TAMPA, Fla. - The United Soccer League today announced the addition of the Michiana Lions as the newest expansion team set to take the field in 2024. 

“Establishing Michiana FC as a team to compete in the W League is a dream come true!” Julio De La Cruz, Michiana FC Director of Operations said. “Our community is very unique.  It's not just one town, one city, one county or one state - we are a melting pot of cultures and multiple communities. Our Club’s objective is to provide a healthy environment where our players can compete at the highest available levels, and we look forward to offering that in the W League.” 

Michiana FC, who formerly competed in USL League Two as the South Bend Lions, will offer girls and women in the South Bend area a pathway with the W League serving as the most senior tier. The Lions will also expand its USL Academy and USL Youth presence in 2024. 

“We are excited to welcome the Michiana Lions to the W League,” said Amanda Vandervort, USL Super League and W League President. “The Lions are creating dozens of new opportunities for female players and coaches in the South Bend area, and we look forward to seeing the club take the field in May.” 

The club has appointed Shek Borkowski as the head coach of its W League team. Borkowski brings decades of experience at the pre-professional, professional and national team level including over four years with Haiti's Women's National Team. 

The club’s focus is on providing the right platforms so that players have a pathway to the highest level they can achieve, all while creating a positive and exciting environment. The Lions look forward to helping their players develop strong leadership, character, sportsmanship skills, as well as strong community ties. 

To learn more about Michiana FC visit www.michianalionsfc.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.