Amber Brooks knows a thing or two about joining a brand-new league. The 32-year-old, who was the 24th overall pick in the 2013 National Women’s Soccer League’s inaugural draft class, now sets her sights on the USL Super League joining Dallas Trinity FC.
“There are a lot of talented players and not enough professional options for them in the United States,” Brooks said. “The Super League is providing 150 more professional playing opportunities for women in the US for American players and internationals who want to play here for a league that aligns with the international calendar.”
Through her time in youth soccer and her pro career, Brooks has created and maintained a strong network of support in the soccer community including Amanda Vandervort, USL Super League President. Through Vandervort’s mentorship, Brooks found herself drawn to the Super League which plays according to the international calendar and has all-time free agency.
“From the first conversation we had about the league back in 2022, I remember thinking from that instant it sounded great,” Brooks said. “I have full trust in the leadership of the Super League which is important to me as a player. This league is player-centric.”
Although the free agent was unable to play another season in the NWSL, she sees this opportunity with Dallas Trinity as the perfect way to play out the rest of her professional career and hone mentorship skills of her own. In fact, Brooks one day hopes to transition from the field to the front office. She recently completed a Master in Football Business and Management program through the Sports Business Institute in Barcelona.
“Anyone who knows me knows that my aspiration is to be a general manager or sporting director in the women’s game when I’m done playing,” Brooks said. “My strengths off the field are suited for the role. I’m taking a data analytics course in the fall and I just love learning.”
Through the ups and downs of her own 12-year long career, Brooks feels ready for this moment – to not only give it her all on the field, but to make sure that her teammates, especially the newer pros, get the support they need to give it their all, too.
“I am someone who is a natural leader, whether I’m a captain or not, I don’t need the title – that’s something my experience brings,” Brooks said. “I can be a vocal leader, but I also like to lead by example.
During her years playing for the Houston Dash, Brooks saw first-hand the passion the Dallas area has for women’s soccer. In 2017 following Hurricane Havery, the Dash played and trained at the FC Dallas facilities to great reception from the local fans.
“I never understood why Dallas didn’t have a team,” Brooks said. “I’ve known for years Dallas has a big soccer culture. It’s a hotbed for women’s soccer talent so the fact that they haven’t had a women’s team for now never made sense to me.”
Now, Brooks is ready to take full advantage of the Dallas soccer culture as she looks to bring success to the city’s first-ever women’s professional soccer team.
From her first conversations with Dallas Trinity ownership and general manager Chris Petrucelli, Brooks knew Dallas would be the perfect spot where she could not only continue to play, but help mentor a younger generation of talent and also observe a first-class front office at work.
“Brooks is known for her leadership qualities,” said Petrucelli. “As an experienced and skilled professional soccer player who has played in a number of leagues and for the U.S. Women’s National Team, her talent and knowledge of this sport will benefit Dallas Trinity FC on and off the field. We believe she will inspire and motivate her teammates at every turn.”
Although she’s closer to the end of her career than the beginning, Brooks has not lost the fire or drive that has helped her find success on the pitch. She loves to compete, even in practice, and still doesn’t think she’s reached her full potential on the pitch.
“I love competing, learning, and getting better,” Brooks said. “I love going to bed at night knowing I got better today. Whether it’s on or off the field, I genuinely love working to get better.”
In fact, her dedication to constant improvement is exactly what makes her a perfect fit for Dallas’ new professional women’s team.
“Her work ethic, dedication, and commitment to the sport make her a role model for younger players and young athletes in our community who may be watching – and inspired by – professional women’s soccer for the first time,” said Petrucelli.
As Brooks, her fiancé, and her dog Henley get ready for their new lives in Dallas, she’s ready to give it her all for a city that she knows is itching for a professional women’s team – and she’s ready to make her new city proud.
“Our roster is going to be so exciting with a good mix of youth and experience both domestic and international,” she said. “I’m at the tail end of my career, but I still have a lot to give.”