Kansas City’s Role Models

FOUR KC NATIONAL WOMEN’S SOCCER LEAGUE PLAYERS REPRESENT THE ENTIRE TEAM’S PASSION AND LOVE FOR THE GAME — AND EACH OTHER.

By KATIE VAN LUCHENE

There’s no dispute that Kansas City is a sports town. It starts with cheering on rival teams at the high school and university level and escalates to flat-out love for the Chiefs, the Royals and Sporting KC.

But Kansas Citians still found room in their hearts for the KC National Women’s Soccer League, formed in December 2020.

The team came with a ready-made fan club: The Heartland Soccer Association is the largest soccer league and tournament host in the United States. Over 1,300 teams and 3,000 youth from age 9 to 19 compete each season.

Owners Angie and Chris Long, along with partner Brittany Matthews, did more than just create a roster of talented young women. They established a culture. “From day one it was important to foster an environment of inclusion, excitement and energy,” Chris says.

Angie adds, “That energy extends on and off the field. As an organization we want to partner with not-for-profits like Variety KC that helps special-needs children gain mobility and freedom.

And our players will be out in the community to help encourage a love of sports for females of all ages. They’re all eager to become role models to girls and young women.”

But for today, four of these role models become models.

Lo’eau LaBonta (who everyone calls Lo), Kiki Pickett, Kristen Edmonds and Victoria Pickett posed in their tealand-red team uniforms before changing into head-turning fashions, showing a side of themselves crowds don’t see on the pitch. And, while there was no game-day huddle with their signature “KC Baby!” the women encouraged one another as each took her turn in front of the camera. The connection they feel is palpable.

Lo'eau LaBonta | #9 | Midfielder

That camaraderie was especially gratifying to Kiki, one of the last to join the team after an outstanding season at Pepperdine. “You know how you always hang back,” she said, “wanting to see how you fit into a group? Within a day I wasn’t the new player. I was a member of the team.”

Kiki Pickett | #23 | Defender

Kansas City put out its welcome mat as well. Between photo takes, the players talked about how KC has made them feel special. “The outpouring of support has been so cool,” Lo said. “The fans showing up and getting loud — especially the Blue Crew (a riotous fan group that shows up with drums and banners) — gives us extra energy during home games.”

Kristen Edmonds | #3 | Defender

Kristen said it was amazing to see city landmarks including Union Station and downtown’s Power & Light Building illuminated in teal before the first home game. “And seeing billboards with our pictures and the team logo has been awesome,” she said. “Everyone involved, from the front office and owners to our coaches — and especially the city — make us feel respected and important.”

The team is eager to return the favor. #WePlayForKC is more than a hashtag; it’s their mission.

Victoria Pickett | #99 | Midfielder

Victoria brushed back tears as she related a moment during the season opener at Legends Field that crystalized the community connection. “During the National Anthem, I looked up at the scoreboard with images from the crowd and saw a girl wearing a jersey with ‘V Pickett’ on the back.

“That brought it home to me,” she said. “We have an opportunity to make a positive impact on young athletes. To let them know, ‘I can do this,’ whether they’re playing sports in school or hope to become professional.”

Starting the following weekend, fans were rewarded with back-to-back wins at its hometown arena, a well earned boost to the team’s confidence. Game on, KC. Game on.