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Boyds, MD (December 6, 2017) – Former U.S. Women’s National Team goalkeeper and 2017 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Briana Scurry has joined the Washington Spirit technical staff as First Assistant Coach of the NWSL club and as Technical Advisor for the Spirit Academy programs in Maryland and Virginia.
Scurry is a World Cup champion and two-time two Olympic gold medalist, having served as the United States’ starting goalkeeper during their championship runs at the 1996 and 2004 Summer Olympic Games. She played every minute in net during the team’s run to the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup title, and became a global icon for women’s soccer at the ‘99 World Cup Final, making the shootout save that set up teammate Brandi Chastain’s winning kick that vaulted the U.S. to victory against China.
Scurry, who played professionally for the Washington Freedom from 2009-2010 and resides in the D.C. area, was named an Honorary Captain for the Spirit in 2016, in recognition of her contributions as a mentor for current players and as an ambassador for women’s soccer.
“I’ve always been a loyal fan of the Washington Spirit and now I have the wonderful opportunity to truly be a part of the team,” Scurry said. “I’m excited to bring my experiences and knowledge to our players, and to contribute in an effective and positive manner to the culture of the team and organization as a whole.”
“We could not possibly be more excited and grateful to have Bri join our Spirit family,” said Spirit Head Coach and General Manager Jim Gabarra. “Bri brings an immense level of resources and experience that will help our players grow and develop. I look forward to working with her and helping her in her own personal growth and development.”
In addition to her 175 international appearances which garnered her inclusion on the U.S. Women’s National Team’s All-Time Best XI, Scurry pioneered the first paid professional women’s soccer league as a founding player in 2001. As captain of the Atlanta Beat, she competed in two WUSA Championships.
Off the field, Scurry has become one of the nation’s foremost thought leaders on traumatic brain injuries, ever since a concussion forced her to retire from professional soccer in 2010.
As one of the first African American and openly LGBT professional female soccer players, Scurry has championed diversity and equality throughout her legendary career. She is also a recipient of the the National Association of Black Journalists’ Sam Lacy Award, and is permanently featured at the Title IX exhibit in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Scurry will enter her leading role on Gabarra’s technical staff as they prepare for the 2018 NWSL season, and her role helping guide the Spirit Academy during the inaugural season of the U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy, effective immediately.
Over the past week, the Spirit has announced two exhibition games which will be included in the club’s 2018 NWSL preseason schedule. Washington will return to Evergreen Sportsplex in Leesburg, Va. for the second straight year on Saturday’s March 10 for a friendly against 22-time women’s college champion University of North Carolina. [TICKETS]
On March 17, the Spirit will host the first ever NWSL match played in Richmond, Va. when they face the North Carolina Courage at the historic City Stadium. Tickets for the game in Richmond will go on sale to the general public on Friday, December 8 at RichmondKickers.com.
Washington Spirit 2018 Season Tickets are on sale now at Tickets.WashingtonSpirit.com.
