NWSL & MLS Experienced Performance Coach Adds Women’s Premier Soccer League Coaching Duties to Her Resume; and
Desert Dreams F.C. Kicks Off Its Second Season This Summer at Peoria Sports Complex Following the Cactus League Season When the Stadium Field Will Once Again Transition Into a Soccer Configuration.
Desert Dreams F.C., the Women’s Premier Soccer League team based in the West Valley, has announced Nicole Surdyka as the club’s new head coach. Surdyka brings a wealth of knowledge to the role — both as a former player and staff member for various NWSL & MLS teams.
Surdyka’s professional experience extends into elite environments across the NWSL and MLS. She served as Rehab Director for the National Women’s Soccer League’s Seattle Reign FC and with Red Bull, then later worked as a sport scientist consultant for Major League Soccer’s L.A. Galaxy. She is an internationally recognized physical therapist and sport scientist who frequently presents at national and international sports medicine and performance conferences.
She is also a former NCAA Division I soccer player who competed at both St. John’s University as well as in the Women’s Premier Soccer League with both the New Jersey Wildcats and the New York Athletic Club.
And she has coached across multiple levels of the game, including with TopHat Academy in Atlanta, one of the nation’s top girls’ programs, and with youth girls’ teams in New Jersey through the training company Soccer Specific Training.
Surdyka is also a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), a Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS), and holds a Master’s Degree in Sport Directorship from Manchester Metropolitan University.
In addition to her clinical and coaching work, Nicole is the founder of Femme Football Collective, an education and networking platform designed to elevate medical and performance professionals in women’s soccer. Her career centers on athlete development, evidence-informed performance and rehab, and creating high-performance environments where players and staff can succeed.
Former Head Coach Alan Berrios:
Desert Dreams F.C. expresses a sincere thank you to former Head Coach Alan Berrios for his role in helping to launch the team during its inaugural season. Mr. Berrios has elected not to return for the 2026 season due to various family-related summer travel commitments.
Open Player Tryout – April/May 2025:
Desert Dreams F.C. will continue with one of its core missions which is to provide opportunities for top local players to continue their development by joining what is expected to be yet another final player roster featuring a mix of both established veterans & top young players. The 2026 Open Tryout will take place at Peoria Sports Complex in the main stadium. The exact date will be announced in early 2026. Players interested in participating should sign-up to receive future updates at DesertDreamsFC.com/Tryout.
Women’s Premier Soccer League Season Kicking Off in May:
Desert Dreams F.C. returns for its second season this summer at Peoria Sports Complex following the Cactus League season when the stadium field will transition into a soccer configuration. The match schedule is expected to be announced by the League in late March with the season starting in May.
Learn more & sign-up to stay updated at DesertDreamsFC.com.
