The next stop on Erika Tymrak’s soccer journey isn’t too far from home.
Tymrak, the National Women’s Soccer League veteran and Lakewood Ranch native, was one of the first three signees to Tampa Sun FC. The club is one of eight teams that are a part of the USL Super League, a new professional women's soccer league that is set to begin its inaugural season in August.
“It's surreal, just kind of growing up in this community,” Tymrak said at the team’s first practice on July 5. “And this is kind of where I decided I wanted to take soccer to the next level. And the fact that I can come home and inspire the next generation and playing in front of the community I grew up in as a dream come true once in a lifetime, and I'm gonna cherish every second of it.”
For Sun head coach Denise Schilte-Brown, the trend of signing Florida-based talent like Tymrak was intentional. Schilte-Brown describes Tymrak as crafty on the field and a great mentor to her teammates off of it.
“I think she wanted to be in the area so much like myself,” said Schilte-Brown, who coached the USF women's soccer team for 17 years before taking over the Sun. “I think it was God just opening a door for her to continue to play the game that she loves, but in the city where she feels most supported and wants to live her life. So, it really came together for her to be here in Tampa Bay and play, and it was really just kind of meant to be.”
Tymrak, 31, was a five-year member of IMG Soccer Academy’s club team. She led the team to the 2008 U-18 semifinal and the 2009 Florida State Cup U-19 final. She was named a two-time IMG Soccer Player of the Year (2008 and 2009) and a three-time IMG Most Valuable Player (2005-2007).
She began her collegiate with the University of Florida and was an All-Freshman pick in 2009. She was a two-time All-American (2011-12) and three-time All-SEC First-Team selection (2010-2012) with the Gators.
As a pro, she was selected No. 11 overall by FC Kansas City in the inaugural NWSL College Draft. She played five seasons and was a two-time champion (2014, 2015) and 2013 Rookie of the Year.
The Utah Royals FC added Tymrak to its roster after FC Kansas City ceased operations following the 2017 season. She also played on loan for Germany's Bayern Munich and Australia's Melbourne City during the 2013-14 and 2016-17 seasons.
After retiring in 2020 at the age of 28, Tymrak returned to the NWSL a year later as a member of the Orlando Pride. She played for the Pride for three seasons until the two parties mutually agreed to terminate her contract.
Tymrak said she is looking forward to bringing a championship to Tampa and having her family nearby to watch her.
“I’ve been stressing out the front office like ‘Hey, I need 107 Tickets for the first game’” she said jokingly. “Which probably isn’t going to happen but I think it's a good sign that everybody wants to be part of this first season and come out in support.”
Tymrak and her teammates have worked to bond exploring the city and doing escape rooms together. She said it's like they’ve known each other “forever.”
Tampa Bay Sun FC will start their inaugural season on Aug. 18 in a match against Dallas Trinity FC. The game's start time has not been announced yet. The rest of the season schedule can be found on the team's website tampabaysunfc.com.
Local Tampa, FL
Most Popular
Comments / 0