Dani Welniak, former KCTV-5 sports director, hired by Kansas City Current

Dani Welniak left her job as KCTV-5’s sports director on Friday, but she is not leaving Kansas City.

Welniak announced Monday on Twitter that she is joining the Kansas City Current women’s soccer team as its executive director of communications. In a news release, Welniak said she was thrilled to join Current founders Angie and Chris Long, and Brittany Mahomes.

“Fresh off the 50th anniversary of Title IX, we are witnessing sports history right in our backyard,” Welniak said in a news release. “What Angie, Chris and Brittany are building in Kansas City is something that will not only impact the women of this generation, but it sets in motion a better future for our daughters and granddaughters.

“As a former professional athlete that wants to continue to see those barriers shattered, I am so excited to be a part of it.”

Welniak started at KCTV in June 2016 and was promoted to sports director in August 2017. She previously worked at KWCH (Ch. 12) in Wichita, and was a star receiver for the Dallas Diamonds of the Women’s Football Alliance before becoming a broadcaster.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dani to the Current,” Allison Howard, the team’s president, said in a news release. “She’s been an integral part of the Kansas City sports community for years and an advocate for women’s sports for even longer. We are fortunate to have her vast experience and knowledge as we continue our mission to become the best women’s soccer club in the world.”

It’s been a big week for the Current, which last week opened its $19 million training facility. The team is also planning to build a $100 million-plus downtown stadium near the Missouri River.