TALLAHASSEE, FL —
World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Crystal Dunn is joining the ownership group of Tallahassee Reckoning, bringing international recognition to an organization with plans that reach far beyond the soccer field.
Dunn saw more than a soccer club. She saw a vision — one focused on building a complete pathway from youth soccer to the professional game while creating new opportunities for athletes in Tallahassee.
"The incredible thing about the Tallahassee Reckoning is it's carving out new pathways that I think people talk about, but I think Ashlee hit her vision off. The bat has always been about making sure everyone can play this game. Everyone can find themselves in this sport," Dunn said.
That vision is already drawing attention across the local soccer community. Lee Blenman, Director of Coaching for Sporting Club Tallahassee, says Dunn's investment brings added visibility to the Capital City while creating more opportunities for young women to develop, compete, and pursue their soccer dreams without having to leave home.
"Crystal Dunn's investment in women's soccer and her commitment to developing the next generation is an exciting moment for Tallahassee. Her involvement brings additional visibility and inspiration to our community while strengthening opportunities for the young women coming through our programs. Together, we're continuing to build an environment where players can develop, compete, and pursue their goals without leaving home. We're excited about what this means for the future of soccer in Tallahassee," Blenman said.
Building opportunities for girls to develop at every level without leaving Tallahassee — while also creating a destination for women's soccer — is exactly what Founder and CEO Dr. Ashlee Fontes wants to accomplish.
"We looked at what is needed and so fix the immediate fix the short term start to strengthen our community which means keep the kids here. Keep them in Tallahassee. Keep them supported so that that starts to close the disparity gap of access and opportunity," Fontes said.
Fontes says Dunn's star power is a critical part of making that vision a reality.
"Her name brings so much attention right it doesn't matter how hard we can grind on the ground here but when you have a champion in literally like every right saying, 'Hey, I wanna come to Tallahassee. I wanna look at this project, then it brings more eyes and attention to us," Fontes said.
Reckoning leaders say this is just one step in a much bigger plan — one that includes expanding academy programs, growing the fan base and eventually creating a complete soccer ecosystem in the Capital City.
For Dunn, the investment is personal.
"My biggest thing is no matter where you come from no matter what environment you grew up in investing in people is first and foremost. I think it's a true pathway to bettering the structure for these young girls," Dunn said.
For Tallahassee Reckoning, it's another sign that a vision once considered ambitious is beginning to attract some of the biggest names in the sport.
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