As the 2024 summer breezes into autumn FC Olympia are taking the time to look back at those who made major impacts in the early years of the Artesians and see what they’re up to now.
Join as we take a peek at the past and hear tales of Oly greats in..
“Where ARE-TESIANS Now?” FCOLY.com Series
Hometown: Seattle, WA
High School: Roosevelt High School
College: The Evergreen State College
Willie Spurr played soccer locally growing up and was recruited by coaching legend John Purtteman at The Evergreen State College from 2012 to 2015 which saw Spurr racking up 25 goals across 4 seasons as a Geoduck.
During that time Willie played with a newly formed professional-amateur indoor club Oly Town FC (now FC Olympia). There Spurr would create a large draw from indoor fans around the region as he was a standout goal scorer and game day influencer.
30 Goals. That was the Artesian goal record that stood for years held by Willie Spurr from 2014 to 2022 and what ultimately launched him into the pros for both arena and outdoor soccer.
Spurr would go on to play USL League Two franchise soccer in Eugene, OR with Lane United and then signed a USL League One pro contract with Detroit City FC. Willie set his sights on escalating his pro soccer career with the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) and was signed by local pro team the Tacoma Stars who play out of the Showare Center in Kent, WA.
Spurr in 2021 would be signed over to the Ontario Fury in the MASL where he suffered a season ending injury that forced surgery and a lengthy recovery. That did not hold him down as he returned to the MASL and appeared in 23 matches in 2023-24 for the Tacoma Stars scoring 8 goals and assisting on 10.
Q & A with Willie Spurr Including Highlights!
What are you up to these days Willie?
I’m preparing for my third season with the Tacoma Stars in the MASL and I also play with their summer USL League Two team.
Best moment from last years pro arena season?
Beating the now back to back champions of the MASL the Chihuahua Savage twice at home at the end of the last MASL Season, and becoming the first American team to beat a team from Mexico up to that point in the season.
What was your most memorable moment at Oly?
Coming back from a goal down to win in the last 30 seconds against the Stars Reserves in my last indoor season with the Artesians.
You ever see teammates from your Artesian days?
The last couple years I would see JT Meyer, Josh Dube, Sebastian Lyons Matt Herrera and Ivan Gonzalez playing Sunday League in Olympia
Thoughts on the Artesians growth from just a Men’s Indoor Team to outdoor USL Franchises?
It’s really cool to see that the club’s grown as much as it has. I wish it had existed on this scale when I was going to Evergreen because it’s providing a lot of opportunities for players now that you had to go much farther to find at that time.
Where & When can Supporters See You Play Next?
Tacoma Stars games this winter at the Showare Center
Teammate & Oly Legend Josh Dube
What was it like playing with Willie on the field?
I had no previous experience in arena soccer, so Willie was a major part of my development as an indoor player. I learned from his processing, movement and attacking mindset.
Nobody can replicate what he does, but it forced me to work my butt off to get better
Memorable moment on the field together?
I could tell he had such high expectations of his teammates, so once I gained his trust, I felt so confident. I scored a game-winning goal off a Willie assist against the Force (Oly-Pen) and that’s one of the highlights of my arena career.
What’s it like seeing him play pro a decade later?
It always felt like arena soccer was an old man’s game, so it’s wild to think how much Willie has grown as a player as he gets older. The perseverance to come back from an injury and dedicate yourself to the game. He’s a great person to carry the Artesian legacy at the highest level.
College Coach John Purtteman
You coached Willie in college, what stood out to you about his play?
It only takes a moment for a soccer fan to realize that Willie is special. Willie has an ability to carry the ball under pressure and still deliver the incisive pass. His ability to create for others is extraordinary and I felt lucky to have a front row seat for four years.
As a pro arena veteran yourself what did you think about Willie’s move to indoor?
Willies transition to indoor soccer was seamless and natural. While his playmaking ability is always on full display, he also has the strength and work rate that allow him to excel in the small confines of an indoor field.
Perhaps my favorite Artesians moment was when Willie led a late come from behind win at home against the Tacoma Stars Reserves with a hat trick in the final quarter of a back and forth affair
Pro Arena Coach Adam Becker
What did you think when you first saw Willie play?
I still remember the first time I saw Willie playing, it was like he had a magical bubble around him where no one could take the ball off him. It was glued to his feet, his touch was absolutely amazing and his vision in breaking lines was way above the level of anyone else on the field.
Right away I knew that he had something special and I desperately wanted him to be a part of our program. I remember when he signed with Empire I told him the second his contract expires I’d be the first to call and bring him back home.
What impact does he have for Stars and any standout plays last season?
There was one circumstance last season where I went to Willie and told him exactly what I wanted to see. He has this “shimmy” that sets him up on his right foot, I told him if you are isolated board side I only want to see you square up your opponent do the shimmy and with your second touch smash it into the back of the net.
He did exactly that! Right when he came to the bench I was like that is it, if your opponent doesn’t have cover I want to see it every time. Willie brings a calmness in possession while breaking pressure that few have.
He is a constant impact player that does a lot that goes unnoticed at times. A huge asset and even better human, I couldn’t speak highly enough about Willie and how proud I am to have him apart of our program.
WISL Commissioner John Crouch
What was Willie Spurr’s impact on early WISL?
It was great to see Willie come out of the Olympia region, a Evergreen star rise to the ranks of the MASL via the WISL. For the WISL it is really important to support the pro level and seeing players come through our league to the MASL is a big deal for us.
Thoughts on Willie going from WISL to pros in MASL?
I think the best indoor players are a balance of athletic and smart, the indoor game suits Willie with his calm demeanor and crafty opportunity rich passing lends him to many more great years playing the game.
Willie was peaking in his play and showing a ton of potential with the Empire Strikers (Formerly Ontario Fury), but a bad leg break had really set him back. It was fun to watch his rehab from afar on social media and of course to see him back out with the Tacoma Stars. Many were sad to see Willie leave to California in the first place, so it just feels right that he would poised for his greatest moments in the arena yet. I am excited to watch him play this season and proud of our WISL grown player.
Artesian Hall of Legends Click Here
Thank you for reading and get ready for the next…
Where ARE-TESIANS Now? On September 6!
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