NWSL executive director Cheryl Bailey will step down. (Photo Copyright: Patricia Giobetti for The Equalizer)
NWSL executive director Cheryl Bailey will step down after two years on the job, the league confirmed on Tuesday. As reported by The Equalizer on Monday, Bailey will remain in her position until her replacement is found. Once her replacement is found, Bailey will serve as a consultant to assist with the transition, the NWSL said.
“It was important for me to give back to the sport that has given me so much, so I accepted this endeavor with the objective of starting a new league and creating a successful organization,” Bailey said. “I have committed myself 100 percent in order to achieve this goal, but now is the time for me to step away.”
Bailey guided the NWSL through its first two seasons of existence, in 2013 and 2014. She was named to her position on Nov. 29, 2012.
Those familiar with the situation say Bailey’s decision comes from wanting to spend more time with family. Her decision has been known within league circles for some time.
U.S. Soccer will lead the search for her replacement (job posting here).
“We are now in the process of a national search for a qualified candidate to take over the helm and to continue the current path of growth and development of the NWSL into a sustainable league featuring some of the best players in the world,” U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati said. “We are also very thankful that Cheryl will remain with the League through the transition process and the integration of a new executive director.”
