The inaugural Spirit roster began to assemble on January 11, 2013, as part of the NWSL Player Allocation, goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris (USA), defender Ali Krieger (USA), midfielder Lori Lindsey (USA), defender Robyn Gayle (CAN), midfielder Diana Matheson (CAN), defender Alina Garciamendez (MEX) and midfielder Teresa Worbis (MEX) were named to the team.

[1][2][3] During the February 7, 2013 NWSL Supplemental Draft, the team selected Stephanie Ochs, Tori Huster, Jordan Angeli, Natasha Kai, Megan Mischler and Heather Cooke.

[4][5] The Spirit played their first competitive match on April 14, 2013, drawing Boston Breakers 1–1 with Tiffany McCarty scoring the team's first goal assisted by Stephanie Ochs.

As the season wore on, the Spirit struggled to gain form and after the first eleven matches, Mike Jorden was fired and replaced by Mark Parsons.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.