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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
When it was announced this past summer that Cat Whitehill would become the new head coach of Wellesley High School girls varsity soccer, there was obvious reason for excitement for the Raiders, given Whitehill’s lengthy background in the sport as well as her activism and support of Title IX.
After playing for four years at the University of North Carolina (2000-2003), where she earned endless awards and recognitions (four-time All-American, All-ACC, ACC Rookie of the Year, Final Four MVP), and making 131 career USA national team appearances from 2000-2010, earning an Olympic gold medal, Cat Whitehill holds one of the strongest soccer resumes around.
With the soccer season now underway, Whitehill will look to lead the Raiders back to the state tournament in her first season at the helm, all while working as a color commentator for ESPN’s college soccer coverage throughout the fall on ESPNU and the SEC Network.
Since last suiting up for Team USA in 2010, Whitehill has been in the broadcast booth for several of soccer’s marquee events, such as the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2012 Men’s and Women’s College Cups, as well as working as a sideline reporter for FOX Soccer Channel. This past week, Whitehill coached the Raiders in their game against Milton on Wednesday evening. 48 hours later, she was calling a game on ESPNU between No. 6 West Virginia and No. 20 Princeton from Morgantown.
A former NWSL star and an all-time great for both the Tar Heels and USA national team, Cat Whitehill continues to have a massive impact on the game of soccer by coaching the lady-Raiders and having her voice heard all across the country every weekend even while retired.
Wellesley could not be happier or prouder to have Whitehill as part of their community.
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog at www.flannylive.wordpress.com.
