Back Mountain Torrent Raising the Standard for Women’s Soccer in NEPA
By: Matt Flanagan | SportzWire | July 1, 2026 | Photo courtesy Parent Submission
In just a short time, the Back Mountain Torrent has transformed from a new club into one of the region’s premier women’s soccer programs.
Representing Northeastern Pennsylvania in the top division of United Women’s Soccer (UWS), the Torrent provides collegiate players with an opportunity to continue competing at a high level during the summer while inspiring the next generation of local athletes.
The team’s rapid rise has been remarkable.
After debuting in UWS League Two, the Torrent completed an undefeated season, captured the Mid-Atlantic Conference championship and earned promotion to the top tier of United Women’s Soccer. Their success was recognized across the league, with head coach Tayler Jamison being named Coach of the Year, Emma Sweitzer earning Offensive Player of the Year honors and Brynn Hess being selected as Defensive Player of the Year.
While the wins and accolades are impressive, the Torrent’s impact reaches far beyond the scoreboard.
Built upon the long-standing foundation of the Back Mountain Soccer Club, which has been developing players in the region since 1978, the organization has become a bridge between youth soccer, collegiate athletics and the professional game. The club gives local players a chance to train and compete against elite competition while remaining close to home during the summer months.
The Torrent also provides young female players throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania with something that has been difficult to find in previous generations—a local team competing at a national level.
Instead of watching elite women’s soccer from afar, aspiring players now have the opportunity to attend matches, meet collegiate athletes and envision themselves following a similar path.
Home matches at Misericordia University’s Mangelsdorf Field have become an opportunity for the community to rally around one of the fastest-growing women’s soccer organizations in the region.
As women’s sports continue to gain momentum nationwide, the Back Mountain Torrent has positioned itself as one of the area’s premier examples of what investment in local talent can become.
With a commitment to player development, community engagement and competitive excellence, the Torrent is proving that Northeastern Pennsylvania can produce—and sustain—high-level women’s soccer.
For many young players across the region, the path to the next level no longer feels so far away.
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