SEATTLE, Wash. — This summer marks a first for West Seattle: a women’s soccer team competing at the pre-professional level. West Seattle Rhodies FC is part of the USL W League, a national platform that brings together top collegiate & pre-professional players from across the country for a highly competitive summer season. The league has become a key step in the player development pathway, with many athletes advancing to professional careers in the NWSL, the USL Super League, and abroad.
For four members of the Rhodies’ inaugural roster, joining the team is more than just an opportunity to compete, it’s a return home.
Olivia “OS” Shih is a midfielder who played for the West Seattle High School Wildcats while attending Raisbeck Aviation High School, captaining the team her junior and senior seasons. This fall, she’ll begin her college career at UC San Diego, playing with the Tritons.
“Getting to put on the jersey feels like a full-circle moment,” she says. “I love that I get to share West Seattle with all my amazing teammates, and I am proud to represent the place I call home.”
Allison “Alli” Bennett, a defender, is a graduate of West Seattle High School, where she also captained the Wildcats. She now competes at the Division I level with Cal State Bakersfield, alongside two of her Rhodie-Roadrunner teammates.
“It’s a surreal experience,” she says. “I never envisioned that an opportunity like this could exist for us. There is so much love and excitement around the game of soccer in West Seattle, and being able to represent my hometown with such pride is truly a ‘pinch me’ moment.”
Audrey Cromett, a forward, grew up playing for West Seattle Soccer Club HSA Select, before playing at PacNW, eventually captaining Seattle Prep to a Metro League title her senior year. She now plays for Tufts University in Boston.
“Playing for my hometown USL W team is an experience unlike any other and one that I never thought I would get the opportunity to do,” she says. “Being able to look around the stands and see people I recognize from all parts of my childhood, former coaches, teammates, friends, and family, means so much to me. Wearing a jersey that says West Seattle is a tribute to all of them.”
Vivian Gaither, a defender, brings a rare full-circle connection to the Rhodies’ home ground of Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex, where she captained the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks for three seasons. She now plays collegiately at Quincy University in Illinois.
“[What stood out] was the incredible support at our first home match,” says Viv. “Seeing people I grew up with and so many familiar faces supporting us and having a great time watching soccer was indescribable.”
All four players are products of the West Seattle soccer community. They trained on neighborhood fields like Walt Hundley, Hiawatha, and SWAC. Now, they’re wearing the crest of a club that represents where their soccer journeys began.
That journey continues at a high level.
“Coach Lyndsey never fails to make training fun while keeping it extremely competitive,” says Shih. “Getting to play in this environment, surrounded by talented, high-level teammates, is definitely preparing me for my first collegiate season.”
“One moment that really stood out to me was coming home to my first training,” says Gaither. “I was so impressed and excited to see the quality and dedication to the sport that my hometown team has.”
Cromett echoes these sentiments: “Every practice is incredibly competitive, and without a doubt, every single person is working hard. I know that these trainings are preparing me very well for when I head back to Tufts because I am getting to play with girls that are a lot better than me. Coach Lyndsey and the rest of the team are pushing me to get better and are constantly raising the standards that have been set, which only makes me want to work even harder not only for myself, but for the team as a whole.”
Their presence on the Rhodies’ roster represents a milestone not just for the players themselves, but for the broader West Seattle soccer ecosystem. With a USL W League team now based in the neighborhood, local athletes have a clear path to high-level summer competition minutes from home.
“OS, Viv, Alli, and Audrey bring love and passion to the game every single day,” says Head Coach Lyndsey Patterson, a longtime Pacific Northwest soccer leader and former pro. “You can tell it means something special to them, like they’re carrying the pride of West Seattle every time they play. Their hometown has every reason to be proud.”
No matter where their college careers take them, OS, Alli, Audrey, and Viv have the unique opportunity to set the Rhodies standard in year one. They wear the West Seattle Rhododendron crest at every training, community event, and matchday with immense pride. Their presence on the field this summer is guaranteed to inspire the next generation of local players, many of whom will no doubt be in the stands at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex, dreaming of one day becoming Rhodies themselves.
“I would tell younger players to push themselves into new environments and not be afraid to feel uncomfortable,” says Alli Bennett. “Putting yourself into situations that challenge you, even if intimidating at first, will foster the most growth. Immerse yourself fully into the experience, both on and off the field. Most importantly, enjoy every single moment. This journey goes faster than you think, and the joy is in the process. Remember: you are your own toughest critic, so give yourself grace and be proud of yourself.”
“I would tell a young girl in West Seattle that with a little bit of effort, [playing for Rhodies one day] is absolutely attainable,” says Audrey Cromett. “West Seattle as a community has many resources, teams, and coaches that can help you get to where you want to go, and so I would just encourage them to put themselves out there and go for it.”
OS adds: “Focus on what you can control and keep up the hard work. Make every practice and game count, and never settle. Always push yourself to be the best you can be!”
West Seattle Rhodies FC will play three more home matches at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex this season, with their next matchup this Sunday, June 8th at 2pm against Tacoma Galaxy. Tickets and full match details are available at wsrhodiesfc.com.
