TAMPA, Fla. (April 29, 2024) – The Tampa Bay Sun FC, Tampa Bay’s first professional women’s soccer team, today announced the signing of forward Riley Mattingly Parker and defender Vivianne Bessette, further solidifying the team’s roster ahead of its historic inaugural season in the USL Super League; pending league and federation approval.
“We are thrilled to welcome Riley and Vivianne to the Tampa Bay Sun organization,” said Tampa Bay Sun FC Head Coach Denise Shilte-Brown. “Both players bring a wealth of experience and talent to our team, and we are confident they will be key contributors to our success on the field.”
Riley Mattingly Parker joins the Sun after a standout collegiate career at the University of Alabama, where she was an All-Southeastern Conference first team and SEC Forward of the Year and a finalist for the prestigious Hermann Trophy. In 2023, Parker was drafted as the 31ST overall pick in the NWSL Draft. Known for her playmaking ability and vision on the pitch, Mattingly Parker is expected to be a force in the Sun’s offensive efforts.
“It means a great deal to me to have the opportunity to be a part of this historic team and league”, says Parker. “It excites me to see how women’s soccer is growing, and I can’t wait to see the mark that Tampa Bay Sun FC leaves on the game”
Vivianne Bessette, a seasoned defender with experience at the University of South Florida and U20 Canadian National Team, brings a competitive mentality to the backline. Bessette’s exceptional tactical awareness and defensive prowess will be crucial for the Sun as they compete in the USL Super League.
“Playing for a new team, in a new league, in a great city like Tampa is a historic moment for myself and everyone else involved”, shares Bessette. “It is a fantastic opportunity for me to start my professional career somewhere where I can embrace the challenge of building this club from the ground up.”
About Tampa Bay Sun FC: Tampa Bay Sun FC is the first professional women’s soccer team set to kick off in Tampa, Florida in August 2024. The Sun will light up the pitch, playing their home games in a stunning newly-renovated riverfront stadium situated along Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. Joining the USL Super League’s historic inaugural season, the Tampa Bay Sun FC is one of eight initial markets paving the way for a national expansion of first-division professional women’s soccer. With a shared vision to become a global leader in the sport, both on and off the field, paves the way for increased opportunities for talented female athletes across the country, fostering growth and empowerment within local communities. For more information please visit: TampaBaySunFC.com