Jill Ellis, head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, was named the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Coach of the Year on Monday at the Ballon d’Or Gala in Zurich, Switzerland. Ellis steered the team to its first World Cup title since 1999.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the U.S. players, coaches and staff who made 2015 such a wonderful year for our team,” said Ellis in a statement. “Success is truly a team effort, and as a coach, we are all a product of the players and coaches we’ve worked with over so many years. They all deserve recognition and thanks for being a part of this amazing journey. I want to thank Sunil Gulati and U.S. Soccer for their continuing world class support and resources dedicated to the women’s game and of course all of my friends and family. I could not do this without their unconditional love and support.”
Also nominated were Japan’s Norio Sasaki and England’s Mark Sampson. Voting breadown:
Jill Ellis secured 42.98% of all votes ahead of Norio Sasaki (17.79%) & Mark Sampson (10.68%). #BallondOr
— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) January 11, 2016
Carli Lloyd was named the 2015 Women’s World Player of the Year on Monday as well. Hope Solo was also in attendance and honored at the ceremony for winning the Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper at the 2015 Women’s World Cup.