FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 18, 2026) – Ahead of its 2026 Gainbridge Super League season opener, Fort Lauderdale United FC named defender Haley Thomas as the club’s captain for the upcoming campaign. Thomas brings extensive Gainbridge Super League experience to the role, having spent both seasons in league history with Spokane Zephyr FC. As one of the league’s most experienced players, Thomas will lead Fort Lauderdale United into its third season of competition.
The defender ranks among the league’s top 11 all-time in games played (51, ninth), starts (48, ninth), minutes played (4,352, ninth), clearances (184, 11th) and tackles won (48, 11th). Thomas has also made an impact in the attack, recording two goals and three assists during her Gainbridge Super League career. She also earned Team of the Month honors in March 2025 before making the move to Fort Lauderdale.
“I felt really honored to be named the team’s captain,” said Haley Thomas, Captain of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “This is a really good group and I feel lucky to have come into a situation like this, being on a new team in a new environment. I couldn’t have asked for more and all of the support is great. Going forward, I hope to help in any way I can with game experience in this league and being there for my teammates as much as I can.”
In his return to the sidelines, Head Coach Tyrone Mears praised Thomas’ leadership qualities and the trust she has earned from her teammates and coaching staff. With her experience at the professional level, Mears believes Thomas is well equipped to lead the team on and off the field.
“It wasn’t just my choice, as the team picked the leadership,” said Tyrone Mears, Head Coach of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “Haley was picked by the players to be the leader, and I think in terms of the way she’s carried herself through preseason, we all noticed. As a staff, we voted on the captain and we felt like she is the right person to lead us. The important thing is that she asks a lot of questions, not just about her own position, but what she needs to help her teammates. That’s a leader for me.”
A true veteran, Thomas also brings 54 professional appearances from stints with Icelandic side ÍBV and Germany’s MSV Duisburg before returning to the United States. At the collegiate level, she logged more than 7,000 minutes and made 76 starts, further adding to the wealth of experience she brings to Fort Lauderdale United.
“Throughout my career, I’ve learned that games are won with small moments and I feel like my experience can help us stay locked in,” said Thomas. “In those little moments or details of a game, I can notice and be a voice from the back and help guide my teammates.”
Back in Action
The 2026 Gainbridge Super League season is here, and Fort Lauderdale United FC is ready for another exciting campaign at home. Join us throughout the season at Amerant Bank Field and experience all the action, energy and unforgettable moments of professional women’s soccer. Click HERE to get your tickets! Stay tuned and follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with all things FTL UTD on Instagram, X(Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook.
