United Soccer Coaches and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) today announced NWSL President Amanda Duffy has received the 2019 Honorary All-America Award. Duffy will be presented her award at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Baltimore on January 18. Each year this award recognizes a person or persons who have brought particular distinction and/or attention to the sport of soccer through their efforts within and beyond the boundaries of the sport.

“I am honored to be recognized amongst this distinguished group of recipients,” said Duffy. “The many people and organizations that contribute to this league’s success, starting with the investment from our owners and the on-going support from U.S. Soccer, as well as the commitment of our world-class players, have allowed me and our league to be in the position we are in today.”

Since joining the league in 2017, Duffy has played an instrumental role in the evolution and stabilization of the longest-standing women’s professional soccer league in the United States. Under her guidance, the NWSL has seen visible and meaningful growth across all aspects of NWSL’s business, as well as the 2017 launch of NWSL Media, the league’s commercial arm.

“Her vision and leadership that she has built for the league from both an entertainment value and business model has been successful as we continue to celebrate the women’s game following the wonderful success of the U.S. Women’s National Team in France this past summer,” said Jeff Farnsworth, United Soccer Coaches President. “We are proud to recognize Amanda Duffy with our 2019 Honorary All-America Award following a NWSL season that ranks among the most successful years for women’s professional soccer in the United States ever.”

In the past year Duffy has secured a national broadcast partnership with ESPN, in addition to an international distribution agreement that continued to elevate the profile and visibility of NWSL around the world. Furthermore, she guided the league into its historic long-term sponsorship agreement with Budweiser, the first official beer sponsor of the NWSL, and recently announced the league’s expansion to Louisville in the 2021 season, marking the NWSL’s fourth expansion team. During her tenure, the league has seen significant growth in game attendance, partnerships, and digital engagement, as well as player relations and compensation.

Among past recipients of the Honorary All-America Award, the categories of persons recognized have included astronauts, entertainers, politicians, military personnel, administrators and other individuals connected to the game. For a full list of previous winners or to learn more visit UnitedSoccerCoaches.org.