REIMS, France — The U.S. women’s national soccer team humming through the World Cup is notable for boundless depth, waves of first-class forwards and hearty experience. There are famous players, rising figures and an unapologetic swagger that irks opponents.
But behind the scenes — quietly, firmly and armed with a dry sense of humor while her band stacks up goals, victories and endorsements — Coach Jill Ellis has helped define the world’s top-ranked team.
In charge since May 2014 — and, before that, for two interim stints — Ellis will equal April Heinrichs’s program record for matches coached (124) on Monday when the Americans play Spain in the round of 16.