Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Halterman
Hi Kendra , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Soccer has been a defining part of my life since I first started playing as a young girl. From competing with my club team, Devastation—where we won a regional title and competed at nationals—to serving as captain during my senior year at Viewmont High School and leading our team to a state championship, the game has profoundly shaped who I am. These early leadership experiences laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Having a professional women’s soccer team in Salt Lake City was always a dream of mine, and that dream materialized in ways I never anticipated. My journey has evolved from player to leader, competing at high levels and winning national titles along the way. I first became involved with the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) in the early 2000s as a player. In 2008, I co-founded a WPSL team with two friends—a team that would ultimately grow into the Utah Royals.
Since then, my roles within the WPSL have expanded. I’ve served as a Regional Delegate, Associate Commissioner, and now as the WPSL Commissioner. Each position has deepened my commitment to growing the league, advocating for women’s soccer, and supporting the incredible players and teams that make the WPSL so special.
Beyond the WPSL, my passion for soccer continues. For over 13 years, I’ve served on the Utah Soccer Adult Board, representing women’s soccer. I also manage Pan World, a women’s club team with multiple national titles. Recently, I played a key role in merging Utah’s youth and adult soccer organizations into the Utah Soccer Federation, where I now serve as Vice President over adult programs. I’ve also had the joy of coaching and managing all three of my kids’ soccer teams, which has deepened my connection to the sport even further.
In my full-time role as Executive Director of USA Deaf Soccer, I work to create opportunities for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing players. I organize camps and clinics nationwide and have hosted two national team camps for the USA Deaf Women’s Team. My goal is to ensure a clear pathway to the national team and to foster inclusivity within the sport.
Additionally, I serve on several important boards, including the USASA Affiliate Board representing national leagues and the US Soccer Open Cup Disciplinary Committee.
Soccer has taught me resilience, teamwork, and leadership—lessons that extend beyond the field. It has shaped me into the person I am today and continues to inspire me to give back to the game that has given me so much. My journey has been fueled by passion and purpose, and I’m excited to see how the future of women’s soccer continues to unfold.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped the journey and made the success even more meaningful. When we first started our WPSL team, we faced significant financial hurdles. There wasn’t much support for women’s soccer at the time, and we had to get creative just to fund basic expenses like travel. Cleaning stadiums, hosting car washes, running garage sales, and organizing camps were our reality. We’d pile into cars and drive hours to compete in places like Arizona, Albuquerque, and California, often operating on a shoestring budget.
One of the biggest turning points came when Dell Loy Hansen, owner of Real Salt Lake, heard our story and believed in our vision. He invested in our team, allowing us to take a huge step forward. It felt like a dream come true when we made it to the WPSL Final 4 in 2012—an experience I’ll never forget.
The struggles weren’t just financial. Growing women’s soccer took a lot of effort to build awareness, gain support, and bring people to games. But seeing the growth today is incredibly rewarding. Utah now has 6 WPSL teams, including NUU, La Roca, Avalanche, Red Devils, Griffins (RSL Academy) and Utah Surf. Those challenges taught me resilience and reinforced how important it is to advocate for the women’s game. It’s been a tough road, but one I wouldn’t trade for anything because it shows how far we’ve come.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love everything about women’s soccer, and my mission has always been to advocate for the sport and create as many playing opportunities as possible. As the WPSL Commissioner, I proudly represent the league advocating not just for the WPSL but for women’s soccer as a whole.
During the eight years I ran and played for our WPSL team, we were the only women’s team in Utah, and the travel challenges were significant. Fast forward to today, I’ve helped grow the presence of the WPSL in Utah from one team to six, spanning from Utah County up to Logan. This growth reflects the increasing interest and opportunities for women’s soccer in our state.
The WPSL itself has a rich history—27 years strong—and is now the largest women’s soccer league in the world, with over 140 teams across the U.S. The league primarily serves as a high-level collegiate summer league, providing essential competition and development for players. We also have 30 teams competing in WPSL Division 2, expanding access to even more players.
Looking ahead, the future of the league is even more exciting. In 2026, we will launch WPSL Pro, a Division 3 league that will create new professional pathways for women’s soccer. Our goal is to continue being the premier pathway for players who aspire to reach the highest levels of the sport. In fact, over 20 WPSL players are drafted into the NWSL each year, highlighting the league’s role in shaping the next generation of professional talent.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to providing top-tier competition and growth opportunities. I am proud of the WPSL’s legacy and my role in expanding its impact, especially in Utah. Women’s soccer is more than just a sport—it’s a platform for empowerment, resilience, and achievement, and I’m honored to contribute to its growth.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Salt Lake City is a fantastic place to live and raise a family, with a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere. One of the things I love most about the city is the stunning scenery. From the mountains to the unique desert landscapes, SLC offers a natural beauty that’s hard to match.
However, one challenge I’ve noticed is the lack of soccer fields with lights across the state. For example, my women’s team often has to travel from Davis County to Sandy just to find suitable fields to play on. With the growing popularity of soccer and the increasing number of players at all levels, there simply aren’t enough fields and time to meet the demand. Expanding access to well-lit fields would go a long way in supporting the sport and the community as a whole.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wpslsoccer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wpsl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@WPSL
