Cultivating a positive team culture on and off the field in the NWSL

Photo Copyright Stephen Brashear for Imagn Images

With a nine-month-long season consisting of a 190-match schedule, an expanded playoff pool, and a revised NWSL Challenge Cup format, the regular season alone can take a physical and mental toll on players and staff.

Along with the regular season and additional tournaments and friendlies, teams are also on the road for several games at a time depending on the schedule layout. However, with the long season, players reflected on how they spend time together off the field to cultivate a positive team environment that impacts their time in the locker room to their success on the field.

Bonding through board games and baking bread

Although Seattle Reign FC has faced challenges in their regular season performance with a 5-10-5 record, the team has still found ways to engage in team activities to create shared moments off the field. 

Defender Hanna Glas, who joined the team earlier this month, reflected on how playing board games has helped her settle in with her new teammates.

“On my first away trip to LA we played some board games in the evening and that was fun and kind of a good way to get to know people,” Glas told The Equalizer. “The team here is very open so, that’s been an easy transition for me, but I love board games and so I’m happy they love it too. We played partners, which is from Switzerland. I played a similar game but I knew how it went. Of course, there’s fun banter when we play, but it’s good. We love to compete on and off the field.”