Jill Ellis, who had no organized soccer available to her as a youth in her native England, made an indelible mark on the women’s game this decade as a coach in the United States.
Ellis was twice the interim coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team before taking over the position permanently in 2014. Ultimately, she became the first coach to win back-to-back World Cups and is a two-time FIFA World Coach of the Year.
A third-team All-American at William and Mary in 1987, Ellis rose to prominence guiding the UCLA women’s program to unprecedented heights. Over a 12-year period, the Manchester United supporter guided the Bruns to eight Final Fours including a stretch of seven in a row (2003-2009).