OLYMPIA, WA – The USL W League franchise in Olympia, WA announced Sunday the appointment of former professional goalkeeper and Reign Academy head coach Ben Willis to be the new skipper of the USL Women’s program at Oly Town. The Artesians went undefeated in 2023 and were the NW USL W League Champions including a number one seed in the United States as they clinched the national playoff under former head coach Chris Wells.
Ben Willis who is lauded by newly appointed Sporting Director Chris Wells and Artesian ownership has significant ties to local women’s soccer but also had the unique, recent experience of winning a national championship in USL League Two as an assistant coach with Ballard FC. ”Ben Brings Oly Town FC a great blend of high-level experience and energy” said Chris Wells. ”He’s been at the professional level, has a national championship and is in the college game currently. This will be a great step for the bright future he has as a coach.”
“I am really looking forward to bringing my enthusiasm and energy to this club to help this team win championships” said 2024 USL W Head Coach Ben Willis. ”I got a taste last year and I want to bring that feeling to Oly Town this year and years to come.”
Willis played his college ball at division one Gonzaga University as a keeper from Federal Way High School. The alum would post several collegiate accolades including All-WCC honors at keeper and an academic All-American. Ben would go on to a sizeable career in pro and pro-am soccer with the U23 Sounders, Lane United and two seasons of professional soccer with USL Championship club Rio Grande Valley FC (RGV FC).
“My favorite playing moment was my first pro game with RGV FC” said Willis. “It ended up being against the Tacoma Defiance in Tacoma with my entire family there to watch. Having everyone that supported me throughout my journey from youth soccer to the pros and seeing my dream come true was something I’ll never forget.”
Since Willis’ playing days he has been focused on coaching attaining multiple credentials including USSF C License and United Level 1 Goalkeeper Coach and currently coaches at youth academy Reign FC where he is a head coach as well as his two seasons with Ballard FC in 2022-23. He is also an assistant women’s coach in the NCAA with the University of Puget Sound. Willis has focuses in strength and conditioning following his degree in Kinesiology.
“My goal is to make our training atmosphere as close to the pro level as possible” said Willis. ”Player development is a top priority of mine and with development comes creating a team that is successful on the field. We will win games this summer and players will improve along the way.”
Jason Smith who is part owner and soccer director for Oly Town provided his thoughts on the new coaching signing, “when talking with Ben he had a great vision of the game and fantastic examples of how he planned to execute his vision at practice. This league is meant to grow potential players and Ben as a great plan to do just that.”
“The W League squad last year was one of the best in the country” said Willis regarding the 2023 Oly Town USL Women’s team. “Winning the league and being #1 overall seed in the playoffs is amazing. Last years team set the foundation for this years teams success.”
Sporting Director Chris Wells who oversees the development and future of USL soccer at Oly Town will work hand in hand with Head Coach Jason Dunn in the USL League Two and the USL W League side with Ben Willis.
“With the type of players Chris Wells brought in last year and what Ben Willis will add to the culture this season it should be an amazing 2024 season” said Smith. ”Athletes committing to Oly Town should expect to grow as a player under Ben. He has a calm coaching style and I’m sure everyone will enjoy the journey this summer.”
The Artesian women’s team in 2023 had over 40 division one athletes including national team players from Japan and the United States. Former OL Reign player Mariah Lee signed a top flight Australian pro league contract immediately following her club-leading 7 goals scored in 2023 for Oly Town in USL W league play.
Oly Town is awaiting the USL W League schedule for summer 2024 which is set to release the first part of February. The Artesians have yet to announce season tickets so make sure and follow @olytownfc on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (X) for upcoming news regarding USL soccer.
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