Spokane Zephyr inspires local female athletes

SPOKANE, Wash.-- Saturday is one of Spokane's most anticipated days of the year.

Spokane Zephyr kicks off its inaugural season at ONE Spokane Stadium Saturday night at 6. This is the first time Spokane will be hosting its very own women's professional game in any sport.

"We're grateful for our physical health and the ability to be here, but also just grateful for a community that embraced us so early on," said Izzy Nino, Zephyr Goalkeeper. "Sometimes it takes time to kind of earn that support by winning on the field, but to know that Spokane has our backs right away is really special."

To make the game even more special, the team invited young soccer players from the community to line the field ahead of kickoff—over 400 to be exact!

"It's super cool to see my opportunities maybe past high school past college, and really see the opportunity its given me to look even further in my career," said Jennah Wanner, Spokane Shadow midfielder.

Spokane Shadow is a local girl's soccer club team. They are amongst some of the players invited to line the field.

"It's a really big deal for me and a lot of other young athletes because to see these girls and so many people come together is just super cool. Especially, for the first women's professional sport in Spokane," said Avery Davidson, Spokane Shadow midfielder.

A truly inspiring experience for so many local soccer players.

"It's just so exciting for young girls to get to look up to these players with it being so close," said Quinn Mueller, Spokane Shadow midfielder.

As for Spokane Zephyr's mindset going into tomorrow's game against Fort Lauderdale United...

"Prepare for the big lights and for the big crowd, and embrace that positively and not let it get to us," said Nino.

If you want to purchase tickets to Saturday's historical game, click HERE.

Tomorrow's game against Fort Lauderdale United starts at 6 p.m., at ONE Spokane Stadium.

If you are going to tomorrow's game, remember there is a clear bag policy and all concession stands inside the stadium are cashless. For more on what you need to know before you go,  click HERE.

COPYRIGHT 2024 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.