Four local players to join Racing Louisville W-League team

While the Pittsburgh Riverhounds wait another year for the USL W-League to come to town, four players are heading down to Kentucky to compete this summer in the W-League with Racing Louisville.

Racing Louisville competes in the National Women’s Soccer League, but began their USL W-League side two years ago. Four local players are joining the team, including two University of Pittsburgh starters: Sarah Schupansky and Ellie Coffield. The elder Coffield will be joined by her younger sister, Piper Coffield, a defender from Indiana University. Rounding out the group is returning Racing Louisville W-League participant Tessa Dellarose, who competes at the University of North Carolina.

There are 32 players on the Racing Louisville W-League roster, including 19 of the club’s own Academy players and 13 collegiate athletes. Other schools with players on the team include Ohio State, Louisville, Syracuse, Minnesota, Virginia Tech, North Carolina and Pitt.

Schupansky led the Pitt Panthers in goals last season with 11 goals and 14 assists in 24 matches, including post-season and NCAA Tournament play. The forward started 22 of her 24 appearances. Meanwhile, Coffield added eight goals and four assists to her numbers last year, anchoring the midfield. She started 17 of her 24 appearances.

Coffield told Pittsburgh Soccer Now that she’s excited for high-level competition ahead of her senior year with Pitt.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to play with the Racing Louisville W-League team this summer,” Coffield exclusively told PSN. “Heading into my final collegiate season, I wanted to play at the highest level to make the very most of my senior campaign. Also getting to take the field with my sister again is something I couldn’t be more thankful for! I look forward to seeing how much she has progressed as a player and know that we will push each other in great ways throughout the summer in preparation for the fall.”

Dellarose started three of her 23 appearances last year, and scored once. She also added two assists in her sophomore season for the Tar Heels. In her freshman year, Piper Coffield started all 19 of her appearances for the Hoosiers, scoring three goals and adding two assists as a defender.

The Heart of a Panther Award is presented to the student-athlete who best embodies the spirit of service through the Pitt Promise and is involved in the community beyond what is expected.

Your 2024 winner is Ellie Coffield from @Pitt_WSOC!#H2P pic.twitter.com/8qLXofNwYj

— Pitt Panthers (@Pitt_ATHLETICS) April 8, 2024

Full Racing Louisville W-League Roster (2024)

*(club/college)

Goalkeepers (3): Amber Brandon (Racing Academy), Hannah Hayden (Racing Academy), Emma Teague (Racing Academy)

Defenders (11): Tate Blincoe (Racing Academy), Piper Coffield (Indiana), Cierra Collins (Syracuse), Tessa Dellarose (North Carolina), Allie George (Virginia Tech), Trista Morris (Racing Academy), Katelyn Rowlett (Eastern Kentucky), Erica Skrodzki (Racing Academy), Avery Snead (Indiana), Adison Welsh (Racing Academy), Ava Wilson (Racing Academy)

Midfielders (11): Sophia Boman (Minnesota), Ellie Coffield (Pitt), Breanna Dardano (Racing Academy), Makayla DeMelo (Long Beach State), AG Gibson (Racing Academy), Ava Hendrick (Racing Academy), Betsy Huckaby (Louisville), Taylor Morris (Racing Academy), Molly Richards (Racing Academy), Cooper Stiefvater (Racing Academy), Lillia Work (Racing Academy)

Forwards (7): Avery Allen (Racing Academy), Caitlyn Chase (Racing Academy), Brooke Dardano (Louisville), Lilly Lund (Racing Academy), Brunella Pilati (Racing Academy), Amanda Schlueter (Ohio State), Sarah Schupansky (Pitt)