Centennial has reached a historic milestone as it becomes the home of the first professional women’s soccer team in the state. Under the leadership of Mayor Stephanie Piko, the city has not only embraced this groundbreaking development but has also positioned itself as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and community-driven progress. The recently announced partnership between Denver NWSL, the City of Centennial, and the Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) is a testament to Centennial’s commitment to advancing women’s sports and fostering regional cooperation.
Denver NWSL’s plan to build a state-of-the-art performance center and a 12,000-seat temporary stadium in Centennial marks a significant investment in women’s athletics. The facility, designed to be one of the best in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), will include cutting-edge recovery technology, multiple training fields, and an elite training core dedicated to sports science and conditioning. Mayor Piko sees this as a defining moment for Centennial.
“Welcoming any professional team is exciting, but hosting a professional women’s team is truly special,” she says. “It reflects the city’s commitment to community engagement and the sports our residents love.”
The partnership was born from Centennial’s proactive approach. Over 18 months ago, city officials reached out to Denver NWSL, showcasing available land and the city’s readiness to support such an initiative. Once discussions about the stadium location began, Centennial facilitated the introduction between Denver NWSL and CCSD, leading to a collaboration that will benefit both professional athletes and local students for years to come.
For Mayor Piko, the investment in women’s sports aligns seamlessly with her broader vision for the city. She has long championed Centennial as a forward-thinking, efficient, and community-oriented city. This project, she believes, highlights the strength of regional cooperation, something she has experienced firsthand in her role as mayor.
“When you have a goal in mind of what you want to obtain, you can find innovative ways to make it happen,” she says. “You just have to be willing to put in the effort and ensure that everyone involved benefits.”
Piko’s leadership has helped Centennial grow into a regional leader, known for its efficiency and innovative approach to governance. Under her tenure, the city has focused on streamlining operations, integrating state-of-the-art technology, and ensuring that Centennial remains adaptable to future opportunities. This groundwork, she believes, has made it possible for the city to take on transformative projects such as the Denver NWSL partnership.
Beyond this partnership, Mayor Piko is proud of Centennial’s evolution into a regional powerhouse. She has played an instrumental role in fostering collaboration with neighboring municipalities and organizations, serving on multiple boards and committees, including the Denver South Transportation Management Association and the Metro Mayors Caucus.
Her advice to young women aspiring to leadership roles is simple but powerful: “Lean in. Opportunities won’t necessarily find you—you have to go out and seek them. Show up, participate, and be actively involved in your community.”
As her tenure continues, Mayor Piko remains focused on ensuring Centennial’s continued growth and success. With the city now at the forefront of professional women’s sports, she believes this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
“It has been such a privilege to serve as mayor of Centennial,” she says. “I appreciate the form of government that we have. The city has a bright future ahead, thanks to all of the people who have preceded me and the group of people that I have had the privilege of working with over the last 14 years. I’m proud to have played a role in laying the foundation for what’s to come.”
With the Denver NWSL project set to bring long-term benefits to the city, Centennial is proving itself to be a leader in both community development and the advancement of women’s sports. Under Mayor Piko’s leadership, the city’s investment in innovation and collaboration continues to pay off—on and off the field.
“Show up,
participate,
and be
actively
involved
in your
community.”