It hasn’t taken long for Lorne Donaldson to secure a new job. The former Reggae Girlz head coach has been appointed head coach Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Donaldson previously coached Jamaica's women's national team, which he led to their historic run to the knockout rounds in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The 68-year-old Donaldson has coached various youth teams from club level to international level. He spent time as Jamaica's U17 head coach and was a U20 and full national team assistant before being named fulltime head coach of the Reggae Girlz.
"Lorne is the right person to lead us next season," said newly appointed club president Karen Leetzow. "Lorne's experiences as a decorated player and as a winning coach on the youth, professional, and international level will be invaluable for our players, coaches, and staff who have the opportunity to learn from him."
Donaldson’s whose contract was inexplicably not renewed following the success of the Jamaica senior women’s team expressed his delight at being selected to lead the Red Stars.
"I'm excited to work with this talented team that includes some of the NWSL's best players to turn the Chicago Red Stars into a championship club both on and off the pitch," said Donaldson. "I look forward to partnering with Laura Ricketts and Karen Leetzow, who are committed to creating a culture of excellence and accountability. What I have most enjoyed in my career is coaching elite athletes and helping them reach and exceed their fullest potential."