Trailblazing MLS and EPL Veteran Brings Data-Driven Approach to Team Building and Player Development
San Francisco (June 15, 2023) – Bay FC, the Bay Area’s newest professional sports franchise and a member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), today announced Lucy Rushton as the club’s first General Manager. Rushton will lead Bay FC’s player recruiting and development efforts as the club builds a soccer culture centered on providing its players with the resources and opportunities to reach their highest potential.
Rushton will lean on her extensive experience in professional soccer at the highest levels, including with Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Premier League (EPL), as she brings her widely recognized data and analytics expertise to the NWSL.
“We’re committed to building a world-class organization for our fans and our community, and that starts with being the best we can be on the soccer field,” said Brady Stewart, CEO of Bay FC. “Lucy’s career as a trailblazer in the EPL and MLS speaks for itself. Her data, analytics and process-driven approach to the game will set the tone for how we build this club, and I’m thrilled to be working with her.”
Rushton brings with her a deep history of on-pitch success and was most recently the GM for the MLS team D.C. United, becoming the second woman ever to hold that position at the time.
“Football has been my lifelong obsession,” said Lucy Rushton, General Manager of Bay FC. “I’m incredibly excited to join Bay FC, and I look forward to combining the player recruiting strategies I have honed with the deep expertise Aly, Brandi, Leslie and Danielle bring to build a team, infrastructure and culture that gives players the opportunity to perform at their absolute best.”
Prior to her stint at D.C. United, Rushton was the head of technical recruitment and analysis for Atlanta United, where she helped the team claim the 2018 MLS Cup. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Reading Football Club where she spent more than seven years working as a Senior Performance Analyst and helped the club secure promotion to the English Premier League in 2012 after a first-place finish in the Championship in the 2011-2012 season.
“Lucy has been a barrier breaker her entire career, and she’s a perfect fit for the culture we’re seeking to build at Bay FC,” said Alan Waxman, co-chair of Bay FC and co-founder and CEO of Sixth Street. “We will set a new standard for what a women’s professional sports franchise can be, and Lucy’s addition is a big next step toward that goal.”
“We’re excited to combine forces with Lucy to bring our football vision to life as we build our roster for 2024,” said Aly Wagner, co-founder and chair of Bay FC. “Her background and expertise in utilizing data and analytics will push our club and the women’s game to the next level.”
Rushton’s task of building out the team is already underway as Bay FC prepares for its inaugural season in 2024. Bay FC was announced as the NWSL’s team No. 14 in early April 2023 and recently announced Brady Stewart as the club’s first CEO.
Ticket deposits are now open for Bay FC’s inaugural 2024 season at BayFC.com, where fans can also purchase merchandise and stay up to date on the latest Bay FC news. Follow @wearebayfc on social for more exciting announcements to come.
