The Blues are back after a nearly 600 day hiatus this Friday. Although the season is starting later and shortened due to COVID protocols, the women in blue bring excitement and passion back to the field. This will be Asheville City’s third season as a part of the WPSL and Carolinas Conference. 

Leading the Blues this season is head coach Carolyn Wahaftig. A former midfielder for Colgate University, Wahaftig comes to the blues after a stint in the Icelandic professional leagues and as a youth coach. Friday night will be her first game with the organization.

“I think the energy is going to be high flying tomorrow night,” Wahaftig said. “The energy is there regardless, but to be delayed an entire year and then unleash it. Hopefully it is a controlled energy but it will be palpable.” 

Joining her are assistant coaches Heather Davis and Kelsey Davis. While waiting for Wahaftig to arrive in Asheville, the assistant coaches have been manning the ship.

“I am in awe,” Wahaftig said. “Heather and Kelsey have put so many hours into putting this team together. It seriously takes a community to put this team together. To see these 34 girls together and take the field after 600 days is going to be such a rush.”

Former head coach Stacey Enos returns to the club in a different position as Director of Operations. She won South Region Carolinas Conference Coach of the Year in her first season as head coach. 

“I have the perfect staff who can all coach and have professional careers,” Enos said, “The roster is just really impressive so I feel like I get to have fun right now.” 

A notable returner this season is Laura Greb, who has been a part of the club since 2018. The Western Carolina alum is not only a member of the Blues but also a middle school teacher at North Buncombe Middle. 

“It feels great to be back. We’ve had a couple of strong days of practice and the team is just ready to get back on the field,” Greb said. “We are ready. We have been working hard and getting to know each other better.”

New to the Blues this season is University of Illinois senior Makena Silber. 

“It is a great group and a great environment to be around. The coaches are great. We are all just looking forward to starting tomorrow,” Silber said. 

The much anticipated season begins with a match against the 4th ranked Charlotte Independence. The Independence are coming off a draw to the Women’s Football Club of Charlotte. They also own a tough loss to the Charlotte Eagles. 

Friday’s match is sold out and will begin at 7:30 p.m. A livestream will be available via Youtube for those who cannot support the Blues in person. 

Masks are no longer required for vaccinated individuals. Full facility guidelines can be found at http://ashevillecitysc.com/gameday.