Altitude are Flagstaff’s newly established team, playing in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) 21U division, with teams from across the Southwest joining the schedule. The team is made up of players fresh out of high school (most of whom will be playing for various college teams in the fall) and a few high school seniors with college dreams.

The roster includes players from all over the state, but the majority hail from Flagstaff. Two of his local veteran players are Mia Blair and Ellie Cullen. Both of them are graduating from Northland Prep Academy in 2021 and are state champions on his four occasions.

The composition of the roster gives the team a local feel.

“It’s crazy because now I’m playing not only with people like Mia, but with a lot of other girls in Flagstaff,” Karen said. “We’ve been in the same soccer circle as a lot of the girls, but we haven’t always been able to play together. So we’re all on the same team together and representing Flagstaff. It’s great to have the opportunity.”

That was the goal, said Michael Blair, who co-coaches the team with Keith Hovis.

The two also manage the Northland Prep Spartans women’s soccer team.

“Professionals play for clubs and national teams. It’s fun for them to be with guys they’ve played against, and they can see how great the region can be,” said Michael Blair.

WPSL contacted Michael Blair and Hovis a few months ago, and the team began forming in April. Both were initially unsure if there would be enough interest and dedication from local players to keep the team together.

However, the two coaches used their connections to contact the girls. Some, like Mia Blair, sent several text messages to players they wanted to play against or admired from afar.

Eventually a team formed with girls from around Arizona. There were many college players and college aspirants keen to maintain their fitness and skills during the offseason.

They got off to a tough start with little practice ahead of Sunday’s first-leg game against El Paso at the neutral ground of the Marana.

“When the game started, our goalie said, ‘What’s your name again?’ to one of the girls in the backline,” Mia Blair said with a laugh.

Despite the lack of chemistry and the much-needed boon of jersey surname, Altitude scored twice in the final minutes to win 3-2.

Despite the challenges of being a new team, the victory was a happy start.

“It speaks to how much we love the game. We have a lot of creative players and great athletes. It’s fun,” Mia Blair said.

Michael Blair was impressed with the level of play of the young girls. Altitude had yet to play with a full squad and were missing several players due to vacations and other obligations. Among the main contributors were high school players who played against women who were several years older and more experienced.

“They weren’t afraid to step up and play against girls going into their junior or senior year of college and give it their all. It gives them confidence that they can play at this level.” said Michael Blair.

Five more games are scheduled for the regular season, two of which will be at Peaksview County Park in Flagstaff. Altitude is still looking for sponsors and hopes to maximize fan engagement in the first campaign while relying on the local football community.

The goal is to provide a team that can be successful for several years and provide new opportunities for local players to improve and achieve at a high level in their various football journeys.

“We are excited about the girls who are the future of this team,” said manager Michael Blair. there is,” he said.

Altitude’s next game is against the Pima County Surf in Tucson on Saturday.