Jessica McDonald embraces new role with NC Courage

NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE

Jessica McDonald, one of the most accomplished players in North Carolina Courage history, has returned as a club ambassador.

Jessica McDonald is back with the North Carolina Courage, but not as a player.

McDonald, the 2018 NWSL final MVP and one of the best players in club history, was hired earlier this month as a club ambassador and front office partner. McDonald, who led the Courage to their first NWSL Championship, has a wide scope of duties including broadcasting and team content, community appearances, speaking engagements and projects that enhance brand awareness and community relationships. A player in the NWSL since its inaugural season, McDonald brings a fresh, player perspective to the front office of the most decorated club in NWSL history.

“I couldn't be more excited to return to my second home in North Carolina,” said McDonald, an original member of the Courage. “My most memorable days as a player have been with this club and this community. Winning trophies with my Courage teammates and fans helped propel my career to new heights for both club and country. … I had always planned on returning to North Carolina when I left, and I am looking forward to raising my family here.”

McDonald, who played for six NWSL clubs, scored 36 goals across 77 regular season appearances for the Courage between 2017-21 and helped North Carolina to a pair of NWSL titles and three NWSL shields. In addition to the Courage, McDonald playing for Chicago and Seattle in the NWSL’s inaugural 2013 season, Portland in 2014, Houston in 2015, and Western New York in 2016 which relocated to Cary in 2017 and rebranded as the Courage.

She wrapped up her playing career with Racing Louisville in 2022-23.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Jess back to the club. She has indisputable passion for soccer and for this community and she will be a huge asset in this new role,” Courage President Francie Gottsegen said in a statement. “She has first-hand knowledge of our club’s – and this league’s – history, what it means to be a professional soccer player, and what it takes to build strong business and community relationships.”

In addition to her NWSL career, McDonald earned 19 caps with the U.S. Women’s National Team as well as the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup title team. She helped the North Carolina Tar Heels to the 2008 NCAA national title with five goals and a team-high 10 assists.

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