WPSL: “We respect the ball. It’s ours!”
- Philip Farrell
- 6 hours ago
- 7 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
CHATTANOOGA, TN --- Chattanooga Football Club will begin its 2026 Women' s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) season this Thursday (28 May). A trip up I-75 to 865 Alliance is in store for a club that achieved its best ever season in 2025.
After failing to finish higher than fourth in three previous WPSL seasons, CFC went 5-1-1 in the regular season, finishing second in the old Peachtree Division. They finished second behind Decatur FC who were unable to take their place in the playoffs, handing Chattanooga the opportunity to compete for the Southeast Championship against Nashville Rhythm (themselves also receiving a bye due to 865 Alliance also not being able to play in the post-season). Winning against old foe Rhythm, they marched on to the South Region Championships in Virginia where they triumphed over 4-0 win over LA Krewe Rush in the Final.
This year they CFC will compete in the Southeast Conference alongside 865 Alliance (Knoxville, Tenn.), Atlanta Fire United (Atlanta, Ga.), Decatur FC (Atlanta, Ga.), Georgia Impact (Atlanta, Ga.), Nashville Rhythm F.C. (Nashville, Tenn.), TN Tempo FC (Nashville, Tenn.) and UFA Gunners (Atlanta, Ga.).
Majo Harispuru was appointed as the new Head Coach of the side in mid-February, stepping into the shoes vacated by club legend Juan Hernandez who will continue in his role as Senior Girls Program Director for CFC Youth. Harispuru comes with a stellar CV at youth level, having worked with the FC Barcelona Academy in her native Mexico and in Nashville. Harispuru will be joined on the bench by Assistant Coach Micah Varner, Assistant Coach Emanuele Cocuzza, Goalkeeping Coach JD Myers, IDP Coach Maryn Beutler (who was assistant to Hernandez in 2025), and Team Operations Manager Ashleigh Renko.
This week, I spoke to her about her journey in soccer and the season ahead.
I began by asking her to tell me about her journey in soccer.
Harispuru- “It’s an interesting and funny story because nobody in my family played soccer—even though it’s very popular in Mexico. I’m from Puebla, and no one in my household really watched the game either. My mom actually tried to put me in ballet, but that only lasted two days. Then I grabbed a soccer ball, and that turned out to be a fantastic decision—I loved it immediately.
I started playing at five years old with a local club back home. It was the only sport I stuck with, and I completely fell in love with it. I was happiest on the field. As I developed, I had opportunities to play with Mexico’s U17 and U20 teams.
Unfortunately, I tore my left ACL. At the time, I was studying psychology and was really interested in how the mind works—especially in sports performance. You need a certain number of therapy hours to graduate, and my sports psychologist emphasized how much mindset matters. When you experience something like an ACL tear, mindset becomes everything.
That led me toward coaching. Since I couldn’t play, I started coaching youth at the same club where I began. It was a good excuse to stay connected to the field. I loved the adrenaline and the opportunity to influence players, so I continued.
Later, Barça Academy Mexico ran clinics in Puebla. A friend encouraged me to send my resume. They liked my profile, and I coached a clinic for a week. It was a very successful experience for me. I really connected with Barça’s methodology, especially at the youth level—it aligned with my values.
After the pandemic, that program closed, and among several opportunities I transferred to Nashville where it would be easier to navigate visas and other things. I didn’t know anything about Nashville—but you don’t say no to FC Barcelona. I coached there for three years, and now I’m here with Chattanooga FC, taking the next step in the women’s pathway. I want to keep helping young players grow and contribute to the women’s game after having experienced high-level football myself.
I’m keen to get her take on the growth of the women’s game, both back in Mexico, and at multiple levels of the pyramid. The growth has been undeniable. When I first moved away, women’s soccer wasn’t that big in Mexico. But in the last 3–5 years, everything has changed—we now have a professional league there, and the NWSL in the U.S. is well-established and growing.
Leagues around the world are competing at a much higher level now. You’re even seeing international matchups—with Mexican teams like Club América beating Washington Spirit—which says a lot about how far the game has come globally. The big question now is the pathway. There are enough women who want to make a living in soccer—so the challenge is whether we can provide the right environments and opportunities. Clubs like Chattanooga FC are part of proving that we have the player base and the structure to keep growing the game.”
So, how have preparations been going for the new season?
“It’s been a quick and immersive learning experience. I knew coming in that it’s a short season—once it starts, it flies by. It’s been very much “go, go, go.” Our first match will come after only nine training sessions, which is a real challenge. The focus has been on how to quickly form a team and get everyone ready to compete. At first, I think I was overthinking it a little, but as soon as I stepped onto the field, I felt much more comfortable. The players bring so much energy and excitement. We have a mix ranging from academy players all the way to professionals, and the staff pays attention to so many details. That combination makes it all come together.”
By my count, CFC will have an impressive 10 players in their 2026 squad who graduated from their Academy (Saylor Schalk, Madison Markey, Yaretzi Pena, Ryleigh Ramey, Kayden Mounce, Ayanna Hamler, Regina Campa, Charlotte Reynolds, Tori Soutuyo, and Kloe Reeves). They’ll also have 11 returnees from the 2025 squad (Ramey, Soutuyo, Campa, Reeves, Kyleigh Hall, EG Dillard, Kasie Vigil, Kei Yoneda, Hannah Helms, Ella Attaway, and Annick Manga Zouma). How important are these players to building on the sense of community and continuity in the team?
“It’s very important. Players coming from the academy understand the club’s values, and that’s a key part of building culture. They help communicate those values to returning and new players. Those returning players really understand the importance of community and identity. You see it in players like Captain Kass—her growth, both with us and in her college career, has been incredible. Then players like Linka, Reika, and Kei bring sharpness and comfort on the ball. They’re vocal, they organize, and they help set the standard.”
CFC starts its season with two games on the road. How much of a challenge is this or does it matter at all?
“It is a challenge, especially with travel in such a short season. We need to be clear, sharp, and intentional—while also keeping players healthy and fresh. Managing travel properly is crucial so it doesn’t impact well-being. But when it comes to the games themselves, we go out and take care of business. We have the right roster and staff to handle the details. At the end of the day, it’s just another soccer game. Of course, we’d prefer to play at home—but those games will come soon.”
Credit Chattanooga FC
Speaking of which, CFC finishes its season at home. How important is it to finish in front of the home fans?
“It’s huge. Playing at home gives you a sense of security and belonging. It’s an incredible environment. My parents are actually coming, so for me personally, it’s a dream come true—especially coming from Mexico—to have that moment. It means a lot.”
What are her targets for the season?
“We want to be very clear about who we are—our style of play and our identity. Whether you’re watching our U8s or our WPSL team, you should recognize Chattanooga FC. We talk a lot about being intentional with the ball. That helps both the game and player development. Beyond results, the goal is that every player leaves this experience better—healthier, happier, and more successful. We want them to go back to their environments and say, ‘That was a fantastic experience. I’m a better person and a better player.’”
What can fans expect to see from a Majo Harispuru-coached side? What will be the stye of play, the philosophy?
“My background gives you a hint—I like having the ball. Barça plays that way, and Chattanooga FC shares those principles, which made this a great fit for me. We respect the ball. It’s ours—and if we lose it, we do everything we can to get it back. For fans, it will be exciting. We want to enjoy the game, be brave and adventurous, and play with personality. That’s the kind of team I like to watch, and that’s what we’re aiming to be.”
How important is it for the athletes to play in front of the home crowd?
“It’s huge. For many players, stepping onto a field with fans in the stands brings a real ‘wow’ moment. Not everyone gets to experience that. It creates a different environment—because people are there to watch you, and you’re representing a crest. That energy lifts players, especially in a short, intense season where every detail matters. We’re lucky to have those fans, because we’ll need them. Soccer is unpredictable, and having that support can make all the difference. Seeing people enjoying the game and being happy—it pushes you to go again.”
What is her message for the community of Chattanooga?
“I’d invite everyone to come out and watch. Come enjoy what we’re building. We’re showcasing a different side of soccer—especially within the women’s game. It takes bravery and personality to play the way we want to play, and you can already see that in training. It’s fun to watch. We have players from all over the U.S. and around the world, which brings a great mix of styles and experiences. That diversity creates excitement—and that’s exactly what we want to share with the community.”
The game against 865 Alliance has been brought forward to 6pm on Thursday 28 May and moved to Johnson University from the host’s usual home at Hardin Valley Academy.
My thanks to Coach Harispuru for speaking with the National Soccer Network and Chattanooga FC’s Hayes Creech for organizing the interview.
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