In the heart of St. Croix, Lady Rovers Soccer Club and St. Croix Kestrels Soccer Collective prove that progress does not require perfect conditions, just relentless commitment. Their mission is simple: grow the game for women and girls in the Virgin Islands.
Lady Rovers SC is building its legacy as a powerhouse after only two years. “Last year marked the return of a women’s league in the USVI for the first time in a decade,” said Mackiesh Taylor-Jones, club captain and cofounder. “We’re proud to say Lady Rovers and Rovers made history by winning both the Women’s Premier League and Men’s League and the Big Four Championship.” Both squads went undefeated — Lady Rovers allowing just one goal all season.
The St. Croix Kestrels bring a different kind of depth. “Our team is mostly made up of both high school girls and women in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s,” said player-manager Claudia Lombard. “The young ones came up through our club and the youth national team, but the older players — many of whom are moms and full-time professionals — never had those chances growing up.” Together, they’ve created a culture of shared responsibility, mentorship, and grit. In a league that is still rebuilding its foundation, their presence is critical.

Both clubs face the common challenge of player availability. “Finding one or two days a week when most of our players can train is tough,” Lombard admitted. “Schedules are packed. Some of our women are traveling, others are working and raising families.” Taylor-Jones nodded to broader cultural hurdles: “Women’s soccer isn’t always taken seriously here, and that impacts participation and support. But we’ve made it a priority to change that — on the field and off.”
Their efforts extend far beyond match days. Lombard, who played for the USVI national team until the age of 44, has coached youth teams for nearly a decade and now leads the U15 girls’ national squad. “I’ve organized beach soccer events, watch parties, and summer camps,” she said. “Anything to keep the game growing.” Taylor-Jones, who debuted for the U-19 national team at 12, now coaches the U14 girls’ national team and has helped build Lady Rovers into a pipeline for local and international talent. “We didn’t have this many girls playing three years ago,” she said. “Now the national team pool has over 40 players. That’s huge.”
Many players got their start on makeshift fields with no real infrastructure, only a love for the game and someone willing to coach them. Now, those same players are returning as mentors, building bridges for the girls behind them. “It’s about creating opportunity,” said Taylor-Jones. “Making sure they feel seen and know this space is theirs.”
Managing their roles as players, coaches, and professionals is no small feat. Lombard credits her ability to juggle responsibilities to planning, organization, and a supportive team environment. “Having a family that backs me and players who help carry the load makes a big difference,” she said. Taylor-Jones agrees but admits it’s not always easy. “I work full-time as Chief Legal Counsel at the Department of Health. Then it’s soccer in the evenings and weekends — sometimes even more than my day job. I’ve learned how to balance it, but this year has been tough. I know I need to make more space to rest.”

Despite the hustle, the passion remains unshaken. “I bring experience and a smile to the field on most days,” Lombard joked. Taylor-Jones brings fire and focus: “I want young girls to know that they belong here. That they can do great things through this game. This is about more than playing — it’s about building confidence and creating opportunity.”
That long-term investment is already paying off. Lady Rovers contribute the most players to the U14 national team. Kestrels, meanwhile, offer something rare: intergenerational mentorship. “We have grandmothers who still play,” Lombard said with pride. “That kind of leadership matters. The girls see what’s possible in the long term.”
The presence of both teams has inspired a cultural shift across the island. Parents are more willing to commit their daughters to competitive play. Even spectatorship is growing. “When we hosted our summer tournament last year, the bleachers were full,” said Taylor-Jones. “People are starting to care — and that matters.”
Lady Rovers is currently hosting its annual Summer Kick-Off, a girls’ soccer tournament from June 19–22 at VIALCO.
These women are building more than teams – they are building blueprints. They are proving, one pass at a time, that the future of women’s soccer can be bold, inclusive, and unstoppable.
Follow Lady Rovers and St. Croix Kestrels on Facebook for match schedules and team updates!