D.C. United has hired Lucy Rushton as the new team General Manager. This is a historic moment as she is named the first female GM in the history of the club. Rushton becomes the second woman to hold this position at a Major League Soccer Club. The last time this happened was in 1999 when Lynne Meterparel served as GM for the San Jose Clash. Additionally, Rushton joins Kim Ng of the Miami Marlines now as the second current female GM at a major men’s sports team.
Prior to joining D.C. United Rushton worked as the Head of Technical Recruitment and Analysis for Atlanta United. Rushton will join fellow D.C. United trailblazer Danita Johnson, who became the first Black President of Business Operations for an MLS Franchise back in December. In her new role, Rushton will work alongside D.C. United Head Coach Hernan Losada and former GM now President of Soccer Operations, Dave Kasper. Rushton’s data-driven guidance will help the team as they work to rebuild and make other necessary improvements.
As the second GM in MLS history and first for D.C. United, Rushton said it best when she stated “Women do need to see other women in these roles. So I’m always going to try and promote that and encourage girls because without seeing women as higher-ups, they don’t have that to aspire to.” Although hiring women for leadership roles has been deemed progressive, it should become the norm. With the 2021 season underway, we look forward to seeing the transformation happen at D.C. United!
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