By Joey Johnston
TAMPA (April 14, 2025) — The Tampa Bay Sun FC, a first-year women’s professional soccer franchise playing in the USL’s Super League, has again pledged its community support by becoming a sponsor for the Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame, which will celebrate the game’s local history and heritage by inducting its first class this summer.
“We are so excited to be involved because we believe the mission of the Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame is so important for all of us,’’ Sun president and general manager Christina Unkel said. “The importance of preserving history is paramount because we’re celebrating the past people and organizations that created the framework many of us are building upon.
“We’re all focusing on the things that we have yet to achieve, the things we need to do, the things we want to do. But if we look back and know we’re part of something much bigger — and we’re standing on the shoulders of some real pioneers — that allows us all to be even more invigorated. So that’s why this Hall of Fame is so important to our organization. We’re now a part of that Tampa Bay soccer history. We’re completely in the moment, but every day is history for us because we’re blazing a trail with a women’s professional soccer franchise. The whole concept fits us so well and we are truly honored to be involved.’’
The TBSHOF, which will induct its first class during an awards dinner on Thursday, Aug. 14 at Tampa’s Higgins Hall, coinciding with the start of the Sun’s second season.
The TBSHOF has assembled support from group-ticket buyers and corporate sponsors, along with community members who have joined the Founders Club, a ground-floor opportunity for contributions to secure the honoring of Tampa Bay’s storied soccer history.
Perry Van Der Beck, a Rowdies legend and former U.S. National Team member who serves on the TBSHOF’s Board of Directors, said the organization was gratified by sponsorship support from the Tampa Bay Sun.
“To have the Tampa Bay Sun participate as a sponsor for the TBSHOF is quite an honor,’’ Van Der Beck said. “Although they are the newest sports franchise in this market, they have quickly captured the hearts of the locals. It’s fantastic to see so many girls wearing TB Sun gear and cheering on their team.
“Even more, these professional female players are instilling excitement and newfound possibilities in the minds of their young fans. The arrival of the Tampa Bay Sun has been so good for this community and for the game of soccer. We’re so proud to have their support.’’
Both organizations want to celebrate what’s best for Tampa Bay soccer history — while working toward all the good things that are yet to come.
