In July 2022, a group of six women developed the idea for a women's soccer club based on cultivating a positive experience for their players, staff, fans, and partners. This idea was born out of their own experience which included the collapse of a previous club they were involved with. The founders are Amanda Lisberger, Rachelle D'Amico, Erin Webb, Bethany Cyrtmus-Davaul, Katie Reed, and Christiane Lessa.[2] On August 22, 2023, WPSL announced that Austin Rise FC had signed a letter of intent to be one of the founding clubs for the WPSL PRO.[3]
First seasons
Austin Rise FC participated in the 2023 WPSL season as their first season as a club.[4] Austin Rise FC was aligned in the Texas Triangle Conference of the WPSL. The team will play their first match on May 27, 2023 against the Challenge Red Devils. Their first home match coming on Jun 11, 2023 against the San Antonio Blossom.[5]
Austin Rise FC's first official game, also resulted in their first points earned in WPSL play, by earning a 0–0 draw against the Challenge Red Devils.[6] On June 2, 2023, Beth Ann Davis became Austin Rise FC's first goal scorer, getting one against Lonestar SC in a 4–1 loss on the road.[7] Two days later, Amanda Lisberger, both a founder and player, scored the team's first brace against the Houston Aces, but the team still fell in that match 4–2.[8] Austin Rise FC earned their first win of the season on June 17, 2023 with a 2–1 win over the Houston Aces at House Park, on goals by Alexis Lawrence and Cristina Diaz Cerda.[9] Two weeks later, Austin Rise FC earned their first clean sheet defeating Bat Country FC in their first meeting, on goals from Grace Starr, Bethany Cyrtmus-Davaul, and Brigid McElderry.[10] Austin Rise FC ended the season in 4th Place[11] in the Texas Triangle Conference with a 4W–3D–3L record and a +2 goal differential. Bethany Cyrtmus-Davaul was their leading scoring with 4 goals on the season.
For the 2024 season, Austin Rise was aligned in the Lonestar Conference in the South Region, with five other teams. The conference consisted of Austin Rise, Classic Elite SA out of San Antonio, expansion side Futbolero Select out of Houston, expansion side San Antonio Runners, SouthStar out of DFW, and the Houston Aces. The conference was set up to play a balanced home and away schedule with the season kicking off on May 18 and the winners qualifying as host for the South Region playoffs on July 13-14.[12] Austin Rise clinched the regular season title after their week 8 win against Fubolera Select, with one game left to play in the season.[13] Austin Rise was selected to host the South Region play-offs as the Lone Star Conference Champions.[14] Austin was drawn against FC Primetime in their first ever playoff match,[15] winning 1–0 to advance to the regional finals. Austin Rise faced Charlotte Eagles, the 2023 WPSL Champions, in the regional final, losing 4–0, ending their season.
Fully professional
Austin Rise FC announced their intent to become a fully professional women's soccer team on August 22, 2023.[16] WPSL Pro will be a Division III professional league, below the National Women's Soccer League and USL Super League. The league will run a spring to fall season to coincide with the NWSL's fall to spring season. Austin Rise FC is planned as one of the ten teams planned when the league start in 2025.[17]
