Jill Ellis Leaves Her Five-Year Legacy as US Women’s Soccer Coach

US women’s national soccer team (USWNT) head coach Jill Ellis ended her term in July on a high note. After leading her team to victory at the Women’s World Cup in France, Ellis announced her intention to step down as the USWNT’s coach. According to her, talks with her family about the exit began December last year. Sources did not specify any reason behind the coach’s decision, but Ellis said the timing felt right for her, her family, and the whole team. Ellis had already won eight tournaments for the US Soccer before becoming the eighth USWNT coach in 2014. During her time as head coach, Ellis brought the team to new heights by breaking records. She is the only coach who was able to win two consecutive Women’s World Cup titles—the 2015 and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cups. These victories contributed to the team’s record of 102 wins, 7 losses, and 18 draws. USWNT member Rose Lavelle, awarded as the third-best player at the World Cup in France, expressed her sadness over Ellis’s decision. However, Lavelle is also glad that Ellis came out on top and now has more time to spend with her family. Megan Rapinoe, another celebrated player of the USWNT, said that she was not surprised with the news. For her, being the head coach of the USWNT is a tough job, and being able to leave with enormous achievements is a good way to exit. Before completely stepping away from the USWNT, Ellis will finish the team’s victory tour until October. She is set to take on the role of US Soccer ambassador following the tour.