Haley Carter joins the Washington Spirit as President of Soccer Operations

Haley Carter has joined the Washington Spirit as the President of Soccer Operations, effective as of December 1, the club announced on Wednesday.

The Spirit will also promote Nathan Minion to work under Carter as the club’s General Manager.

Carter will be responsible for “defining and executing the long-term vision and strategic plan for the Spirit’s soccer operations,” while Minion focuses on day-to-day oversight including roster construction and salary cap management.

“Haley represents exactly the type of leader we want driving our soccer operations forward,” said Michele Kang, the majority owner of the Washington Spirit.

“She brings unique experience as a former NWSL player and proven executive with a clear commitment to elevating women’s soccer,” said Kang. “This new role reflects our continued investment in the Spirit’s infrastructure, supporting Nate and his team as we build a sustainable, world-class soccer organization.”

Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer for eight years. She was a player for the Houston Dash as a goalkeeper.

Carter has been an assistant coach for the Afghanistan Women’s National Team and goalkeeper coach for the Antigua and Barbuda Women’s National Team. She was most recently the Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director of the Orlando Pride.

“To be part of Michele’s vision to set a new global standard in women’s football was an opportunity I could not pass up,” said Carter. “What Michele is building is truly special – a player-first investment model focused on sustainability, innovation, and growth. Washington has such a rich history in the NWSL and one of the most passionate fan bases in the sport, and I’m excited to help shape the next chapter of that story.”

Carter told ESPN that she and Kang are in ongoing conversations with the league for a solution that will allow them to retain star Trinity Rodman. The USWNT star is currently fielding competitive offers from European clubs.

“There’s conversations ongoing hourly,” Carter said to ESPN. “Trin is a top priority, not just for me, not just for Michele and the Spirit, but for the entire league. Michele knows it, you know it, we know it.