Since its original launch back in 2001 as part of the WUSA , the Washington Freedom has maintained a tradition of excellence, producing soccer-savvy players and entertaining matches.  As a professional team in the WUSA, the Washington Freedom included stars such as Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm, who lead the team to the Founders Cup Championship Games in 2002 and 2003, winning the Cup in 2003.  Unfortunately, the Freedom would not get the opportunity to defend their title, as the WUSA suspended operations following the 2003 season.  Determined to keep the Washington Freedom alive, Team Owner John Hendricks and Coaches Jim Gabarra and Clyde Watson continued to organize exhibition matches for the club through the 2006 season.  In 2007, the Washington Freedom officially joined the W-League, an amateur league with teams across the country, and in their first year the Freedom not only compiled an impressive 12-1-1 record, but also won the W-League Championship!  With the launch of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) in 2009, the Washington Freedom will be the only franchise that has maintained their soccer club and coaching staff from the WUSA.  Although there will be new teams and new faces in the WPS, the Washington Freedom will be fighting to keep one thing the same: their tradition of success.