Parsons Named Washington Spirit GM
The Washington Spirit has named Mark Parsons the general manager and head coach of the Spirit, effective immediately. Parsons takes over from former general manager Chris Hummer who resigned last week. In addition, the Spirit promoted director of operations Ashlee Comber to vice president of operations.
Parsons replaced Mike Jorden as head coach July 1 and helped the Spirit to a 2-7-2 record over the final 11 games of the regular season – including a three-match unbeaten run to finish the year.
Parsons led the D.C. United Women Under-20s to the 2012 National Championship finals and previously spent six years in multiple coaching roles at Chelsea FC in England, including time as the head coach of Chelsea Ladies Reserve.
The Spirit will return to action in the 2014 NWSL Season, as midfielder and Canada international Diana Matheson as well as U.S. international goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris will look to help Parsons improve on Washington’s eighth-place finish during the 2013 campaign.
Since joining the Spirit in 2013, Comber has overseen game day operations and assisted in day-to-day operations for the organization. Prior to the Spirit, she was the Director of Operations for the D.C. United Women’s W-League team. A graduate of Florida State University and women’s soccer alum, Comber holds a degree in Sports Management.
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