Former Houston Dash keeper Haley Carter named Orlando Pride GM/VP of Soccer Operations

Former Houston Dash goalkeeper Haley Carter was introduced as the Orlando Pride's first GM and VP of Soccer Operations. In her role, Carter will report directly to Club ownership.

Carter's credentials speak for themselves. The Houston, Texas native is a former U.S. Marine officer, a licensed attorney, a retired professional soccer player, a coach at some of the highest levels of the game and consultant.

Following her time on active duty with the Marines, Carter spent three seasons as a member of the Houston Dash. She also spent time coaching internationally with both Afghanistan and Antigua and Barbado women's teams. She also had coaching stops collegiately at Sam Houston University, Huston-Tillotson and the University of Houston.

Carter is a great hire for the Orlando Pride and will serve them well. At her introductory press conference today, she wasted little time outlining why this was the right spot for her at the right time.

“It immediately stood out to me and conversations with leadership of the club, ownership group, the board, Mark [Wilf], that they're really serious about this investment,” Carter said. “For as philanthropic as the Wilf family is … this is not a philanthropic effort. This is not a charitable effort. ... I would not take a position in an organization that I didn't truly believe means to do the right things and to make a genuine investment in not just in the club, but in the women's game.”

Maybe more improtantly were these words not just to the club but to the rest of the NWSL. “This club is a sleeping giant,” she said. “The potential that's here – the facilities, the setup, the environment – it is just ripe for excellence.”