Janet Dailey

A Pionner of Women's Soccer

In 1975, the birth of modern women’s soccer began with a bold request. Melissa Aveldson, wife of Oscar-winning director John Avildsen, walked into John Stavros’ Manhattan sports store and demanded he start a women’s soccer team. Stavros, a pro player and Hall of Famer, agreed, using his connections at Hunter College to gather a group of trailblazers, including actresses, models, and athletes.

Janet Dailey, Stavros’ girlfriend and a top model, joined the team despite having no prior experience. With the help of coaches like Mickey Cohen and Carlos Scott, the squad—dubbed the SST’s—began training in leopard-print uniforms, a symbol of their unique spirit. With no other teams to play, they split into A and B squads, captivating crowds at local tournaments and earning the admiration of New York’s soccer community.

The SST’s faced challenges, including a crushing 7-0 loss to the Haitian “Super Fs,” but their impact was undeniable. Janet’s talent and charisma helped propel the team into the spotlight, earning media coverage in Brazil, Japan, and the U.S. She appeared on NHK’s Sports Day in Japan and graced the cover of Soho News, kicking for the Olympics—a dream that seemed impossible at the time.

Though the SST’s disbanded as Janet’s modeling and acting career flourished, their legacy endured. Their efforts paved the way for the Metropolitan Women’s League and inspired the formation of the first U.S. women’s national team. Janet Dailey, alongside Melissa Aveldson, Valerie Mahaffey, and Senga “Ally” Allen, remains a symbol of courage and determination in women’s soccer.

Today, Janet continues to promote health and fitness through her company, Daily Wellness. Women of Soccer proudly honors her as a Hall of Fame inductee, celebrating her role in shaping the future of the beautiful game.

Ally Allan

A Soccer Pioneer and Inspirational Figure

Agnes Elizabeth Allan, known as Senga during her playing days and later as Ally, enrolled at UNC in 1982, where she became a cornerstone of the women’s soccer program. A three-time NCAA champion and All-American, she helped define an era of dominance for the Tar Heels, narrowly missing a fourth title in her senior year. Her talent and determination earned her the nickname “Ally” years later while coaching in Scotland, inspired by a humorous Billy Connolly story.

After graduating, Ally moved to Italy to play professionally for Fiamma Monza and later Milan ACF in Serie A, becoming one of the few women to compete at such a high level in Europe. A devastating car accident cut her career short, forcing her to return to Scotland. There, she became a trailblazer for women’s soccer, founding the Glasgow School Girls Football League—the first of its kind in the country—and leading top clubs like Cumbernauld and Cove Rangers to national success.

Off the field, Ally faced significant personal challenges, including a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and PTSD, which led her to step away from teaching. She found healing and purpose in stained glass art, earning multiple awards, including gold medals at the U.K. Skills Awards.

Despite her struggles, Ally’s legacy as a player, coach, and advocate for women’s soccer remains indelible. Her journey—from NCAA champion to Scottish pioneer and acclaimed artist—reflects her resilience and creativity. Women of Soccer proudly honors Ally Allan as a Hall of Fame inductee, celebrating her enduring impact on the game and her inspiring life story.

Melissa Avildsen

The Catalyst Behind a Soccer Revolution

Melissa Avildsen is the visionary who inspired John Stavros to create the SST’s, the world’s most famous women’s soccer team and New York City’s first-ever women’s squad. Formed in the 1970s, the SST’s—a unique blend of models, actresses, and Studio 54 regulars—captivated soccer fans globally, earning features in magazines, newspapers, TV shows, and commercials. Melissa wasn’t just the team’s founder; she was also a key player, helping to break barriers for women in sports.

Beyond soccer, Melissa is an accomplished actress, best known for her role as Lucy in the 2013 film A Cube & a Button, and the wife of acclaimed director John Avildsen, who won an Academy Award for Rocky. A dedicated advocate for victims, she has built a distinguished career as a Victim Advocate, Primary Therapist, and Substance Abuse Counselor, making a profound impact both on and off the field.

Women of Soccer proudly honors Melissa Avildsen as a Hall of Fame inductee, celebrating her pioneering spirit, her contributions to the game, and her unwavering commitment to empowering others.

Valerie Mahaffey

A Legacy of Artistry and Athleticism

Valerie Mahaffey, born in Sumatra, Indonesia, and raised in Texas, is a true Renaissance woman. After graduating from the University of Texas in 1975, she became a founding member of the groundbreaking SST’s, New York City’s first women’s soccer team, helping to redefine the role of women in sports during the 1970s.

While making her mark on the field, Valerie also built an extraordinary acting career. She earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for her role in The Doctors and went on to star in beloved projects like Northern Exposure, Seabiscuit, and United States of Tara. Her versatility shines through in guest appearances on iconic shows such as Seinfeld, Frasier, The West Wing, and Desperate Housewives, as well as in films like Jungle 2 Jungle and National Lampoon’s Senior Trip.

A celebrated stage actress, Valerie has graced productions like Eastern Standard, Talking Heads, and Top Girls, showcasing her dynamic range. Off-screen, she is a devoted wife to Joseph Kell and a loving mother.

Valerie Mahaffey’s dual legacy—as a pioneer in women’s soccer and a powerhouse in the entertainment industry—makes her a true inspiration. Women of Soccer proudly honors her as a Hall of Fame inductee, celebrating her enduring impact on both the game and the arts.