Kate Markgraf named new USWNT general manager

Kate Markgraf was named the first general manager of the United States women's national team Monday.

The World Cup winner and two-time Olympic gold medalist will be immediately tasked with finding a successor for Jill Ellis, who stood down as head coach after steering the USWNT to glory at the 2019 World Cup. Ellis was also at the helm for the 2015 triumph.

Markgraf said on ESPN in July that the likely candidates to replace Ellis would be Laura Harvey, Paul Riley, Vlatko Andonovski, and Mark Krikorian, according to Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated.

As general manager, the former defender will also oversee talent identification, research tactical schemes, and aid player development.

Markgraf comes under the U.S. Soccer umbrella during a period of upheaval. Earnie Stewart, who was announced as the federation's first sporting director Monday, is on the lookout for a general manager for the United States men's national team.