Janet Caswell (Player) - Inducted 2023

Janet was a pioneer in girl’s and women’s soccer. She was a member of the Braddock Road Cougars from 1975-1983. The Cougars were one of the most successful teams to play in WAGS, winning countless league and tournament championships. They were nine-time VYSA State Champions and five-time US Youth Soccer Region I Champions. They were the first Virginia girls’ team to compete in the National Championships, coming away with a bronze and silver medal in consecutive years. She returned from college to compete with the Braddock Road Bluebelles and captured the National Championship gold medal.

Janet was a member of the first Virginia State ODP team and was named to the Region I ODP team in every year she participated. As a 4-year Varsity starter at Lake Braddock HS, Janet was the team Captain, MVP, and leading scorer. She was named to the All-District, All-Region, and All Met 1st Teams. She was one of two female athletes in Virginia to receive the Joe Theismann Scholarship for athletics and academics. Janet had an illustrious career as a youth player and was heavily recruited for collegiate play. Despite many opportunities at universities far more established, including the likes of UNC where she would be celebrated and could instantly compete, she chose the University of Virginia (UVA). At the time, UVA was just a club program, and there were no guarantees that it would become a varsity team during her time. Janet wanted to make a difference. She, along with another teammate, were instrumental in the fight to gain varsity status for the women at UVA. In 1986, Janet’s junior year, UVA officially became a varsity program.

While pursuing her graduate degree, Janet received one of the first UVA women’s scholarships. She led the team (as Captain, MVP and leading scorer) to its first NCAA Tournament berth and National ranking of #7. Janet was the leading scorer in all 5 years of play and earned numerous accolades including Academic All American, ACC Honor Roll, All South and All ACC Honors. She completed her UVA career in 1988 on the sidelines as a Graduate Assistant Coach while earning her Master’s Degree in Commerce.