Six Athletes Experiencing First Professional Contracts in Zephyr’s Inaugural Season

October 2, 2024 – USL Super League (USLSL)
Spokane Zephyr FC News Release

In a season of firsts, many women’s soccer players across the country are experiencing their first professional contract.

With the kickoff of the USL Super League, at least 176 professional women’s soccer roster spots were created. This gave the opportunity for many athletes to sign their first professional contract without having to go abroad or be drafted into the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Spokane Zephyr FC has provided the opportunity for six athletes to sign their first professional contract. Makena Carr, Emma Jaskaniec, Hailey Coll, Wayny Balata, Julianne Vallerand and Alyssa Bourgeois are all experiencing their first professional season together.

Each athlete brings their own experience to the club and are excited to continue with their rookie season.

Makena Carr

Makena Carr spent three years at the University of Washington before transferring to Saint Mary’s College. In her senior year at Saint Mary’s, Carr was named All-WCC First Team (2023) and finished with a goal and two assists on the season.

When Carr signed her contract with Zephyr, one of the first people she informed was her former college head coach at Saint Mary’s, who had taken a chance on bringing her into the program.

“I told my Saint Mary’s head coach, Theresa Romagnolo, because she played a really big part in where I’m at today,” Carr said. “She took me in, and she instilled a lot of belief in me and so I’m really grateful and appreciate everything that she’s done for me.”

Carr did not know if she would play professionally, but after a successful senior season, she wanted to take the next step in her soccer career. The defender was drafted by Seattle Reign FC in the 2024 NWSL Draft. Carr signed her Zephyr contract in May.

“I never knew that I would actually get to this point,” Carr said. “And so I’m really proud of myself. So signing my first professional contract was super exciting.”

Carr started and played 56 minutes in Spokane’s inaugural match against Fort Lauderdale United FC which ended in a 1-1 draw. She has enjoyed her first professional experiences in Spokane.

“I love being here,” Carr said. “I love the team, I love the coaches, and everyone who’s involved here in the community. I’m super excited as we move forward with the season.”

Emma Jaskaniec

Emma Jaskaniec spent five seasons at the University of Wisconsin where she scored 37 goals in 91 matches prior to coming to Spokane. She was named Big Ten…