Women's Soccer | 2/12/2018 2:06:00 PM

Written by Claire De Lisle, W&M Alumni Magazine

World champions. It's a lofty title and well-deserved. As head coach of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, Jill Ellis led the team to victory in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, bringing the "world champions" title home to the United States. But she has not rested on her laurels — Ellis continues to inspire, educate and motivate young athletes and others worldwide.

As Ellis said in her 2016 Commencement address at William & Mary, "There is no right or wrong approach to navigating your life. In fact, at various moments, you will, as I did, explore both routes, the structured and the unstructured. The important part is that you embrace and enjoy the challenges and realize you do not travel alone." Throughout her successful coaching career, she has exemplified this philosophy by supporting and mentoring Tribe student-athletes, particularly those in the Tribe women's soccer program. She was inducted into the William & Mary Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002 and was named a Tribe Champion for Life in 2015.

"William & Mary not only set me up for success, but also taught me the value of preparing others for the same," says Ellis. As a scholarship recipient, she recognizes the power of scholarships to change lives. "I continue to support this school because it did give me so much. I feel very privileged to have gone here, and I love to have others have the same opportunity that I did."

Ellis advocates for teaching leadership skills, healthy habits and goal setting at elementary schools in the United States and is an ambassador for the Monrovia Football Academy in Liberia, founded by Will Smith '14. She and the U.S. Women's National Team encourage and empower women and girls worldwide to learn life skills through soccer. As a motivational speaker, she presents to groups ranging from grassroots soccer organizations to Fortune 500 companies on a variety of topics, including striving for excellence and the value of teamwork.

As Barbara Pate Glacel '70, recipient of the 2001 Alumni Medallion, wrote in her nomination of Ellis, "As a role model for women in athletics, leadership and life, Jill does not simply allow her story to be told. She actively works in the community to inspire women to greatness."

The alumni medallion is the  highest and most prestigious award given by the Alumni Association, the Alumni Medallion recognizes outstanding alumni for commitment, dedication and assistance to William & Mary.