Denver Summit FC Brings Hope for Women's Soccer's Future in the City

Fans excited about the arrival of Colorado's first professional women's soccer team and the opportunities it presents.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:35pm

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Women's soccer is experiencing a surge in popularity across the United States, and that momentum has reached Denver. For the first time, Colorado's largest city is home to a professional women's soccer team, Denver Summit FC, which is making history not only for the sport, but also for the community. The rise of women's soccer in the U.S. can be traced back to landmark moments like the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, which helped pave the way for the Women's United Soccer Association, the first professional women's soccer league in the world. Though that league folded in 2003, the continued growth of the National Women's Soccer League and the arrival of Denver Summit FC have sparked excitement and hope for the long-term future of women's soccer in Denver.

Why it matters

The arrival of Denver Summit FC represents more than just soccer - it offers new opportunities and inspiration for future generations of athletes. The team's inaugural season is seen as a big deal for the university and players, with career opportunities in various avenues of the sport. Fans are already showing their support, with one local teacher becoming one of the team's biggest fans.

The details

Denver Summit FC is Colorado's first professional women's soccer team, marking a historic moment for the sport in the city. The rise of women's soccer in the U.S. can be traced back to the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, which drew record-breaking attendance and helped elevate the sport nationwide. Though the Women's United Soccer Association, the first professional women's soccer league, folded in 2003, the continued growth of the National Women's Soccer League and the arrival of Denver Summit FC have sparked excitement and hope for the long-term future of women's soccer in Denver.

  • The 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup drew a record-breaking 90,185 spectators to the Rose Bowl.
  • The Women's United Soccer Association, the first professional women's soccer league in the world, folded in 2003 due to financial challenges and low attendance.
  • Denver Summit FC is making its inaugural season in 2026.

The players

Jamie Leeburg

A physical education teacher at Dunstan Middle School in Lakewood and longtime soccer player who attended the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup game at the Rose Bowl.

Katie Hooker

The head coach of the women's soccer team at Metropolitan State University of Denver, who played professionally in the Women's United Soccer Association with the San Jose CyberRays before the league folded in 2003.

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What they’re saying

“I did go to the '99 World Cup game at the Rose Bowl, and what an experience. Watching 98,000-plus fans cheering for the United States women's team was phenomenal.”

— Jamie Leeburg, physical education teacher

“I've been in Denver for almost half my life, and during that time I would have given anything to be able to play in what I could call a hometown.”

— Katie Hooker, head coach of the women's soccer team at Metropolitan State University of Denver

What’s next

The Denver Summit FC team will play its inaugural season in 2026, marking a historic moment for women's soccer in the city.

The takeaway

The arrival of Denver Summit FC represents a significant milestone for women's soccer in Denver, offering new opportunities and inspiration for future generations of athletes. The team's inaugural season is seen as a big deal for the university and players, with the potential to open up career paths in various avenues of the sport.