U.S. Women's Soccer coach Jill Ellis agrees to contract extension

The United States Soccer Federation agreed to a multi-year contract extension with World Cup champion coach Jill Ellis Thursday.

According to U.S. Soccer, Ellis was hired knowing the challenges that were in the team’s future. “She met that challenge with tremendous passion and knowledge to win what was perhaps the most difficult Women’s World Cup tournament in history,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “As we look towards the Rio Olympics and build towards the 2019 World Cup in France, we think Jill is the ideal person to lead the next generation of the Women’s National Team.”

Ellis took over as head coach in May 2014 with just over a year to prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. She led the team to finish on top of the “Group of Death” and won three elimination games on their way to the Final. The U.S. National Team then beat Japan 5-2 in the Final game to become World Cup Champions.

“To watch our players achieve their dreams and continue to inspire fans across the country and the world was one of the most satisfying experiences of my coaching career,” said Ellis. “Nothing is ever easy, and everything in this game is always earned, but I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to continue to work with these great players with the tremendous resources that U.S. Soccer dedicates to the women’s game. We had a really exciting year, and we are looking forward to more exciting times ahead.”

Ellis will lead the team through their 10 match victory tour this Fall, and onto the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament set to take place early next year. According to the Washington Post, Ellis will oversee roster transitions as several veterans retire and rising stars look to join the team.

Photo Credit: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com