LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Racing Louisville FC has hired U.S. Women’s National Team manager Ryan Dell as its general manager, the club announced Wednesday.
Dell will serve as a liaison between the team and front office, overseeing all soccer operations for the club. His duties include oversight of performance, player recruitment and compliance, as well as supporting players and staff.
“I’m so excited to be here in Louisville,” Dell said. “The potential is limitless for this club and team. There’s a foundation for Louisville to be a destination in the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League). Having worked with many of these players and with my previous experience in a highly professional setting, I know we will keep working hard to maintain a positive environment for our players to thrive on the field and be completely supported and cared for off it.”
“We are excited to have Ryan join our team,” said John Neace, the chairman of Soccer Holdings, LLC, the parent company of Racing Louisville FC. “His prior experience with the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) should prove invaluable to us. Throughout his steady climb up the soccer ladder, Ryan has shown a willingness to play whatever role is necessary to get to and, more importantly, remain at the top.”
The 30-year-old comes to Racing Louisville after over nine years with the U.S. Soccer Federation, having spent his entire stint there with the Women’s National Team. The University of Missouri graduate started as an equipment manager in 2013 and worked his way to his most recent role, serving as the leader of team operations. He has played an integral role in the team’s preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and was part of the support staff for the U.S. teams that won the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.
Dell is already familiar with several Racing players, having previously worked with Savannah DeMelo, Jaelin Howell, Jess McDonald, Paige Monaghan and Carson Pickett when they’ve been called into USWNT senior or identification camps. McDonald was part of the 2019 U.S. squad that won the FIFA World Cup in France, while DeMelo, Howell and Pickett have all been called into national team camps over the past year.
The general manager position was created by Racing Louisville in response to a scathing report released last year by the NWSL and the National Women’s Soccer League Players’ Association, outlining the sexual misconduct and harassment of former Racing coach Christy Holly.
The report detailed allegations by former Racing player Erin Simon, who alleged Holly would send her sexually explicit text messages, invite her over to his house and touch her inappropriately. It also detailed a pattern of bullying and abusive behavior by Holly toward other players.
The NWSL and NWSLPA charged Racing Louisville with not doing enough to vet Holly and protect players. They also accused the organization of mishandling his departure from the club. After his dismissal, Racing Louisville only said that he had been terminated “for cause,” without revealing his misconduct.
At the time of the report’s release, the team said it had implemented several steps to improve the culture going forward, including more thorough vetting processes, required abuse awareness training and the addition of two new positions: a general manager and an assistant coach to the Racing technical staff.
Dell’s hiring as general manager fulfills one of those commitments by Racing.
Dell and his wife, Kirsten, have moved to Louisville, and he recently started work with the club after a NWSL background check. Dell went through multiple rounds of interviews, including with Racing players, before his appointment.
Racing’s home opener is set for 3 p.m. Saturday, April 1, against the Washington Spirit at Lynn Family Stadium. Racing will host 14 matches this season — 11 regular-season games and three NWSL UKG Challenge Cup contests..