Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - United States Soccer president Sunil Gulati announced that Tom Sermanni has been hired as the seventh head coach of the women's national team.
Sermanni comes to U.S. Soccer with 11 years of head coaching experience with Australia, where he led the Matildas in three Women's World Cup tournaments.
"After an extensive search and interview process, we believe Tom Sermanni is the right person at the right time to lead our Women's National Team," said Gulati. "He has the knowledge, experience and vision to take on the challenge of keeping our team at the top of the world. He has a tremendous passion for the game, knows the American players, understands our system and knows the process of preparing a team for a World Cup tournament.
"We're tremendously excited to have him on board as we look forward to qualification for the 2015 Women's World Cup."
The 58-year-old, who replaces Pia Sundhage, will officially begin his tenure as the head coach on Jan. 1, 2013.
"I'm honored to have this opportunity to work with tremendous players and in a program that has had such a tradition of success," said Sermanni. "U.S. Soccer has always been at the forefront of supporting the women's game, and it's exciting to coach the team in this next chapter of its history.
"After coaching against many of these players for years, I am looking forward to working with an accomplished group of veterans while integrating the numerous talented young players who are itching for a chance to prove themselves. It will be an exciting few years for the U.S. team and for all the great fans as we work toward the highest goals at the 2015 Women's World Cup."
