Cynthia Parlow Cone was a former player of soccer and a professional executive. She rose to the top of soccer. She is the president and CEO of the United States Soccer Federation. She was also a two-time Olympic Gold medalist and the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup champion. Her achievements include being named the first female president of the United States Soccer Federation.
President of U.S. Soccer
Cindy Parlow Cone of the U.S. Soccer Federation was reelected for a fourth term as president. Her main areas of focus will be on the collective bargaining process, and a report by former Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates about allegations of abuse in women’s soccer. She will also push for equal compensation for female players. She will also be focusing on the development of the game in all its forms.
USSF's financial situation is difficult. Parlow Cone has had to deal with a pandemic of lawsuits and financial hardships, but her leadership has been able to repair the organization's finances. The US Soccer's recent equal-pay agreement has restored the public's confidence and allowed it to present an even more united front to its commercial partners. Cone, however, has much work ahead of herself as president of US Soccer.
Assistant coach at University of North Carolina
Cindy Parlow Cone used to be a player and now works as an assistant coach at the University of North Carolina women’s hockey team. Parlow Cone played college soccer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has a wealth of experience in coaching women's soccer. She is also a USSF "A” License coach and has completed FIFA Futuro III courses.
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 also won two Hermann Trophies which is the highest award in women's collegiate football. She is also a member in the UNC women’s soccer hall of Fame.
First female president for U.S. Soccer
Cone has been president of US Soccer since March, when she was elected to the position by the Athletes Council. Cone was president from March to promote diversity efforts and bring back commercial rights. She also focuses on growing the sport through 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 time Olympian and a former member of the senior U.S. National Team. Cone is also inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. She is the Federation's President and has overseen major changes in priorities. She has increased emphasis on diversity, inclusion and team building.
Portland Thorns FC, NWSL champions, is headed by a coach
Portland Thorns FC are the defending NWSL champions. After a two-year break, Parlow has been back in the club's sights. The Thorns placed ninth in the league, but the new coach will have to meet high expectations and manage limited resources. He or she must create a championship team.
Before taking the Portland Thorns FC job, Cone was an assistant coach for the University of North Carolina for four years. Cone led the team to four NCAA championships. Next, Cone, as the Thorns' Head Coach, won the NWSL Championship in 2013. Cone, in addition to being a great coach, was also a member of the US national team's youth taskforce and Athletes' board. She was also inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
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 developed a headache that recurred and was forced to quit the national team. Since then she has been a Soccer Coach in Chapel Hill North Carolina. She has spoken out about the experience and the importance for safety in soccer.
This campaign is being supported by former professional players and concussion specialists. The goal of this campaign is to reduce head to head collisions in order to prevent concussions from young soccer players. A Washington State study of junior-high girls found that a heading ban could help prevent as many as 30 percent of injury. This could mean that youth soccer will suffer fewer concussions.