Cynthia Parlow Cone is an ex-soccer player and former professional executive. She is the president of the United States Soccer Federation. She was also a two time Olympic Gold medalist, and was the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup winner. Her accomplishments include being elected the first female president for the United States Soccer Federation.
President of U.S. Soccer
Cindy Parlow Cone, the president of the U.S. Soccer Federation, has been re-elected for a second four-year term. Her main focus will be the collective contracting process and a Sally Q. Yates Report on allegations of sexual abuse in women’s sports soccer. She will also continue to fight for equal pay and fair treatment for female players. In addition, she will focus on building the game in all of its forms.
USSF has a poor financial standing. Parlow cone has had the challenge of dealing with a multitude of lawsuits, financial hardships, and her leadership has been capable to restore USSF's finances. Her recent equal pay contract has also restored public faith in US Soccer and allowed US Soccer to present a more united front before commercial partners. Cone has much to do as the president and CEO of US Soccer.
Assistant coach at University of North Carolina
Cindy Parlow Cone, who was a player in college soccer, now serves as assistant coach for the University of North Carolina women’s football team. Parlow Cone, who played college soccer at North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has vast experience in coaching women’s soccer. Parlow Cone has been a USSF "A", License coach, as well as attending FIFA Futuro III classes.
Parlow cone was a four-time All-American during Parlow Cone's playing career, helping the Tar Heels to win three national titles and four ACC regular-season title. Parlow Cone was awarded two Hermann Trophies. These are the top awards in women's college soccer. She is also a part of UNC's women's soccer hall-of-fame.
First female president for U.S. Soccer
Cone is the current president of US Soccer. She was elected to this position in March by the Athletes Committee. Cone, who is also the president of US Soccer, has been focused on increasing diversity, bringing back commercial rights and expanding the sport in all its forms. She has contributed to significant achievements in her two-year tenure as president, including an historic collective bargaining agreement between the US National Teams’ unions and equal wages for men's & women's soccer player.
Cone is a three times Olympian and was formerly a member of the senior U.S. National Team. She is also a National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. As the Federation's president, she oversees a major shift of priorities. She has put greater emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and team building.
Head coach of NWSL champion Portland Thorns FC
Portland Thorns FC, the current NWSL champions. After a two-year break, Parlow has been back in the club's sights. The Thorns finished ninth last season in the league. However, the new head coaches will have to cope with high expectations as well as limited resources. He or she will need to create a championship-winning team.
Cone worked as an assistant coach at the University of North Carolina for four seasons before he took the Portland Thorns FC position. Cone was the head coach of four NCAA championships. Then, as head coach of the Thorns, she won the NWSL championship in 2013. Cone was a highly successful coach as well. She also served on the US team's youth task force, and the Athletes' council. In addition, she was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame this year.
Face of Safer Soccer initiative
Parlow Cone, a former soccer star is now the face and spokesperson for a campaign to make soccer safer for children. Parlow Cone, a former Olympic Gold medalist, is not new to concussions. She suffered another one during the 2003 World Cup. She was diagnosed with a chronic headache and retired from the national soccer team. She is now a soccer coach in Chapel Hill in North Carolina and has shared her story and stressed the importance of safety.
A group of concussion professionals and former professional athletes have joined the campaign. The goal is to limit head-to-head collisions to prevent concussions in young soccer players. A Washington State study that looked at junior-high school girls revealed that a ban on heading could reduce up to 30% of all injuries. This could mean that youth soccer will suffer fewer concussions.