NJ/NY Gotham FC announces Yael Averbuch West as Interim General Manager
NJ/NY Gotham FC ownership announced Yael Averbuch West as Interim General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations, and Kristin Bernert as the club’s Interim Head of Business Operations.
Yael Averbuch West will be supported by Interim Assistant GM Stephanie Lee, the former General Manager of Utah Royals FC.
"Yael was our club’s first ever college draft pick, and ownership is delighted to welcome her back to the family,” said Gotham FC Chair Tammy Murphy.
“She’s dedicated her life to playing and growing this sport and has excelled at every level. We’re confident she’ll continue her success with us and help further our transformation into one of the premier women’s soccer clubs in the world.”
Averbuch West first joined the team formerly known as Sky Blue FC in 2009 after being selected in the first round of the WPS Draft as the fourth overall pick. She made 18 appearances during her inaugural season before scoring the game-winning goal in the WPS semifinal against the Saint Louis Athletica. The team later went on to win the 2009 WPS championship.
In 2017, Averbuch West inspired the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) and served as its President until her player retirement in 2019
"I'm very excited about this role and look forward to supporting the continued success of Gotham FC on the field,” said Averbuch West. “This was my first professional club as a player and is my hometown club, so it's close to my heart. I can't wait to get to work.”
@Yael_Averbuch has been named Interim General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations.
— NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) August 3, 2021
“This was my first professional club as a player and is my hometown club, so it's close to my heart. I can't wait to get to work." pic.twitter.com/pgpAj4Gng2
Kristin Bernert, club’s newest Interim Head of Business Operations, previously worked for Square Garden Sports from 2010 until 2020 in several capacities before standing as the Executive Vice President of Operations.
“I’ve had the honor of leading New York’s most iconic sports franchises, and co-founded KB2 Sports with the mission of driving investment in women’s sports and female athletes to achieve equity in a very visible industry,” said Kristin Bernert.
“Gotham FC is the epitome of the opportunity to do that given its location and very committed ownership. The NWSL is growing by leaps and bounds, and I’m looking forward to helping accelerate progress in the near term and laying the groundwork on strategy for a long-term head of business operations.”