Feddy Azofeifa-Gallegos
Many know Gramática as an accomplished Pro-Bowl NFL kicker, but he actually grew up playing soccer in Argentina and didn't lace up on the football field until his senior year of high school.
The Tampa Bay Strikers have been making moves since the team's creation last month, announcing its head coach and first player. The Yuengling Center-based team also posted on social media that it is looking for players to join the squad and will be hosting tryouts in upcoming months.
To try out for a spot on the Strikers' roster, sign up on the team's website.
Last month, the team announced that former Buccaneers' kicker and Super Bowl XXXVII champion Martín Gramática would head coach the Strikers, both the male and female teams.
Many know Gramática as an accomplished Pro-Bowl NFL kicker, but he actually grew up playing soccer in Argentina and didn't lace up on the football field until his senior year of high school. Since his retirement from the league in 2008, the 46-year-old has been involved in youth soccer development in the Tampa Bay area.
"I cannot be more excited to bring my two passions together soccer and the Tampa Bay community," Gramática said at a press conference.
This morning, the team announced its first-ever player, former University of South Florida women's soccer defender Brianna Blethen, who posted an impressive career during her time with the Bulls.
During her senior year, Blethen's defensive line ranked No. 1 in least shot attempts allowed in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). She also scored the game-winning goal in AAC regular-season title game.
“I am so excited to be a part of this organization and honored to be the team's first signee. I can’t wait to learn new aspects of the indoor game from Coach Gramatica," Blethen said. "I am looking forward to continuing to represent the Tampa Bay area!”
The Strikers' are yet to announce its official schedule for the upcoming season set to begin in December, but season and group tickets are for purchase available now.
And it looks like Tampa isn't the only Florida city getting a National Indoor Soccer League team, as the league announced its Orlando-based Central Florida Crusaders team last week, who will play in University of Central Florida's Addition Financial Arena.
