May 9, 2026 — HARTFORD, Conn. — Hartford Athletic recently announced the launch of its new USL W League team, marking a significant milestone for women’s soccer and leadership development in Greater Hartford. The pre-professional team will compete in the USL W League, starting its inaugural season on May 19 and providing a national platform for elite female athletes while expanding pathways for girls and young women to lead, grow and succeed through sport.
Designed as both a competitive team and a community catalyst, the Hartford Athletic W League program reflects a long-term commitment to advancing women’s sports and empowering the next generation. The W League serves as a bridge between youth, collegiate and professional soccer, featuring top collegiate players, recent graduates and emerging regional talent—all while preserving collegiate eligibility.
Beyond the field, the team is built to create lasting impact across Hartford through mentorship, leadership development and community initiatives focused on keeping girls engaged in sport. Programs connected to the W League will emphasize confidence, resilience, communication and teamwork, while also exposing young women to career opportunities in sports and business.
“This team represents more than a new chapter for Hartford Athletic — it’s an investment in leadership and opportunity for young women across our region,” said Rashad Hyacenth, Executive Vice President of Business Development for Hartford Athletic. “The W League gives us the ability to elevate the women’s game locally while creating meaningful connections between professional athletes and the next generation of leaders.”
Hartford Athletic opens its inaugural W League season on Tuesday, May 19, against Vermont Green FC at Trinity Health Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Inaugural Kits Reflect Purpose, Pride and Progress
Coinciding with the team’s launch, Hartford Athletic also unveiled the W League’s inaugural home and away kits, designed in partnership with Capelli Sport. The kits reflect both the identity of the club and the trailblazing role of the athletes who will wear them.
The red away kit features a star within the crest symbolizing the women of the club—representing energy, boldness and visibility as Hartford Athletic’s inaugural W League team. The star’s five points reflect the club’s five pillars and its foundation of values-driven competition.
The blue home kit incorporates five lines across the chest, representing the rising visibility of elite women athletes and the momentum behind women’s sports. The blue and green color palette honors Hartford’s heritage and the pride that comes with representing the city on and off the field.
Both kits prominently feature founding partners, The Hartford, as the front-of-kit sponsor and M&T Bank on the right sleeve, reinforcing shared commitments to community and opportunity in sport.
“At The Hartford, we are proud to be a founding partner of the Hartford Athletic’s W League team and excited to see these trailblazers learn about teamwork and purpose as they strive for excellence,” said The Hartford’s Chief Marketing Officer Claire Burns. “Investing in women’s sports is about cultivating leaders, inspiring confidence and ensuring young women can see themselves represented, supported and celebrated.”
“M&T Bank is excited to witness this defining moment for women’s sports across Connecticut and proud to support the Hartford Athletic as it launches its women’s team and unlocks new opportunities for the talented players who will represent our city,” said Michael Weinstock, M&T Bank’s Regional President in Hartford. “We are proud to support both the men’s and women’s teams as the club continues to grow. By investing in women’s athletics, we’re empowering female athletes, inspiring the next generation and strengthening our communities. We believe strong communities start with opportunity and support, and we look forward to witnessing the team’s impact both on the field and in our community.”
“These kits are about more than competition,” Hyacenth added. “They symbolize leadership, visibility and the belief that women and girls deserve to see themselves represented—boldly and proudly—at every level of the game.”
Hartford Athletic W League players will wear the kits throughout the season during league competition, community events and youth engagement initiatives, further connecting the team’s on-field presence with its off-field mission.
About Hartford Athletic
Hartford Athletic is a professional soccer club based in Hartford, Connecticut, competing in the USL Championship and USL W League. The club is committed to excellence on the field and positive impact off it, using soccer as a platform to bring communities together, create opportunity and inspire future generations.
About M&T Bank
M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T’s principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services with a branch and ATM network spanning the eastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T’s Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. For more information about M&T Bank, visit www.mtb.com.
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About The Hartford
The Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance, employee benefits and mutual funds. With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at https://www.thehartford.com.
The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG) operates through its subsidiaries under the brand name, The Hartford, and is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. For additional details, please read The Hartford’s legal notice.
For the latest on Hartford Athletic and the W League, follow the club on X, Facebook and Instagram @hfdathletic and @hfdathletic_w.
