Hendrix Lapierre made a splash in the sports business world when he became a co-owner of DC Power FC, the area’s newest professional women’s soccer team, in May.
The 22-year-old center joined a star-studded ownership group that includes WNBA star Angel Reese, Washington Nationals pitcher Josiah Gray, and actress Crystal Renee Hayslett.
DC Power FC is one of the inaugural clubs in the USL Super League, a new women’s soccer outfit that features eight clubs from coast to coast across the United States. Audi Field, the 20,000-capacity stadium of DC United, the Washington Spirit, and the DC Defenders, is the team’s home.
“Hendrix is an exemplary person and has an impressive track record of leadership and work ethic in his young NHL career,” DC Power president and co-owner Jordan Stuart said. “He joins an ownership group with DC Power FC with strong local ties and a passion for creating more career opportunities within pro sports – as he pursues a Stanley Cup he will crossover to help build a legacy within women’s football.”
Lapierre sees the investment as a way to grow as a businessman and further set his roots down in DC where he expects to be for years to come.
“I want to be involved in the sports world as much as I can after my career (is over),” Lapierre said to RMNB in June at Giant Center. “I want to know more people and get connections and stuff like that. So super excited to get involved in DC sports. I don’t know how it’s going to turn out, but it’s just a little something to start.”
The young pivot first found his way into sports ownership after meeting a friend of Zach Fucale. Fucale spent three seasons in the Capitals’ organization, suiting up in 80 games for the AHL’s Hershey Bears. Lapierre described Fucale’s friend as a financial planner.
“I told him I was interested in investing whether it was in real estate or whatever it may be in the Washington region,” Lapierre said. “This guy is very connected to the sports world now and actually my first investment was Loudoun United which is like the AHL team of DC United. We ended up actually switching that because he got involved with DC Power and we ended up switching the investment to the women’s team. It happened really quick.”
Loudoun United FC was founded in 2018 and is a men’s team based in Leesburg, Virginia. They made their debut in the USL Championship in 2019.
Unlike Alex Ovechkin, who is a soccer fanatic and once played (and scored) in a friendly match for FC Dynamo Moscow, the Quebec native has no real previous connections to the sport, but is excited about what’s to come.
“I played growing up but I don’t watch soccer,” Lapierre said. “I don’t know anything about soccer. I think it was a great opportunity for me to do something and support a women’s sport in the DC area. It all made sense, but, yeah, it’s definitely not because I’m a soccer fan or anything. Hopefully, I can become one.”
Lapierre is coming off the best season of his hockey career, notching 22 points (8g, 14a) in 51 games with the Washington Capitals. The Caps 2020 first-round pick then rejoined the Hershey Bears for the postseason where he was named MVP of the 2024 Calder Cup playoffs after registering 22 points (7g, 15a) in 20 games.
This fall, Lapierre is expected to cement a spot on the Capitals’ roster during NHL training camp, where his addition may force a move to wing for Connor McMichael. Lapierre is entering the final year of his entry-level contract with the Caps.
As for Power FC, they lost their first-ever match against the Carolina Ascent FC, 1-0. The game was aired on NBC’s streaming platform, Peacock, after the league signed a multi-year rights agreement with the network in June.
The league’s first season also includes franchises in New York, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Kentucky, and Washington State.
Former DC United defender Frederic Brillant is the team’s first head coach. Brillant retired from the game in 2022 and has since taken up assistant coaching roles with Loudon United, MLS’s DC United, and the NWSL’s Utah Royals.
Power FC’s first home game is scheduled for September 13 when they play host to Fort Lauderdale United FC. The club has various ticket options including season memberships listed on their website.
While it’s unclear how outwardly involved Lapierre will be with Power FC, he will be keeping a close eye on the franchise as it, like him, finds their footing in the district.
