Today, the United Soccer League announced Sarah Brady, recently the Head Coach for AC Connecticut SC’s inaugural USL W team as well as their Girls Director of Coaching, as the USL Academy Director for the women’s pathway. She will lead the USL’s quickly expanding efforts to build a women’s pathway to pro by helping them build infrastructure to identify young talent from local communities.

"In my new role, I am truly excited to work alongside an inspiring group of professionals to develop a clear roadmap for young female players with the dream of playing professional soccer," said Sarah Brady, newly appointed Academy Director for the women's pathway

A Scouser and devout Liverpool FC fan, Brady has over a decade of experience working in ODP and youth academies in the United States and a decade of experience playing professionally for Everton and Liverpool FC when both teams competed in the FA Women’s Premier League. She holds a UEFA B License, a USSF B Licenses, a United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma, an honors degree in Sport & Exercise Science from Leeds Metropolitan University, and a Masters in Soccer Coaching Education from Ohio University. Her experience will be highly valuable for USL clubs and the young players they develop.

“The hiring of Sarah is the latest milestone in the continued evolution of the USL’s unprecedented women’s soccer developmental pathway,” said USL Super League President Amanda Vandervort in the USL’s press release. “She brings years of experience coaching at a high level and, as a former coach in the W League, has direct experience within the USL ecosystem. Her passion and knowledge of the game will help the USL and our clubs continue to develop one of the best pathways in the world.”

The USL Super League could not come at a better time, as the U20 USYNT just went out of the U20 Women’s World Cup in the group stages last night after their defeat against Japan. Questions about the current pipeline are being asked, and with a more nuanced pathway being built by USL and a second tier professional level currently in the works, the US’ brightest stars may find new ways to develop that don’t involve going to college.

And it’ll be Brady’s responsibility to help that pathway develop, as she works with USL clubs to build out their local player-development initiatives, USL’s competition structures, and more.

“The USL’s incredible dedication to growing the women’s game at all levels is an inspiration for anyone with a passion for women’s soccer,” Brady said. “We are laying a foundation for our complete player development pathway for girls, and I am delighted to be a part of that evolution.”

-Elisabeth Schendel

We’ve sat down with Sarah Brady a few times this year. To listen to those episodes, click on the links below!

The W Show: Ep. 1 with Sarah Brady

The W Show: Ep. 9 with Sarah Brady