Our Story
Origin
The Women’s Soccer Club, Inc (WSC), established in 2000 in Southeast Wisconsin, is not just a testament to the love of soccer, but also a story of resilience, community, and empowerment. Founded by Ginny McCullough, alongside her friends, countless volunteers, and passionate members, the WSC stands as a beacon of hope and strength for women everywhere.
Ginny’s journey to founding the WSC is nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up in a large family of seventeen children and graduating from Marquette University in 1986 as a Nurse, Ginny settled in Milwaukee with her husband, Tom. Together, they welcomed their first child, Leo, who faced significant health challenges from birth, including a stroke and epilepsy. The years that followed were filled with relentless medical interventions, including a critical brain surgery for Leo when he was 12. This period was one of immense stress and uncertainty for Ginny.
Leo’s courage and resilience in facing his health challenges have been a source of inspiration. Despite the obstacles he continues to overcome, Leo’s spirit embodies the very essence of the WSC — courageous, kind, and resilient. It’s a poignant reminder that sometimes, it’s the most challenging moments in our lives that lead to the creation of something truly remarkable.
Leo McCullough (age 18)
In these trying times, Ginny’s husband, Tom, suggested she play soccer as a means of stress relief. Despite never having played the sport and being 37 years old at the time, Ginny quickly realized the limited opportunities for women like her to engage in soccer. This realization led to the birth of the WSC, with the help of Nancy and Pat. What started as a small circle of 19 friends coming together to support Ginny, transformed into a robust, inclusive community.
The club became Ginny’s sanctuary — a place for stress relief, physical fitness, and emotional support. It was where she forged new friendships and grew in confidence. Through this journey, Ginny not only helped herself but created a space where countless other women could find similar solace and empowerment.
A Legacy of Strength & Hope
From its humble beginnings, the mission of WSC has always been to provide a platform for adult women’s soccer, irrespective of experience, skill level, or background. Over the years, this mission has taken on a deeper significance. As the club grew, so did its impact. WSC has become a place where women not only play soccer but also forge lasting friendships, build confidence, and find a supportive community.
In the face of adversity, WSC has always stayed true to the vision of its founders. The club was born out of a need for an inclusive space where women could not only play soccer but also find support and camaraderie. Over the years, despite various challenges, we have never strayed from this core mission. Our commitment to creating a welcoming and empowering environment for all women has been the cornerstone of our longevity and success.
The journey of WSC has not been without its ups and downs. We have faced financial hurdles, logistical obstacles, and the ever-changing dynamics of community sports organizations. Yet, through every challenge, the club has emerged stronger, thanks to the collective effort and passion of our members. Each obstacle has been an opportunity to innovate, adapt, and strengthen our bonds.
One of the key factors in navigating these challenges has been our strong sense of community. Our members have always been more than just players; they are supporters, friends, and advocates for each other. This solidarity has been our greatest strength, allowing us to overcome difficulties that might have deterred a less united group.
As we celebrate two decades of WSC, we reflect on the countless moments of joy, triumph, and personal growth experienced by our members. Our story is not just about playing soccer; it’s about the hope and strength found in being part of something bigger. It’s about the laughter shared on the field, the support offered off the field, and the sense of belonging that comes with being part of the WSC family.
A Vision For The Future
Looking towards the future, WSC envisions a world where the values of our club — inclusivity, empowerment, and community — reach even further. We see a future where our impact transcends the boundaries of the soccer field, inspiring women to take on leadership roles, engage in community service, and advocate for positive change in all areas of life.
We dream of a future where the lessons learned on the field — teamwork, resilience, and determination — are echoed in every aspect of our members’ lives. Our vision is to create a legacy that goes beyond soccer, one that empowers women to realize their full potential in every endeavor.
As we look ahead, the possibilities are boundless. We envision a club that continues to grow, reaching more women and making a more significant impact in our community and beyond. The future is unwritten, and it’s up to us, the members of the Women’s Soccer Club, to continue the legacy that Ginny and her son started — a legacy of strength, unity, and relentless pursuit of our goals, both on and off the field.
The future of WSC is not just a dream; it’s a journey we embark on together. Every kick, every goal, and every new member adds to our story. We invite you to be a part of this journey, to contribute to our growing legacy, and to help us shape a future that reflects our shared values and aspirations. Together, we can create a future that is as bold and inspiring as the women who make up the Women’s Soccer Club.
