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The U.S. women’s national team’s leadership shakeup will continue with general manager Kate Markgraf set to leave her role at the end of this month, the U.S. Soccer Federation confirmed Friday.
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Markgraf’s contract expires at the end of August and the USSF said she would “provide support through the end of the month to assist in the transition.”
Sources told ESPN that her decision not to return was made prior to the Women’s World Cup.
The news that Markgraf, 46, will depart came a day after manager Vlatko Andonovski resigned.
“Kate has been an instrumental part of Women’s National Team both on and off the field for many years, and we’re very thankful for the tireless work she has given to the USWNT and all our Youth National Teams,” U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker said.
“We wish her all the best in her future endeavors and look forward to building on the foundation she helped establish over the past several years.”
The Americans were eliminated in the round of 16 by Sweden via a penalty shootout, though conversations continued with U.S. Soccer about Markgraf possibly staying. The World Cup exit was the earliest in U.S. team history and appeared to seal her decision.
“It has been an incredible honor to work with the players, coaches and staff at U.S. Soccer on the mission of keeping our program at the top of the women’s game,” Markgraf said.
“I am proud of the foundation we have built, and even more proud of the character and commitment demonstrated by our players as they represent the United States on and off the field. I look forward to supporting all of our programs and have every confidence that we will maintain our standards of excellence…
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