If you’ve been following the sports scene in Spokane recently, you’ve likely noticed a buzz in the air thanks to USL Spokane. Developing this new soccer club has been a labor of love from its ownership team, and has brought new energy to the local sporting community. What sets it apart for soccer fans is the genuine sense of connection between the players, the fans, and the city itself, and of course, the stunning One Spokane Stadium. Spokane’s newfound love for soccer has a raw authenticity that is hard to find in bigger markets like Seattle or Portland, and it has residents clamoring for season tickets.
These new teams have brought some serious talent to the table to drive the mission of bringing professional soccer to the region, from the talent on-field to the people behind the scenes making it all happen. Meet the Director of Sporting and Community Engagement for USL Spokane, Reilly Harnetiaux, who has helped build a community-centered foundation for both the Velocity and Zephyr teams.
On our latest podcast, she shared about the game-changing arrival of not just one but two professional soccer teams—Velocity and Zephyr! Reilly shares how you can embrace Spokane’s soccer culture, get involved with USL teams, volunteer, or even partner with them to help this popular sport continue to make a positive impact in our local community.
The USL Spokane Revolution
USL Spokane has grown from a three-person operation into a thriving sports powerhouse, making waves both on and off the field. Spokane’s brand-new stadium has become a showstopper, drawing admiration from players and visiting teams alike. Opponents can’t help but snap selfies, capturing the stunning backdrop of the Spokane skyline. It’s a true testament to the region’s commitment to sports, and it provides a home-field advantage that’s as intimidating as it is inspiring.
Rob Peterson, our special co-host and longtime USL fan, joins the conversation to share his first-hand experience attending his first USL game in 2024. Sitting in the 200-level seats, he marveled at the panoramic view of the pitch, an advantage unique to soccer compared to other fast-paced sports like hockey. The slower buildup and explosive moments create an unmatched energy that electrifies the entire stadium. Soccer’s rhythm may be methodical, but when that goal-scoring opportunity arises, the intensity is off the charts!
Bringing Pro Soccer to the Northwest with USL Spokane
Launching Velocity and Zephyr was a massive undertaking. Reilly takes us behind the scenes of this multi-year effort, which started as a bold idea during the uncertainty of COVID-19. The vision was spearheaded by Katie and Ryan Harnetiaux, Spokane natives with deep roots in the community and a lifelong passion for sports. What began as a family discussion quickly turned into a groundbreaking movement to establish Spokane as a premier soccer destination.
Building the teams from scratch required assembling the right people—not just soccer experts but community-minded leaders who understood Spokane’s culture.
The hiring process was meticulous, ensuring every team member embodied strong values, deep community ties, and a passion for growing the game. Spokane’s die-hard sports culture proved invaluable, with fans eagerly supporting the teams even before they had names. The 509 Syndicate, the local supporters’ group, was on board from day one, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every step of the journey.
Community Engagement Beyond the Game
As Director of Sporting and Community Engagement, Reilly plays a key role in connecting the teams with the broader Spokane community. Her work goes far beyond the pitch, bridging the gap between the teams and schools, hospitals, nonprofits, and youth soccer organizations. Whether it’s organizing player visits to local soccer camps, collaborating with Thrive International, or engaging in community service initiatives, USL Spokane is committed to making a lasting impact beyond matchday.
As someone who’s deeply involved in community building, Reilly knows that Spokane is different. And when it came to bringing these soccer teams to town, she wasn’t just looking at the on-field success. She was focused on how the teams would integrate into Spokane’s culture, how they would become a part of the fabric of the community.
“My role is to be the connecting piece between the teams and the community,” she says. “Whether it’s schools, hospitals, nonprofits, or youth soccer clubs, those are the people we’re trying to connect with. We’re out there making sure that our players are visible and engaged in the community. Our players are incredible on the field, but their impact off the field is just as important.”
For Reilly, the community outreach is as much a part of the team’s identity as the soccer matches themselves. From organizing player appearances at local youth soccer tournaments to working with organizations like Thrive International, she ensures that the athletes are not only playing in Spokane but becoming a part of its heart.
One of the most inspiring things Reilly has learned in her time with USL Spokane is how soccer transcends the sport itself. “Soccer is not just a sport,” she explains. “It’s the world sport, and it has the power to unify all different kinds of communities. That’s something I’ve witnessed firsthand, and it’s been incredible.”
Soccer’s unifying power isn’t just felt in Spokane’s diverse fanbase—it’s also evident in the way the players connect with the local community. Many of the players have come from countries far away, and for them, Spokane is a new experience.
“When we onboarded Andre Lewis from Jamaica, he came in the middle of winter,” Reilly laughs. “I remember him saying, ‘It’s cold,’ and we were all like, ‘Yeah, we know!’ But that’s part of the beauty of Spokane. These athletes come here, and they are embraced by the community. They see the genuine love that Spokane has for soccer, and it leaves a lasting impression.”
For Reilly, the true measure of success isn’t just how the players perform on the field; it’s the lasting relationships they build off the field. “What’s really special is that the players ask to do more. They volunteer with organizations. They connect with fans. And the best part? They do it because they want to, not because it’s part of their job. They want to make a difference, and we’re there to facilitate that.”
The USL Spokane Soccer Experience
When you attend a game in Spokane, there’s something different in the air. It’s not just the close proximity to the action or the enthusiastic fans—it’s the feeling that you’re part of something bigger than yourself. The stadium is alive with energy, and every goal, every save, every play feels like a victory not just for the team but for the city as a whole.
“There are no bad seats at our games,” Reilly says with a smile. “Whether you’re sitting in the bleachers or standing by the goals, you’re right there with the players. You feel the intensity. You feel the sweat. It’s an experience you can’t get anywhere else.”
The accessibility of the games is another key factor that makes Spokane’s soccer scene stand out. “We want our games to be accessible to everyone,” Reilly explains. “From season tickets to single-game tickets, we have options for all kinds of fans. And we’re also doing more community events that are open to the public, where people can come out, meet the players, and get involved.”
It’s clear that Spokane’s soccer culture is built on the foundation of accessibility and inclusion.
The players are invested in Spokane’s success both on and off the field.
One memorable moment was when a Zephyr player took off her jersey after a game and gave it to a young fan in the stands. The gesture left a lasting impression, and the fan’s mother later reached out to Reilly, saying, “You don’t even know what this means. That small interaction is going to change my daughter’s life.”
Building Relationships and Sponsorships
The success of USL Spokane’s teams can’t be attributed solely to the players and fans. The strong support of local businesses and sponsors has been instrumental in making the teams a reality. Reilly notes, “We’ve been fortunate to have incredible partners who believed in us from the very beginning. They saw the vision, even when there wasn’t a stadium, a team, or even a coach.”
It’s this belief in the community-centered model that has helped USL Spokane build one of the most successful sponsorship portfolios in the league. “When we launched, we quickly became one of the top teams in terms of sponsorships. We had businesses lining up to partner with us, and that speaks volumes about Spokane’s commitment to supporting local sports,” Reilly says.
The partnerships go beyond just business transactions—they’re about creating lasting relationships with the community. “We’re not just selling a product; we’re building a brand. And that brand is built on trust and shared values,” Reilly adds. “It’s about making sure that every partner feels like they’re a part of the journey.”
The Future of Soccer in Spokane
With Velocity and Zephyr officially on the map, the momentum for soccer in Spokane is undeniable. As the teams continue to grow, so does the passion of the fan base, setting the stage for an even brighter future. Whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan or new to the game, now is the perfect time to get involved and experience the magic of USL Spokane.
Be sure to follow USL Spokane and Trending Northwest for more updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming events. And, of course, don’t miss a single episode of the Trending Northwest Podcast as we bring you more inspiring stories from the heart of the Northwest!