Jill Ellis Leaves Her Five-Year Legacy as US Women’s Soccer Coach

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Category: Sports

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. on a high note / ɒn ə haɪ noʊt / (idiom) – in a manner that is pleasant, enjoyable, or successful
    Example:

    His goal is to graduate from college on a high note. He is aiming for academic awards.


  2. bring (something) to new heights / brɪŋ tʊ nu haɪts / (idiom) – to make something better or more successful than it already is
    Example:

    The talented athletes will surely bring the country’s soccer team to new heights.


  3. come out on top / kʌm aʊt ɒn tɒp / (idiom) – to finish something in a strong manner
    Example:

    Despite all the difficulties and challenges she experienced, she still came out on top.


  4. celebrated / ˈsɛl əˌbreɪ tɪd / (adj) – describing someone who is very popular for something
    Example:

    He became a celebrated baseball player after winning the championship.


  5. enormous / ɪˈnɔr məs / (adj) – describing something that goes beyond the normal size or amount
    Example:

    The sports organization is very happy about the government’s enormous donation.


Article

Read the text below.

US women’s national soccer team (USWNT) head coach Jill Ellis ended her term in July on a high note.


After leading her team to victory at the Women’s World Cup in France, Ellis announced her intention to step down as the USWNT’s coach. According to her, talks with her family about the exit began December last year. Sources did not specify any reason behind the coach’s decision, but Ellis said the timing felt right for her, her family, and the whole team.


Ellis had already won eight tournaments for the US Soccer before becoming the eighth USWNT coach in 2014. During her time as head coach, Ellis brought the team to new heights by breaking records. She is the only coach who was able to win two consecutive Women’s World Cup titles—the 2015 and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cups. These victories contributed to the team’s record of 102 wins, 7 losses, and 18 draws.


USWNT member Rose Lavelle, awarded as the third-best player at the World Cup in France, expressed her sadness over Ellis’s decision. However, Lavelle is also glad that Ellis came out on top and now has more time to spend with her family.


Megan Rapinoe, another celebrated player of the USWNT, said that she was not surprised with the news. For her, being the head coach of the USWNT is a tough job, and being able to leave with enormous achievements is a good way to exit.


Before completely stepping away from the USWNT, Ellis will finish the team’s victory tour until October. She is set to take on the role of US Soccer ambassador following the tour.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• If you were Ellis, would you also step down as the USWNT’s coach? Why or why not?
• What other opportunities do you think Ellis can take after permanently leaving the USWNT? Discuss.

Discussion B

• Do you agree that being able to leave with enormous achievements is the best way to exit a job or position? Explain.
• If you were to leave a job or position, what enormous achievement would you like to earn before exiting? Discuss.