Bringing Kennel-level Energy to the Pitch

It's no secret the Kennel is an electric environment on any home game day for Gonzaga's men's and women's basketball teams, even being named among the best student sections in the country.

But right now – it's soccer season. And there's a local cheering squad, founded in part by a Gonzaga employee, that takes its soccer very seriously. So much so, they're hoping to bring that same Kennel energy to Luger Field.

Created in 2023 in response to the announcement that Spokane would be getting its very own professional soccer teams, the 509 Syndicate knew they'd be supporters before team names or colors were even announced.

A group of eight, including Jamie Bartlett, professor of kinesiology and sport management and 509 Syndicate co-founder, went to Uprise Brewing one day just to talk about what it would take, what it might look like, to create a supporter group.

"We knew we were going to cheer on whatever showed up," she says.

In the three years that have followed, the rowdy and passionate group has marched to One Spokane Stadium – win or lose – to support the Velocity and the Zephyr. Through highs, like the Velocity creating a dominate home record, and very low lows, like the abrupt folding of the Zephyr in 2026.

Their personalized chants, impassioned marches and resounding drumbeats have not gone unnoticed by the team and coaches. Baker says Velocity head coach Leigh Veidman has been a big advocate for the 509 Syndicate because "he knows what a support group can do for a team's morale."

Veidman's not the only one who's taken note of the Syndicate's unwavering cheers. This year, Gonzaga approached Baker and Bartlett in hopes of bringing some of that energy to the University's men's and women's soccer games. Having seen what undying support can do for the basketball teams (the McCarthey Athletic Center is known as one of the most intimidating courts for away teams with a 93% at-home win rate), the University is hoping to build up that same culture on the pitch.

So, the 509 Syndicate, drums and all, brought their good vibes and camaraderie down to Luger Field in September, to both a Gonzaga men's and women's soccer game. A melding of their two worlds, it was a meaningful experience for Baker, Bartlett and some of the other GU Syndicate members, including Elizabeth Wawrzyniak, digital scholarship and publishing librarian. Especially when, at the women's game, the men's team filled the stands beside them to support their fellow student athletes.

"It made others want to be involved, and that was exciting," says Baker, adding that several parents also approached them after the games to thank them for showing love to the Zags. "It's important they know they've got fans in the stands that are cheering for them."

It's on a trial basis at this stage to see what kind of response it will bring out in students and players. Next year, Baker and Bartlett say they're hoping to expand the effort, partner with the Gonzaga band and drumline, and make it more of a student-led experience. For now, they just want to get the ball rolling, since they have some experience when it comes to cheering on their favorite soccer team.

If you are interested, the 509 Syndicate will make two more appearances at Luger Field this season – the women's game on Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. against Fresno State and the men's game on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. against UC Santa Barbara. They are encouraging staff and faculty, who get up to six tickets free per game, to come out and join them, and to reach out to Baker with any questions on how to get involved.