Hartford Athletic’s Danny Barrera named head coach of upcoming USL W League team

Hartford Athletic has announced that longtime club professional Danny Barrera will lead the organization’s new USL W League team as head coach when it debuts in the summer of 2026.

Earlier this year, Hartford confirmed its plans to join the USL W League, the nation’s premier pre-professional women’s soccer league. The league serves as a vital bridge between elite youth, collegiate, and professional levels, offering top competition while maintaining NCAA eligibility for college athletes. Matches run from early May through late June, with playoffs extending into July.

As of 2025, the USL W League features more than 90 clubs across over 25 states, highlighting its rapid national growth and influence in women’s soccer.

“Bringing a women’s team to Hartford is a huge moment for our club and our community,” said Hartford Athletic General Manager and men’s head coach Brendan Burke. “The USL W League gives us an incredible platform to grow the game, inspire the next generation, and showcase top-level women’s soccer right here in Connecticut. We can’t wait for fans to experience this new era of Hartford Athletic.”

See the Message Center below for Connecticut’s top October events — from Hartford Wolf Pack games to concerts across the state — and grab this season’s hottest Connecticut merch!

From Club Legend to Coach

Barrera joined Hartford Athletic midway through the club’s inaugural 2019 season and remained with the Green & Blue until his retirement in 2024. During his five-and-a-half years with the team, the Bogotá, Colombia native became one of the club’s most decorated players, setting numerous all-time records—including appearances (150), minutes (10,773), assists (34), and goals (17, a record recently surpassed by Mamadou Dieng).

In 2021, Barrera earned USL All-League First Team honors after a standout season in which he tallied eight goals and led the league with 12 assists.

Following his retirement at age 34, Barrera transitioned into coaching within the Hartford Athletic Academy, serving as Director of Player Experience and Development. He credits his time with the club for preparing him for the next step in his career.

“My vision is to create a pathway for girls in Connecticut and the Northeast—a place where they can train at a very high level and be prepared for the next step in their journey,” Barrera said. “Players will be treated as professionals and have access to the best resources and training environments.”

Building a Foundation for Women’s Soccer

The USL W League’s mission to elevate women’s soccer aligns closely with Hartford Athletic’s broader commitment to growing the game at every level. Chief Operating Officer Michele Roux praised Barrera’s evolution within the club and his leadership role in this new initiative.

“Danny has given so much to Hartford Athletic over the years, both on and off the field,” Roux said. “Watching his transition from club pro to Academy leader, and now to W League head coach, has been incredible. We’re excited about this next chapter for him and what it means for women’s soccer development in our community.”

Barrera emphasized the unique connection between Hartford’s youth academy and first team, noting that adding a women’s pre-professional squad will create meaningful role models for young female athletes.

“It’s exciting that we’re investing in the women’s game, especially when we already have a youth academy for girls,” he said. “It gives them something to look up to.”

To aspiring players, Barrera offered a simple message: “Be ready to work. And enjoy yourself. Come here and you will be better after the season than you were when you came in. That I can guarantee.”

Hartford Athletic will host open tryouts for the women’s first team on December 15, 16, and 18. Additional announcements regarding schedules, tickets, and roster updates will be shared in the coming months.

Share your Hartford Athletic experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here for the full home schedule for Hartford Athletic
Click here for the latest news for the Hartford Athletic
Click here for the latest news in Hartford
Click here for the upcoming events in Hartford
Click here for the latest news in Hartford County
Click here for the upcoming events in Hartford County

Click here for Hartford Merch
#theartfordlife • 860 Hartford • I Clover Hartford • I’d rather be in Hartford • I Really Really Miss Hartford • Just a kid from Hartford • Hartord Coordinates

Click here for Hartford County Merch

Don’t miss

• Mermaid Books makes a splash in Downtown Milford with grand opening celebration
• Learn to cook this fall with AMG Catering & Events
• Mohegan Sun’s Annual Tree Lighting to feature Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey & Ralph Johnson on December 7th

••••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

October events at Fairfield Theatre Company

October is packed with live entertainment at Fairfield Theatre Company and beyond, bringing a mix of music, theater, and seasonal celebrations. From legendary performers and fresh new voices to fundraisers, family shows, and Halloween favorites, there’s something for everyone this month. Whether you’re catching an intimate concert, rocking out with a high-energy band, or getting into the spooky spirit, these upcoming events showcase some of the best performances and community gatherings of the season.

October 2025 calendar of events
October 30 – Thriller Thursday

Click here for more information & order tickets.

Learn to cook this fall with AMG Catering

AMG Catering and Events in Wilton, Connecticut, is offering a fall series of cooking classes designed to celebrate seasonal flavors and global cuisine. Each class combines hands-on instruction with perfectly paired beverages, from wine and beer to creative cocktails, as participants learn to prepare a variety of savory and sweet dishes. From autumn-inspired comfort foods to festive holiday treats, these classes provide an interactive, fun experience for home cooks of all skill levels. Join AMG this fall to sharpen your culinary skills, explore new flavors, and enjoy delicious meals in a vibrant, social setting. Click here for more information.

October events at PeoplesBank Arena

10/25 – Stevie Nicks, click here to purchase tickets
10/26 – UCONN Women’s Basketball vs Southern Connecticut State
10/28 -UCONN Men Basketball vs Michigan State
10/29 – Charlotte Checkers vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
10/31 – Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets

Connecticut Merch

Celebrate Connecticut nostalgia with our Vintage Merritt Parkway and Wilbur Cross Parkway collection! Honoring the classic exit numbers, these designs pay tribute to the iconic parkways that connect communities across the state. Explore a variety of items including T-shirts, hoodies, crewnecks, mugs, tote bags, decorative pillows, and blankets, all with free shipping. Perfect for Connecticut residents, collectors, and road trip lovers who want to showcase their state pride. Each piece captures a timeless piece of local history while adding style to your wardrobe or home.

Vintage Merritt Parkway Exits
Exit 27 • Exit 28 • Exit 29 • Exit 31 • Exit 33 • Exit 34 • Exit 35 • Exit 36 • Exit 37 • Exit 38 • Exit 39 • Exit 40 • Exit 41 • Exit 42 • Exit 44 • Exit 46 • Exit 47 • Exit 48 • Exit 49 • Exit 50 • Exit 51 • Exit 52 • Exit 53 • Exit 54

Vintage Wilbur Cross Parkway
Exit 55 • Exit 55B • Exit 56 • Exit 57 • Exit 58 • Exit 59 • Exit 60 • Exit 61 • Exit 62 • Exit 63 • Exit 64 • Exit 65 • Exit 66• Exit 67 • Exit 68N-E • Exit 68W

Your ad here

The Message Center on Finding Connecticut appears on every post across the site, giving your message maximum exposure to a statewide audience. Whether you’re promoting an event, business, product, or service, your message will be seen by thousands of engaged readers exploring Connecticut content every day. Placement runs monthly, making it an ideal option for consistent visibility without the need for daily management. With prominent positioning and a streamlined setup process, the Message Center offers an affordable, effective way to get your message in front of locals—right where they’re already paying attention. Reserve your spot today to get noticed. Click here for more information on Message Center ads. Click here for more advertising opportunities.

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater

Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media

Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods celebrates November with All Star Sumo, John Legend & a season like no other

ICYMI: Our top 5 visited stories of the week

Hartford Athletic’s Danny Barrera named head coach of upcoming USL W League team