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NWSL Washington Spirit

Washington Spirit Name Kris Ward Permanent Head Coach

December 20, 2021 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release


Washington, D.C. - The Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League announced today that acting head coach Kris Ward is being officially hired as the club's head coach on a permanent basis.

Ward first joined the Spirit technical staff in August 2020 as Team Tactical Analysis & Player Performance Development Coach before being named acting head coach in early August 2021. Since taking the helm, Ward has led the Spirit to a 9-2-3 record in which both losses were forfeits. Ward capped off his acting head coach tenure with the club's first NWSL championship.

"I'm very excited to be continuing as the head coach here in Washington," said Ward. "We're building something special with this club and I'm honored to continue to be a part of it."

"Kris guided this team through a turbulent season that ultimately led to our club's first championship win," said Spirit President Ben Olsen. "When you look at his record, it's clear that he's earned this. But more than that, he has helped to foster a positive environment for the players. We are very excited to keep him with us and look forward to the 2022 season."

Prior to joining the Spirit in 2020, Kris Ward served as the boys soccer head coach at Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, CA. Ward also has previous experience in the scouting department for MLS' Seattle Sounders FC, as an executive director of coaching with DC Soccer Club and as a First Assistant with the Spirit in the club's first year in the NWSL. Kris Ward and the Washington Spirit will enter the NWSL's tenth season looking to defend the club's first league title.

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