It is the most wonderful time of the year… opening weekend for MLS. And Women United FC is back after a long hiatus. What began as an organization built by a group of likeminded women passionate about soccer, has transformed a lot over the last 15 years. However one thing has remained a constant. That passion about soccer is what continues. Some of you know me. Some of you don’t yet know me. I’m Chandrima and I love soccer. I have led many lives in this one life of mine. When I first came across Women United FC, I was a full-time scientist/researcher who wanted to learn about soccer journalism. The founders of WUFC took a chance on me and eventually asked if I wanted to keep the WUFC flame burning. Of course I did! I invested a lot of my own resources into it at that time, and brought on young women interested in soccer writing and journalism who resonated with the ethos of WUFC. I’m so very proud of all of those women, all are inspiring to me and to many more whose lives they touch with their leadership and professionalism. Ladies, you make me smile after all these years. I look upon you with the eyes of a mom, sister, friend and I look up to you now as your journeys have been beautiful to watch unfold.

Here I am ten years later, having tried my hand at a few different positions in soccer journalism, never quite finding my niché often having to leave due to personal issues. But I never stopped helping tell stories in the world of soccer. I’m now an aspiring certified life coach (graduating in June 2025) and the sole soccer journalist here at WUFC. Someone once told me they applaud the number of times life pushes me down and I get back up. I was a bit embarrassed – are people keeping count? One thing is for certain, Women United FC will keep changing and evolving as long as I am here on this earth. Someday, I hope to pass it on to another woman/women who want to take it in their own direction for the betterment of journalism and storytelling.

So, yes, I’m back. I’ll be covering more than LA-based teams. I’ll do my best to do this legacy justice. I hope you can be patient and open-minded with me as I work through this newest iteration of WUFC.

-Chandrima