Denver Summit FC’s debut at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park electrified the crowd as thousands gathered for Colorado’s first professional women’s soccer game, sparking an unforgettable stadium atmosphere despite a 3-2 loss to San Diego Wave.
The energy surging through the stadium was fueled by the club’s official supporters group, the 14ers, an independent coalition of about 700 dedicated fans who led spirited chants, drumming, and celebrations before and during the game. Their passionate presence is shaping the identity of women’s pro soccer in the region, delivering more than just noise but a beacon of support for representation in sports.
Building a Fierce Fan Culture for Denver Summit FC
The 14ers, managed entirely by volunteers, rally fans with pre-game tailgates featuring food, games, crafts, merchandise tables, and live DJs. Community liaison Emily Walsh explained their mission:
“We are just all about creating a safe, inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone, whether you have never watched a soccer game in your life, or you came out of the womb kicking a ball.”
This dedication paid off with a vibrant crowd that brought an infectious energy to the pitch from the opening whistle. Inside the stadium, the 14ers spirit team keeps the momentum alive through nonstop drumming and chants aimed at supporting players and igniting the fans.
Drummers Lead Charge as Spirit Team Boosts Players and Fans
Leading the drum section, Jennifer Dexter emphasized the importance of maintaining relentless energy.
“Our job is to just keep the energy high. And when there’s a lull on the field, or you see that the players are dragging, we get even louder to give them the energy they need to continue,”
she said.
For the 14ers, the game represents more than wins and losses—it’s about challenging inequalities in sports and society. Dexter highlighted the deeper significance:
“Women have been treated differently in the professional world, in the political world, in the athletic world, different for far too long, and it’s time for people to understand that we all watch women’s sports.”
Why This Matters Now for Delaware and Across the U.S.
As women’s professional leagues grow nationwide, the 14ers demonstrate the grassroots power behind fan communities driving these movements forward. Their infectious enthusiasm showcases how women’s sports can spark new traditions and inspire diverse audiences.
For Delaware and American soccer fans, Denver Summit FC’s launch signals a rising wave of professional women’s sports across the country. Tailgates, chants, and packed stadiums are no longer exclusive to men’s leagues, highlighting a cultural shift expanding opportunities and attention for women athletes.
Next Up for Denver Summit FC
The team and their fans are already looking ahead to future home games, counting on continued support from the 14ers to fill Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and keep the stadium roaring. For now, Denver’s inaugural season is igniting passion and proving that vibrant fan culture is essential to success on and off the field.
As this young club grows, their story offers a compelling example of how sports fans everywhere, including in Delaware, can champion inclusivity and representation through pure, undiluted enthusiasm.
