I am writing today on behalf of the players of the now former Washington Glory. For those of you who don’t know, the Washington Glory is a Professional Women’s Softball team that belongs to the National Pro Fastpitch League (NPF).

The Glory first came to the DC area in the spring of 2007 joining the NPF as an expansion team. During their inaugural season, which was played at George Mason University , the Glory not only claimed the NPF Regular Season title, but won the 2007 National Pro Fastpitch World Championship.

During the 2007 season, the Glory quickly developed a fan base, initially stemming from the local softball community, but grew in popularity as a friendly environment not only for families, but for sports fans in general. The stadium was filled with energy and fans were provided access to the players and coaches for autographs and photos for everyone in attendance after every game.

The immediate on-field success of the Glory played a great role in building the team, but more importantly, the Glory had an immediate impact on the community. Young softball players from all around the DC, Virginia , and Maryland areas, instantly found positive, female role models to look up to and learn from. The youth of our community had professional athletes that they could have direct contact with and aspire to be.

After winning the championship in 2007, the Glory returned for 2008, but had to temporarily relocate to Westfield High School in Chantilly, VA as George Mason’s softball field was undergoing major renovations and upgrades in anticipation for the Glory’ return in 2009. The Glory once again proved to be one of the best teams in the NPF making it to the championship game for the second year in a row, falling to Chicago , and finishing the season as runner-ups.

At season’s end, the Glory was faced with negative financial and business issues but remained hopeful as an outside group became interested in taking over the team. Although I do not know the details of the deal, the potential new ownership sought to bail-out the previous owner in a very difficult transaction. After several months of negotiation, the players and coaches were informed that the deal was finally going to happen, and we would have new ownership for 2009 with guaranteed financial support.

Just weeks ago in February, the excitement for the upcoming season began to grow. Players and coaches were being organized for the 2009 season, and the college draft provided even greater potential depth to our dominant roster. The Glory had negotiated with three U.S. Olympians who competed in Beijing last summer, along with many of the core players who made up the Glory of the first two seasons. With a brand new field, the return of a consistent coaching staff, and a star filled roster, the Glory were to report for the start of the season on May 23, 2009 under new ownership.

This brings us to date, and where the dream has been halted. On Friday, April 10, 2009, the Glory players and staff received an email from the group that once hoped to purchase the team, stating that they had rescinded there offer to purchase the Glory. Although we received only minimal details, the email explained that excessive debt from the previous owner as well as other complications were too great to absorb.

The players and coaches have now been left with no team or answers. I have received emails, calls, and texts, from many of the players who are in disbelief and heartbroken. They just can’t believe there are no other options and that their dream has been ripped away on such short notice. These women don’t play for the money or endorsements, they play for the love of the game, and to give hope and create opportunities for those who follow. Salaries range from $1,000-15,000 for the entire season. All of us have made huge sacrifices to be a part of this and do something special.

Being a part of the development of our sport and women’s athletics, we have come to expect challenges and realize that it isn’t always an easy road. But we don’t have to accept it, nor do we have to give up. The purpose of this letter is to reach out to our community and create awareness of the situation. We owe it to ourselves, the many fans, young softball players, and those to come, to stand up and spread the word to gain support for the Glory, whether it be immediately, or for the future.

Please pass this on to anyone you can that might be able to offer advice, give us support, lead us in the right direction, or help in any way. I have attached what would have been our 2009 roster this year. You will recognize many of the names as they are Olympians, College World Series Champions and participants, NPF award winners, and local athletes.

As it stands now, the NPF league owns the name, logo, and marketing rights for the Glory. There is no official team operating under the name of the Washington Glory. I am volunteering myself to help pass along information and be a contact if you wish to reach out to us. We appreciate anything you can do for us.

Beyond Sports and The Softball Network have created a discussion group for the 2009 Glory. I am working closely on this website as the Softball Director for Beyond Sports. My goal is to create a site that can connect the entire softball world at all levels of the sport. We are hoping to find ways to generate revenue through this site that can benefit the NPF and the Glory as well. You can find the site at http://www.thesoftballnetwork.com. I encourage you to check it out, sign up, and join the Group titled “2009 Washington Glory Discussion Group”.

Thank you,

Erin Goettlicher
Washington Glory – 2007 NPF Champions
Assistant Coach (2007-2009)