50 Years Gold

Celebrating 50 years of the WAGS Tournament! Since 1975, we have been empowering women and girls in the game, funding their advancement, and making history. But our roots run even deeper ”WAGS, originally founded as Washington Area Girls Soccer in 1974, laid the foundation for a legacy of opportunity, competition, and progress. Here’s to five decades of impact and many more to come!

Adele Dolansky, Former WAGS President

It is hard to believe that 50 years have passed since the very first WAGS Tournament. What started as a simple shared dream between Rael Vodicka, Mavis Derflinger and I has blossomed into a game-changing organization that continues to promote exceptional talent and provide bright futures for girls in 2025.

There are so many memories to share. Since the beginning, I have kept detailed records of almost every WAGS Tournament I was involved with. I have a lot of things written down, from team names to tournament staff. I’ve taken great care to record exact dates, so that not a single detail is out of place. You should see how many files I have on my computer dedicated to WAGS history…

And so, I’d like to reflect on the last 50 years by sharing some memories of the tournament’s early years—not only to reminisce about its growing pains, but to express how far WAGS has come.

50 Years of Memories:

1975
1st annual WAGS Tournament
The 1^st annual WAGS Tournament began on October 10^th, 1975, at the Charter House hotel in the city of Alexandria, Virginia. A total of 25 teams entered the tournament, including teams journeying from Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Canada.

You would imagine that visiting teams would’ve been provided with rooms at our headquarters hotel, but back then, WAGS didn’t have the booking power to block hotel rooms. Instead, we had to get creative.

For the first couple years of the tournament, we created an Out-Of-Town system of lodging for our players, in which the visiting teams would be housed by local teams. Usually, home team families would take in players of the visiting team, two players per family. Every visiting player would bring a gift, as a “thank you” for their host family.

Although it seems a bit out-of-the-ordinary for modern times, billeting players in this way created lasting friendships, and brought communities together. In the beginning stages of WAGS, word-of-mouth advertisement was one of the strongest ways to promote the tournament. By knitting families together, WAGS was able to extend its reach and unite hundreds of people through the game of soccer.
1976
Adele Dolansky reflected on the significance of WAGS, emphasizing its unique role in fostering competitive opportunities for female athletes. “WAGS was unique because we were a league of only girls,” she said. “We ran an all-girls tournament with the goal of having our best teams play against the best female teams throughout the country. In time, that came to pass.”

Her words highlight the league’s impact in shaping the landscape of girls’ soccer, providing a platform where young female athletes could thrive and compete at the highest level.

WAGS Board Member Marie Onorato Schweitzer. Marie is a legacy player, having been part of the very first tournaments, and her dedication to WAGS has been an integral part of the success and growth we’ve seen over the years.
1977
During the 3^rd annual WAGS Tournament, I remember that we had a “Teen Dance” for the 1963 (and older) girls. On a Saturday evening, a live band would play the hits for the players, while the parents and coaches went to a disco, complete with a DJ.

Not only were these events popular, but they became ads for the tournament itself. You’d be hard pressed to find a teen in 1977 not interested in dancing! Mavis and I were chaperones at the event, which we repeated year after year. It was a lot of fun for us, too.
1978
Lastly, I remember the 4^th annual WAGS Tournament—an unforgettable year, considering we had our first European entry from Rotterdam, Holland. With a total of 120 teams competing, it was a great weekend of soccer. The Rotterdam team was a big draw, and the players were full of surprises.

The Rotterdam girls flew into D.C. a couple of days before the tournament so that they had time to sightsee. They went shopping and took time to enjoy their stay in the United States. I remember that a must-buy item for the girls was denim jeans, of all things.

But when the weekend came around, the girls were focused on victory. They went on to become champions of the 1960’s Division. They were not bashful players, and would change into their game jerseys on the field—much to the shock of the audience! Their skills and these antics brought excitement and attention to the WAGS Tournament.
1985
10th Anniversary
10th WAGS Tournament

227 Teams Participating

110 local and 101 visiting teams. With 16 college teams.
1995
20th Anniversary
20th Anniversary Celebration

The Washington Area Girls Soccer League celebrated a 20^th Anniversary Celebration in March, of 1994. It was held at the Springfield Hilton. The organizing committee were Michelle (Derflinger) Champagne, Sue Curtis, Mavis Derflinger, Adele Dolansky, Michelle Dolansky, and Anne Thompson.

Some of the attendees were: Mavis and Richard Derflinger, Rick Derflinger, Michelle Champagne, Jackie Reed, Nancy Bluthhardt, Liinda and Jeff Schultz, Joe Lucie, Adele and John Dolansky, Michelle Dolansky, Anne Thompson, Tom and Kay Rash, Bill and Sue Curtis, Ted Cook, Morgan Birge, Brian and Bonnie Ahearn, Brenda Down, Russ Burns, Bruce, Cunningham, Judie and Bob Churchill, Ted Cook, Leo and Susan Weil, Sue Vodicka representing her mother Rael Vodicka, and Alan and Tricia Southard, our Canadian Friends.

The College Division years, designating it as an exhibition division to make it possible. The goal was to attract college coaches to scout the top U-19 and U-17 teams after their own teams had played. At the same time, youth players had the opportunity to watch college teams in action. Adding an exhibition College Division created a win-win situation for both the college coaches and the U-19 and U-17 players. Hosting all the games at a single complex further contributed to the event’s success.

Ted Cook, Coach of the 1961 McLean Grasshoppers showing the book he wrote.

Trish and Alan Southard, Bill Curtis Sterling coach, was a VA Vice President, Tournament Committee member.

Joe Lucie and Jackie Reed receiving their gifts. Joe Lucie was the WAGS Tournament Chair for the 1976 Tournament, he coached the 1961/1960 Bowie Weebles, Jackie Reed, Coached the 1963 Annandale Americans. Was The WAGS R&D Chair, and a founder.

Sue Curtis – WAGS Registrar for years and worked on the Tournament for many many years. married to Bill Curtis

Left to right: Adele Dolansky, Anne Thompson, Brenda Down, and Nancy Bluthardth, coach of the 1969 Wheaton Blu’s Angels. Anne Thompson coach of the 1969 Springfield Sting, Brenda Down, VYSA Registrar, always helped at our Tournament registration on Friday night.
2005
30th Anniversary
This year marks a remarkable milestone – the 30th anniversary of the WAGS Tournament! For three decades, we witnessed incredible growth, unforgettable moments, and countless teams coming together to compete, learn, and create memories.

The tournament’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and hard work of everyone involved – from the organizing committee to the players, coaches, and volunteers. Together, we’ve built something truly special that continues to foster sportsmanship and community.
2015
40th Anniversary
In 2015, WAGS teams had the incredible opportunity to watch the USA Women’s World Cup match as guests of the White House. This honor wasn’t just a celebration of the USA Women’s National Team’s success – it was a recognition of the growing respect for women’s sports on the global stage.

This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the tremendous impact WAGS has had in fostering sportsmanship, creating opportunities, and elevating women’s sports. To be invited to such a prestigious event speaks volumes about the influence and legacy of our tournament, and it shows just how far women’s sports have come, earning the recognition and respect they so rightfully deserve.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, let’s take pride in the role WAGS has played in shaping the future of women’s sports and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

WAGS alumni Player Ciara Diederich competed with the CSC Storm in the 2015 WAGS Tournament.
2025
50th Anniversary

It is hard to believe that 50 years have passed since the very first WAGS Tournament. What started as a simple shared dream between Rael Vodicka, Mavis Derflinger and I, has blossomed into a game-changing organization that continues to promote exceptional talent and provide bright futures for girls in 2025.

When woman’s soccer was designated an “exhibition sport” for the 1996 Olympics, we campaigned relentlessly for change.For this game we loved so much, together—and with congressional support—we swayed the US Olympic Committee, and secured women’s soccer’s place as a medal sport. Through petitions, word of mouth, and through utilizing the reach of the WAGS tournament, we revolutionized girls’ soccer, and we continue to revolutionize with each passing day.

Let’s look forward to another 50 great years!

Read Adele’s Full Reflection

50 Years Gold

Adele Dolansky, Former WAGS President

50 Years of Memories:

1975

1976

1977

1978

1985

1995

2005

2015

2025

Let’s look forward to another 50 great years!

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