CHICAGO, IL–The Chicago Red Stars do not have a general manager or sporting director as of yet, but they now have a head coach. On Tuesday, the Red Stars hired Jamaican Women’s National Team coach Lorne Donaldson as its third head coach in its NWSL history.

Donaldson, 68, coach the Reggae Girlz to a Round of 16 appearance at this year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Donaldson also has coached the Jamaican under-17 and under-20 youth national teams, and with the elite youth soccer club, Real Colorado, where he serves as president and executive coaching director. Through his position with Real Colorado, Donaldson has developed many NWSL stars including Janine Beckie (Portland Thorns FC), Jaelin Howell (Racing Louisville FC), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC) and Mallory Swanson.

“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.”

Donaldson inherits a club that finished bottom in the NWSL this past season and had the worst goal difference by a distance. Jamaica were lauded for their defense at the World Cup this past Summer. Hiring Donaldson may also serve to help encourage free agents Tierna Davidson, Swanson, and Casey Kreuger.

“Lorne has a proven track record as a winning coach and an advocate for his athletes. We believe he has the experience and leadership skills to elevate our talented group of players,” said Laura Ricketts, Red Stars Executive Chairperson. “As the president of the elite youth club Real Colorado, Lorne also has deep ties to some of the finest U.S. players.”

Donaldson is set to join the Red Stars ahead of the 2024 NWSL Draft next month where the Red Stars have five picks.