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Kate Markgraf expected to be named USWNT's first general manager – sources

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 29:  Member of the 1999 U.S. Women's National Team Kate Markgraf speaks during the 'Mavericks: How the '99 Women Inspired A Nation' panel during day three of the International Champions Cup launch event at 107 Grand on March 29, 2019 in New York City.  (Photo by Mike Stobe/International Champions Cup/Getty Images)
U.S. women's national team great Kate Markgraf would become the first general manager in the decorated history of the USWNT. (Mike Stobe/Getty)

Kate Markgraf, who won the 1999 World Cup and two Olympic gold medals with the United States women’s national team, is expected to be named the first general manager in the history of the USWNT, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to Yahoo Sports.

The Washington Post reported Wednesday that Markgraf was the frontrunner for the job. No agreement had been finalized as of Wednesday evening, but a deal is expected to be completed in the coming days, the sources said.

Markgraf made more than 200 appearances for the U.S. between 1998 and 2010. Known then by her maiden name, Kate Sobrero, the Bloomfield Hills, Michigan native started five of six games for her country in central defense as the U.S. won the 1999 World Cup on home soil, widely regarded as a watershed moment for women’s sports.

She also won a silver medal at the 2000 Olympics and was a starter in the 2003 and 2007 Women’s World Cups as the Americans finished third in consecutive tournaments.

Before becoming a standout with the national team, Markgraf helped the University of Notre Dame, from which she graduated in 1998 with a business degree, win an NCAA title during her four years in South Bend.

Even before her career was over, Markgraf served as an assistant coach with Marquette University in Wisconsin. She also coached club soccer with the FC Wisconsin Eclipse developmental program.

The 42-year-old mother of twins has worked as a television commentator for NBC and ESPN since 2011.

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