 28
COTTON BOWL STADIUM
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
• WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup. Sign Up Here
WANT TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE FIRST TIME? SIGN UP IN OUR VOLUNTEER PORTAL, ROSTERFY!
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Ojesh
JOIN US AS MEXICO TAKES ON CANADA AT AT&T STADIUM
MexTour is coming back to AT&T Stadium! The final round of the Mexican National Team’s U.S. tour will be played at AT&T Stadium against the Canadian National Team on September 10, 2024. This match will preview the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup games coming to North America in 2026!
DALLAS-FORT WORTH
WELL REPRESENTED IN PARIS OLYMPICS
BY: BEN HARBUCK
North Texas has long been a breeding ground for Olympic talent, over 20 Team USA athletes have ties to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area and are set to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
As the world anticipates one of the most iconic sporting events of all time, we at the Dallas Sports Commission would like to celebrate the dedication and hard work of some of these exceptional athletes.
Sha’Carri Richardson, a proud Dallas native, holds the title of the fastest woman in the world. She will represent her country in the 100m and 4x100m relay, having secured first place at the Olympic Trials in June.
Last December, Richardson clinched gold at the World Championships in Budapest, setting a remarkable time of 10.65 seconds, just shy of Florence Griffith-Joyner’s long-standing world
record. Her journey from Carter High School’s local tracks to global acclaim has inspired the younger generation within Dallas.
Richardson recently received the honor of having her high school track named after her. In an interview with NBC 5 Richardson said, “I’m so honored, I will try not to cry,” - “I’m excited to continue to inspire my city because Dallas is the best.”
Another World No. 1 hailing from Dallas is Highland Park’s Scottie Scheffler who has qualified for the Paris Olympics in men’s golf. Scheffler recently won his second Green Jacket at the Masters back in April and triumphed at the RBC Heritage tournament in South Carolina.
Although Scottie is widely considered the best in his sport, he will now be able to add “Olympian” to his already decorated resume. After narrowly missing out on the Rio de Janeiro and the Tokyo Games, this will be his first Olympic appearance, joining Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark, and Collin Morikawa, forming a formidable Team USA lineup.
In a recent interview with Team USA, Scheffler gave insight on his feelings approaching Paris 2024. “Playing for your country is always extremely exciting and it will be surreal doing it on the Olympic stage. It’s also good bragging rights for people that tell me golf isn’t a sport — I can say it’s an Olympic sport.”
Chiaka Ogbogu, another North Texas star, won gold with USA Volleyball at the Tokyo Olympics and now aims for more success in Paris. At 29, Ogbogu is a seasoned player, having been part of the national team since 2018 and playing professionally in Italy, Poland, and Turkey.
Before her international career took off, Ogbogu was an All-American at the University of Texas-Austin, led her Coppell High School volleyball team to state titles in 2011 and 2012, and even spent one of her summers interning with us at the Dallas Sports Commission.
Now a vet of the USA Women’s Volleyball Team, Chiaka spoke about her mindset, just because she’s had previous success Ogbogu is not letting up this Summer. “We are all still working really hard,” She said. “You just don’t know. There is just so much talent on this team right now.”
The journeys of Richardson, Scheffler, and Ogbogu are just a few examples of the extraordinary talent from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. To see the full 2024 USA Olympic roster with ties to North Texas click here.
As they prepare to compete on the world stage, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of North Texas. To learn more about the entire North Texas contingent competing at the Paris Olympics click below. Tune into NBC or Peacock this month to cheer on our local heroes as they go for gold.
