Elli Reed, who starred on the pitch for the Pilots from 2007-10, was hired as the Director of Operations in January of 2018.
“Throughout Elli’s playing career, she was a true professional in every sense of the word,” French said. “Whether it was her unwavering commitment to her growth and performance on the field as a player, or her tireless work within the community, Elli’s experience on a number of levels will make her a fantastic role model for our team. Having the chance to add another successful UP alum to the staff is incredible. Elli’s positive energy and optimistic character will fit right in with the culture we are creating within the UP women’s soccer program.”
“I am thrilled to work with Michelle French and the rest of the staff,” said Reed. “Michelle is an incredible coach and I am excited to see her work with the girls. This will be a great opportunity to work with Michelle and learn all that I can from her.”
While at UP, Reed began as a midfielder for the Pilots before moving to the defense in her sophomore campaign. The Park City, Utah, native played a total of 83 games over her four years on the Bluff, scoring 12 goals and notching 13 assists. She was named to the All-WCC team all four years with a first-team nod coming in 2010, her senior season. She also earned multiple all-region accolades, and she was named a freshman All-American by Soccer Buzz in 2007.
The 2010 Academic All-American played for the U-17, the U-20, and the U-23 National Teams, and in 2008 she teamed with fellow Pilots Keelin Winters and Michelle Enyeart to win the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
After college, Reed began her professional career with the Boston Breakers in the WPS in 2011. She spent two seasons with the Breakers before beginning a five-year stint with Seattle Reign FC of the NWSL. Reed also spent a season each playing in for FCR 2001 Duisburg (Germany), Kristianstads DFF (Sweden), and Melbourne Victory FC (Australia).
Reed has also spent time as a community ambassador for Water 1st International, she’s been a leadership development soccer coach and mentor for Pro Skills Soccer since 2015, and in 2014 she became an ambassador with Z Girls.