Spirit Names New GM

Fresh from my inbox.

LM

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Broadcast Executive Brings Wealth of Sales, Marketing and Leadership Experience to Club

DAVID PRESHER NAMED NEW SAN DIEGO SPIRIT GENERAL MANAGER

SAN DIEGO - Dave Presher, a highly-experienced radio and television executive, has been named the new general manager of the San Diego Spirit. The announcement was made today by former Spirit general manager Kevin Crow, who recently moved to Atlanta to become the WUSA's chief operating officer.

"I am looking forward to bringing my leadership, management, and marketing skills to the Spirit," said Presher. "The goal will be to bring a championship to the fans, create successful partnerships with our sponsors, and provide profitability to our investors. Under Kevin Crow's leadership, the Spirit has built a fine organization and I look forward to leading and working with the outstanding Spirit staff and players in continuing the growth of the franchise."

Presher will be responsible for overseeing the entire operation of the club, including sponsor and ticket sales, business development and affairs, human resources, community relations, marketing, and promotions.

"San Diego has been called 'America's Finest City' and I feel that the city also has the WUSA's finest fans, "Presher added. "Continuing to provide a world-class soccer experience to all of our supporters is of the utmost importance. The Spirit remains 100% committed to providing our fans with the best product on the field, dynamic and innovative off-the-field marketing and game day promotions, and support of the massive youth soccer community in San Diego."

Presher's previous business experience is based largely in the radio and television industry. Most recently, he was the vice president/general manager of three Viacom/Infinity Broadcasting radio stations in Dallas. Under Presher's guidance, smooth jazz radio station KOAI increased sales 40%.

From 1996-1999, Presher served as the general sales manager for KTWV-FM in Los Angeles, where he drove overall sales revenues from $23 million to $37 million.

"We are very confident in Dave's ability to come in and lead the Spirit's continued growth as one of the strongest and most respected entities in the WUSA," said Crow. "His experience and ability to dramatically increase profitability and financial performance has been proven through his successful track record in the broadcast industry."

Presher, who is expected to begin his duties with the Spirit on Monday, September 9, after relocating to San Diego from Dallas, has been involved with soccer for 30 years. He played for and later coached several teams in the premiere-level amateur Central California Men's Soccer League, a feeder league to various professional leagues in the 1980s through the early 1990s. Presher won several club-team championships as a player with Cruz Azul, Club Mexico and Turn Verein of Sacramento. He also guided the River City Soccer Club to a Central California U-23 championship as well as coaching Cruz Azul in the Premiere division of the CCSL .

A formal press conference to introduce Presher and the new Spirit head coach to the San Diego media will be held at a later date. Presher will be available for phone interviews today between 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. PT. Please contact Jon Greene at 619-871-3186 to interview Presher.

The San Diego Spirit is a charter member of the Women's United Soccer Association. For 2003 season ticket information, please contact the Spirit ticket office at 1-877-4SOCCER (1-877-476-2237) or 619-692-9872, or visit the club's website at www.sandiegospirit.com.