Jill Ellis’s resignation from her role as president of San Diego Wave FC marks a significant turning point for both the club and for her career. On Tuesday, the Wave and FIFA made simultaneous announcements about her new position as chief of football at FIFA, a role that Ellis takes on during an especially critical time for San Diego Wave, which has been through tumult recently.
Ellis isn’t just stepping into a position of authority; she’s moving into a job that holds the promise to enhance the game of football on a global scale. With her storied experience as a two-time World Cup-winning coach, she’ll be collaborating with notable figures in football development like Arsène Wenger—a pairing that could lead to transformative initiatives in women’s soccer and beyond. It’s a leap from the microcosm of club management to the expansive world of global football governance.
The San Diego Wave is at a crossroads as it experiences an ownership transition led by the Levine Leichtman family, specifically Lauren Leichtman and Arthur Levine. The club finished in a disappointing 10th place this season—a stark contrast to their previous glory of winning the NWSL Shield just a year prior. This shift has left fans and players alike feeling a mix of concern and hope for the team’s future direction.
According to a statement from Lauren Leichtman, the club is now in the “final phase of identifying a new head coach following a global search,” indicating that there’s urgency in finding the right leadership to reclaim the club’s position in the league. Reports suggest that Jonas Eidevall, the former coach of Arsenal’s women’s team, is a leading candidate. This search is crucial not only for the team’s performance but also for its morale and stability after a tumultuous couple of months.
The Wave’s environment has been shaken since the departure of former head coach Casey Stoney, who was released despite having led the team to its best-ever regular-season record in 2023. Stoney’s exit happened amidst allegations of a toxic work culture within the club, brought to light by former employee Brittany Alvarado. Alvarado’s claims have not only cast a shadow over Ellis’s tenure but have also prompted a serious conversation about workplace conditions in women’s soccer.
As the situation developed, various allegations surfaced, including a lawsuit filed by five former employees against the club and the league for discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination. One plaintiff, under the pseudonym Jane Doe, described a deeply troubling incident of alleged sexual assault that heightened scrutiny on how clubs handle such claims. Although two prior investigations by the NWSL concluded without finding any violations on the part of the Wave, the atmosphere surrounding the club remains charged with uncertainty.
The NWSL itself is at a pivotal moment. Commissioner Jessica Berman has been vocal about the league’s commitment to addressing misconduct, insisting that established protocols are in place to support players and staff through complaints. “Our policies and procedures are noted and available to everyone across the board,” Berman stated, emphasizing the league’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment.
Additionally, the technical staff at the Wave has seen considerable turnover following the season’s conclusion, signaling a period of rehiring and rebuilding. Notably, Landon Donovan, one of the interim coaches after Stoney’s departure, won’t be returning. With the recent sale of the club valued between $113 million and $120 million completed in October, a fresh chapter is opening for the franchise as they seek stability.
Despite the upheaval, Camille Ashton, the general manager and sporting director who was brought on board by Ellis in June, is poised to lead the technical side of the Wave during this transition. As the highest-ranking person on the technical side following Ellis’s departure, Ashton faces the challenge of steering the club forward, while upholding the high standards Ellis established during her tenure.
In her farewell statement, Ellis expressed heartfelt gratitude to the players, staff, and the San Diego community for their support. “I want to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff and players of the Wave for their tremendous dedication to the club,” she remarked. In making the jump to FIFA, she hopes to harness her experiences with the Wave to contribute positively to football worldwide.
Ellis’s departure from the Wave echoes the complexities of sports management— where the exhilarating highs of achievement can be met with serious challenges that surface off the field. As both she and the Wave navigate their new directions, fans and stakeholders will be watching closely, hoping for renewed vigor in the club and meaningful change in the landscape of women’s football.
