The Sioux City, IA-based WPSL Division II club Sioux City Sol has developed a vibrant presence in the Siouxland tristate area of South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa since its debut in 2024. They've stepped up their commitment to the area's women this week, with the announcement of a new all-female ownership group, adding community leaders Jacki Kelly, Jean Chesterman, and Kerri Maxon to founding owner Jackie Martinez.
Local NAIA school Morningside University provides the connection. Jacki Kelly was part of the inaugural teams at Morningside and currently coaches at the Interstate youth soccer club in town. Tom Maxon is currently the head coach for both the men's and women's teams at Morningside. Jean Chesterman is an experienced business consultant in the area, a long time advocate for girls in sports and on the board of Women's Mountain Bike Alliance. We sat down with Jackie Martinez to find out more.
Tom and I have been part of Siouxland soccer and coaching soccer at Morningside for a long time. We were looking for a higher-level opportunity for girls in the area, so we founded this team, along with two businessmen who have since moved on, two years ago. We've always wanted to be all about women, so we brought in these new owners to move in that direction. Tom 100% supports the change in ownership from himself to his wife, who is a college basketball player and lifelong soccer mom.
NSJ: As the only women's soccer club in Siouxland, do you feel a responsibility to the community at large?
It is not so much a responsibility but an opportunity to give back to Siouxland girls while we enjoy our sport. About half our roster is made up of Siouxland players, whether that be graduates who come back home for the summer or players playing in Siouxland area colleges, or top local high school and club players.
NSJ: DII is a developmental division, do you have plans to field a WPSL side, or even WPSL PRO, in the future?
We are a WPSL team playing in DII and we will continue to grow and see where it takes us. It is more important to build a solid foundation, play good games in front of a growing fan base, and only change our status when we are ready. This is our third season, and we are looking to get the soccer community and families of girls in Siouxland behind us.
We are actively looking for women-owned and family-oriented businesses/community programs that might partner with us to continue to grow girls in sports in Siouxland.
Sol home games will be played at Elwood Olsen Stadium, home to the Morningside Mustangs soccer, football, and track + field teams. Stay tuned to our socials for details on the schedule.
