The Astras, a newly formed women's soccer franchise in the Major Arena Soccer League Women (MASLW), have announced that they will call the Civic Arena in St. Joseph, Missouri, their home court.
The team’s president, owner, captain and player, Elizabeth Serago, described the venue as a perfect fit for the club’s ambition to embed itself in the local community while showcasing elite arena soccer.
From Kansas City Roots to a St. Joseph Stage
Originally rooted in Kansas City, the Astras spent a formative season in Des Moines, Iowa, before relocating to Missouri. The move reflects a strategic decision to tap into St. Joseph’s growing sports culture and to honor the spirit of the state motto “Ad Astra Per Aspera,” which inspired the team’s name.
Serago, who built the franchise after encountering limited opportunities for women to compete at a professional level, brings a unique blend of playing experience and leadership. She honed her skills at Lakeland Community College in Ohio and earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas, before taking the field in Germany in 2024.
A Fast‑Paced, Community‑Driven League
The MASLW features a 6‑v‑6 format that emphasizes speed and aggression, dividing matches into four quarters. Most of the Astras’ roster consists of players aged 16 and older, many of whom live in the Kansas City metropolitan area, fostering a regional fan base that stretches across state lines.
Early interactions with supporters have been overwhelmingly positive, with local businesses expressing interest in sponsorships and fans turning out to watch training sessions. While the league’s schedule for the upcoming season is still being finalized, the team’s presence already signals a fresh energy for women’s arena soccer in the Midwest.