NISL Newcomer Takes Top League Honor, Tampa Bay Strikers Tesa McKibben is Women’s MVP

TAMPA, FL – The National Indoor Soccer League (NISL) has named Tampa Bay Strikers Tesa McKibben as the league’s Most Valuable Player in the women’s divisions. She earns the honor in her first year as a member of one of the two expansion teams for the league’s 2023 season.  

McKibben led the offensive attack for the Strikers this season and led the division in total points (33/+3), total assists (14/+4) and points per game average (2.8/+.5). Participating in three less total games on the year, she finished second in goals (19) to Central Florida’s Alivia Gonzalez. 

Strikers Head Coach Martin Grammatica said, “Tesa was a huge part of our success from day one. (She is) extremely hard-working and dedicated to her team. Her enthusiasm and love for the game was contagious. (I’m) looking forward to seeing her play again next season and hope to get a chance to compete for the championship.” 

Tesa played a vital role in Tampa Bay’s success for all 12 of the games she competed in, earning her seven recognitions as a star performer in the division. Accumulating four 1st Stars, two 2nd Stars and one 3rd Star, McKibben led the league in overall Star Points (170/+40). 

“(I’m) super humbled to receive this award from the NISL and want to thank them for giving the players a platform to showcase our love for the game and a means to inspire the next generation. Like all team sports, nothing is accomplished individually. I’m beyond grateful to play alongside some of the most selfless players in the league and for a coaching staff that supports the way that they do,” said McKibben, when notified about her MVP earning play. 

The Strikers ownership group is already hard at work this off-season conducting interviews to fully staff its front office and looking to bring on new investors and sponsors for their sophomore campaign. 

ABOUT TAMPA BAY STRIKERS: The Tampa Bay Strikers was formally announced on July 11th, 2022 and called Yuengling Center home for the 2023 season. The Strikers operate both a women's and men's professional indoor soccer team. The inaugural season for the organization saw both teams finish in third place for the season, with records of 8-8 (women) and 7-9 (men). For more information visit www.tbstrikers.com  

ABOUT NATIONAL INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE (NISL): The National Indoor Soccer League was founded in January 2021 by a group of seasoned sports team/league owners with over 50 years of ownership experience. The league features both a Men's & Women's Division, competing in double header game days over a 20-game regular season that takes place between the months of January and April. Current teams include Central FL Crusaders (Orlando), Columbus Rapids (Georgia), Fayetteville Fury, Memphis Americans, Rome Gladiators (Georgia), and Tampa Bay Strikers. The NISL is committed to promoting and supporting our member teams, and to providing an avenue for players, coaches, and front office staff to develop their skills and gain exposure for opportunities at higher levels, all while delivering high-quality, affordable entertainment in the communities we serve. For more information, go to nislpro.com.