Haley Carter has joined the Washington Spirit as its president of soccer operations, the club announced on Wednesday.
Carter, a former professional women’s soccer player from 2013-16 with the Houston Dash, joins the Spirit after spending two years with the Orlando Pride as its general manager and vice president of soccer operations. During that time, Orlando won its first-ever National Women’s Soccer League Championship in 2024.
Carter, 41, told Jeff Kassouf of ESPN that Washington Spirit majority owner Michele Kang was a big factor in her decision to join the Spirit.
“The investment in a global ecosystem is incredible … That kind of transformational investment and leadership is what our sport needs,” Carter told ESPN. “To have the opportunity to be part of that vision, it really stood out to me.”
In a club release, Kang said that Carter represents “exactly the type of leader” the club wants.
“She brings unique experience as a former NWSL player and proven executive with a clear commitment to elevating women’s soccer,” Kang said. “This new role reflects our continued investment in the Spirit’s infrastructure, supporting Nate and his team as we build a sustainable, world-class soccer organization.”
Carter also stated, in the same release, that coming to Washington was a no-brainer.
“To be part of Michele’s vision to set a new global standard in women’s football was an opportunity I could not pass up,” Carter said. “What Michele is building is truly special – a player-first investment model focused on sustainability, innovation, and growth. Washington has such a rich history in the NWSL and one of the most passionate fan bases in the sport, and I’m excited to help shape the next chapter of that story.”
In addition to Carter’s hire, the Spirit also officially named Nathan Minion as its general manager. In the club’s press release, Minion’s duties will include reporting “to Carter and continue to manage the day-to-day execution of the club’s sporting strategy, leading roster construction, player transactions, and salary cap management to ensure competitive excellence on the field.”
Carter and Minion have their work cut out for them, specifically with the unknown status of Trinity Rodman. The U.S. women’s national team forward has offers from Europe, and is even rumored to have a big offer from D.C. Power of the USL Super League.
Carter told Kassouf and ESPN that conversations remain ongoing with Rodman and her team “hourly.”
“Trin is a top priority, not just for me, not just for Michele and the Spirit, but for the entire league. Michele knows it, you know it, we know it,” Carter said to ESPN. “Michele’s made it absolutely clear that we will do everything in our power to retain and keep Trin in a Spirit kit. We are actively working with the league on solutions that allow us to retain Trin, while obviously balancing that competitive piece. Trin is in asset; it’s bigger than one team. This is about the NWSL’s ability to keep its best players.”
