Artesians Sign First USL Player from UW

January 28, 2023

OLYMPIA, WA – USL W League Head Coach Chris Wells does not waste time in the offseason. The Oly Town Artesians formally announced on Saturday the signing of division one, University of Washington women’s soccer player Hayden Crowley to the 2023 USL Women’s team. Crowley, a native of Richland, WA comes to Oly Town with a full freshmen year of Pac-12 collegiate soccer experience.

“We’re very excited to add Hayden to the USL W League” said Coach Wells who was hired less than a month ago to helm the Oly Town women’s soccer program. “It was important to us to add a player well known in Washington State first and she fits that perfectly as one of the best youth players the state has produced in recent years.”

Hayden Crowley comes decorated with a coveted 2021 Gatorade Player of the Year honors as well as 4A All State Co-Player of the Year award. Crowley was not only a standout in high school but also played youth soccer at Crossfire Premier. Her first year in purple and gold at the University of Washington she logged 438 minutes logging 65 of those against UCLA towards the end of the fall 2022 season.

“Hayden comes from a very high-level, competitive environment at the University of Washington and earned minutes as a true freshmen which is no easy feat” said W League Coach Rachel Ross. “I am excited for her to bring that playing experience and competitive mindset to Oly Town this season.”

Oly Town USL W League matches start in May 2023 with their inaugural season in a new expansion league which features 4 teams from the state of Oregon and the Artesians who are based out of Olympia, WA. The season runs till the beginning of July where top seeded teams have a chance to compete for the National USL W League Championship. The USL W (women’s) and USL League Two (men’s) features top college players from around the nation including a mix of current pro, former pro and elite level youth academy players.

“We are putting a lot of effort in making sure we not only bring in the best players playing in the state, but we bring back the best player from the state playing elsewhere” said Head Coach Chris Wells. “The state has an amazing soccer scene and we’re looking forward to displaying that.”

Follow Oly Town FC on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for daily updates as they prepare to announce the 2023 schedule, new stadium and season ticket packages. Learn more about the team by visiting their women’s soccer page at www.olytownfc.com and view their successful 2022 NWPL Championship win against new rival in the USL W League, Capital Atletica of Salem, OR.

Oly Town does not exist without amazing local businesses through sponsorship and donations from fans and followers around the region. Please visit our partner page to contribute to Oly Town’s soccer programs as well as their kid’s soccer camps.

Hayden Crowley | University of Washington | Freshmen | Forward