CHICAGO, IL–The Chicago Red Stars have appointed former University of Texas, Notre Dame and Southern Methodist (SMU) coach Chris Petrucelli to become the club’s fourth head coach in their history. Petrucelli comes to Chicago after coaching SMU for nine seasons.
“We are excited to start a new chapter for the club with Chris as our head coach. The importance of this hire is immeasurable. That is why I am incredibly proud that several of our players played an integral role as key members of the search committee. Everyone in the organization is eager to start the 2022 season and bring a championship home to Chicago,” said Vicky Lynch, the Red Stars’ Chief Business Officer.
Petrucelli, 59, is a two-time National Coach of The Year award winner and an NCAA Championship Coach. In 31 years, Petrucelli compiled a 427-182-54 record giving him the seventh highest winning percentage among Division I coaches and ranks seventh overall in victories among Division I women’s soccer coaches. In 1995, Petrucelli led Notre Dame’s women’s team to the NCAA national title.
“I am thrilled to be appointed the Head Coach of the Chicago Red stars. I’m so fortunate to be taking over a team that is extremely talented and hungry for a Championship,” said Petrucelli. “Being graced with the opportunity to work with some of the best players in the world is a position any coach would jump at. I know there’s work to do. I’m excited to get started helping the team accomplish their goals while fostering an environment of joy and positivity.”
According to the release, Petrucelli was appointed by a committee that included stakeholders from all levels of the organization from players, assistant coaches, the associate general manager, part of the ownership, a sports psychologist, and chief business officer Vicky Lynch. The search committee prioritized candidates, which numbered two dozen according to the release, that could “help the club foster a safe environment for all, and also build on the team’s success over the years”.
Petrucelli will be made available to the press on Tuesday.
