After nine years, two different professional leagues, three re-organizations, and countless game day operations headaches, Louise Waxler has decided to resign her post as the Director of Operations for the Freedom.  “It is incredibly difficult for me to leave, but [Freedom President and General Manager] Mark has put together a great front office team, and I know I’m leaving the Freedom in good hands,” Waxler said in her announcement to the Freedom staff earlier this week, “It is time for me to pursue the next challenges that are knocking on my door.”
 
Louise began with the Washington Freedom at its inception in October 2000 with the launch of the first ever women’s professional soccer league, the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA).  During the three years of the WUSA, Louise served as the Director of Game Day Operations and Grassroots Outreach, responsible for managing all game day logistics while serving as the team liaison to youth soccer clubs in the greater D.C. metropolitan area.   In September 2003, when she received the call that the WUSA would be suspending operations, Louise was in disbelief.  “I remember feeling like the wind had just been knocked out of me.  It was a day I will never forget.”
 
However, Head Coach Jim Gabarra and Assistant Coach Clyde Watson had a vision of keeping the Freedom alive by integrating the organization with youth soccer, creating a senior amateur team, and creating a strong foundation for the future.  “I was fortunate that Jim and Clyde approached me and offered me the opportunity to help execute their vision,” recalled Louise. She never had any doubts that women’s professional soccer would be back and was excited to support the efforts of Jim and Clyde for six years with the Freedom.  “I absolutely expected women’s professional soccer to return, but it was a very long six years waiting!”
 
With the announcement of the launch of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) in 2008, Louise was ready to get back in the professional game.  “The Washington Freedom soccer club grew stronger each year waiting for the return of professional soccer, and we knew we were ready.” Resuming her post as the Director of Operations, Louise was frequently called on by other teams for her expertise and experience.  But the best part of the return of women’s professional soccer for Louise?  “There is no better feeling than to experience the excitement of the fans on that [inaugural game] day who continued to support us and remain committed to the Freedom. We truly have the best fans in the world.”
 
Commitment to the Freedom has been a hallmark of Louise’s career for nearly a decade.  Despite operating her own sports management company, launching and managing Kicks Against Breast Cancer – her charity that raises money and awareness for breast cancer research through soccer, and serving on numerous local soccer boards, Louise Waxler has become synonymous with the Freedom to many involved in D.C. soccer.  “The Freedom is where I began my career in professional sports, and it will always be a part of me.  I will continue to do whatever it takes to support this organization and this league.”
 
As for the Freedom, they will continue to march into the 2010 WPS Season without their “office mom”, but they know that Louise won’t be too far away.  “We wish Louise all the best,” said Freedom President and General Manager Mark Washo, “and she knows that she has an open invitation to attend any Freedom game.  If anyone deserves an open-ended VIP credential, it’s Louise!”  
 
Head Coach Jim Gabarra summed it up best, “It will be strange not having Louise here on a daily basis, but she will always be part of the Freedom family. Louise has passionately served the Freedom for the past nine years, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”