03/03/2020
In Celebration of Women’s History Month, the Torrance Historical Society is hosting an event entitled: Kickin’ It – AYSO Girl Power – History of Women’s Soccer. Our Guest Speaker is Jan Smisek, who was on the first all-girl AYSO team, on the first Varsity Team at West High School, started the Women's Soccer Club Team at UCSB, and spearheaded the growth of Women’s Soccer in the USA, and more.
Raised in Torrance, Smisek grew-up in West Torrance where AYSO was founded in 1964 – starting with only nine (all boy) teams lead by a handful of soccer enthusiasts who wanted American kids to have the opportunity to learn, and love, the game of soccer. However, it wasn’t until 1971, that a girls’ team was finally formed. AYSO was an amazing grass-roots effort, and Smisek and her family were in the epicenter of it all – Jan has ridden the wave, while creating it, too!
Though knowing nothing about the game of soccer, Smisek’s parents didn’t just stand on the sidelines. Her dad, Dick, was recruited as Head Referee (he may have not known the “rules,” but he knew people and could get Referees). Her mom, Ann, was one of the first Team Mom’s, and promoted the idea of healthy snacks – hence the tradition of sliced orange wedges at half-time. Together, her parents were instrumental in getting girls’ soccer as a legitimate sport in Torrance Unified School District. This was the beginning of Women’s Soccer History in Torrance, and the USA!
At West High School (1972-1975), Smisek participated in Soccer, Softball and Track earning Varsity Letters in all three – Soccer (2), Softball (2), Track (1).
These were lean years for girls’ sports, opportunities grew with the advent of Title IX in 1972, but not without a struggle. At the time, West High only offered girls interscholastic Volleyball, Gymnastics and Tennis. Soccer and Softball were added in 1974 and Track in 1975. Up to that point, all other girls’ sports opportunities were through the Girls Athletic Association Club.
Smisek, who now lives in Washington, was named as one of the Top 50 Soccer Citizens by Washington Youth Soccer as part of their 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2016. And, just last year, she was also named a "Soccer Legend" by the Reign FC, an American professional women's soccer team based in Tacoma, Washington.
With no kids, no pets, and very few house plants, Smisek continues kickin’ it for women! Come celebrate Girl Power!
Here are the details . . .
When: Sunday, March 15th, 2020
Where: Torrance Historical Society – 1345 Post Ave., Old Torrance
Time: 2:00 PM
Cost: Free, and open to the public
Info: 310.328.5392 or www.TorranceHistoricalSociety.org
Seating for this event will be first-come/first-served. In the tradition of AYSO, wedged orange slices will be served.
