SANTA CLARITA, CA - The defending 2016 United Women’s Soccer (UWS) champion Santa Clarita Blue Heat F.C. is proud to announce the addition of Canadian international defender Lauren Sesselmann. The 33-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the reigning UWS title-holders. The American-born Canadian has played professionally for the Houston Dash and F.C. Kansas City of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), in addition to the Atlanta Beat and Sky Blue F.C. during the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) era.

“Lauren brings great values, professionalism, hard work and dedication to the team, which will be valuable to our young players to learn from,” said Blue Heat Owner and Technical Advisor Carlos Marroquin. “We share passion for the game, for the growth of women’s soccer. Lauren is a diamond and we are lucky to have here at the Blue Heat and for the City of Santa Clarita.”

“I am extremely excited to be back on the pitch and joining the Santa Clarita Blue Heat,” said Sesselmann. “This is a very talented team and I can't wait to help them keep their reign as league champions. Soccer is my passion both on and off the field and it is my goal to not only help us win but to grow the women’s game.”

Sesselmann has 44 caps for the Canadian Women’s National Team that includes an Olympic Bronze Medal at the 2012 London Games when she started all six matches - four at centre back. Lauren would also go on to start four matches for the hosts of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She has experience with one UWS member club as the Green Bay, Wisconsin native played for F.C. Indiana (Midwest Conference) during the 2007-08 seasons.

“It is important to keep these leagues like UWS and NWSL afloat so that there is a home for our upcoming generations,” said Sesselmann. “Soccer has taught me so much and has brought so much joy to my life that I want to have that for everyone that looks up to us. I hope to see you all out at some games cheering us on and help continue to grow the game!! Go Santa Clarita Blue Heat!!!”

For the latest news, signings and updates visit the team’s official website at SCBlueHeat.com. You can “Like” the Santa Clarita Blue Heat on Facebook and “Follow” on Twitter at @SCBlueHeat.

About United Women’s Soccer (UWS): UWS is a national women’s soccer league sanctioned by U.S. Soccer through the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). UWS is a professionally operated league created for teams that meet high minimum standards. The season runs from May until the end of July, culminating in a National Championship match. The UWS player pool is comprised of college players, aspiring & former professionals and international stars. You can follow UWS on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

UWS is managed by EDP, a leading soccer management company that runs a number of leagues and tournaments. In addition to UWS, EDP operates youth leagues that includes an NPL league, the EDP Super Club program, the EDP Premier League and the EDP Championship League. EDP also runs EDP Futures programs for U-7’s to U-12’s and it conducts more than 20 youth tournaments, including tournaments within its EDP Cup Series and EDP Showcase Series.

Media can contact UWS Director of Communications Jorma Kansanen by e-mail at Press@UWSSoccer.com. You can visit the league’s official website at UWSSoccer.com. Interested team applicants can contact League Director Joe Ferrara by e-mail at Joe@UWSSoccer.com.