By Rachel Lippmann, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – St. Louis's newest professional team officially has a name.
Soccer royalty of past and present joined dozens of young female players Tuedsay to officially unveil the logo of the St. Louis Athletica.
The Women's Professional Soccer team starts play in April. The crest is modeled on the famous statue of King Louis IX that sits atop Art Hill in Forest Park, and on Joan of Arc.
"It's a strong and powerful image that reflects the pride and victories we hope to attain," team owner Jeff Cooper said.
Olympic gold medalist Lori Chalupny - a St. Louis native - says her dreams started coming true this year in China at the summer Olympics.
"It's also a dream come true to play women's professional soccer, and especially to be able to represent my hometown of St. Louis," Chalupny said. "It's an honor to wear this crest and to wear this jersey and these colors."
Cooper is also leading the effort to bring a men's professional team to St. Louis. The announcement about Major League Soccer's newest franchise will come early next year.