Mark Krikorian Departs Washington Spirit After Three Years
Mark Krikorian, a veteran of women’s soccer with over three decades of experience, has officially stepped down from his dual role as president of soccer operations and general manager of the Washington Spirit. The departure marks the end of his three-year contract with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club. Krikorian’s decision, communicated to team owner Michele Kang during the winter months, signals a transition period for the Spirit as they navigate the off-season and prepare for the upcoming campaign.
Krikorian’s tenure with the Washington Spirit began in the spring of 2022. He articulated his initial vision as establishing the Spirit as a consistent force within the NWSL and a prominent presence on the global soccer stage. Reflecting on his time with the team, Krikorian expressed confidence in the foundation that has been built under his leadership. He highlighted the assembling of a roster equipped to contend for championships, emphasizing the potential for immediate success.
The recently concluded season stands as a testament to the progress made during Krikorian’s tenure. The Washington Spirit achieved a franchise-record of 19 match victories, underscoring the team’s competitive edge. This success propelled them to the NWSL championship finals, where they faced off against the Orlando Pride. While the Spirit ultimately fell short, losing by a narrow 1-0 margin, their appearance in the final solidified their position as a top contender in the league. The loss, although disappointing, capped off a season that saw the team ascend to new heights, exceeding expectations and demonstrating the effectiveness of Krikorian’s strategic vision.
The departure of such a significant figure inevitably raises questions about the immediate future of the Washington Spirit. In the interim, leadership responsibilities for soccer operations will be shared between sporting director James Hocken and assistant general manager Nathan Minion. The pairing of Hocken and Minion presents a degree of continuity and familiarity with the existing team structure. Hocken’s strategic overview coupled with Minion’s day-to-day operational knowledge should help provide stability in the transition. This arrangement ensures that the crucial off-season activities, including player acquisitions and tactical planning, will continue without interruption. The team’s ownership has yet to announce a permanent replacement for Krikorian, leaving the longer-term strategic direction of the team open to speculation.
Krikorian’s career trajectory paints a picture of a highly accomplished and respected figure in the world of women’s soccer. His extensive experience spans collegiate, international, and professional levels. Before assuming his role with the Washington Spirit, he spent a considerable period as the head coach of the Florida State Seminoles women’s soccer team. During his time at Florida State, Krikorian achieved remarkable success, leading the Seminoles to three NCAA championships in 2014, 2018, and 2021. His achievements at the collegiate level earned him recognition as National Coach of the Year on three separate occasions, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the sport. He also won the Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year award five times, underlining his consistent success in a highly competitive conference.
His departure comes as he is nearing his 65th birthday. While the decision to leave coincides with the end of his contract, the personal element may also factor into the decision. With a storied career behind him, the opportunity to spend more time away from the high-pressure environment of professional sports may have held an appeal.
The impact of Krikorian’s departure on the Washington Spirit remains to be seen. The foundation he built, characterized by a talented roster and a winning culture, provides a solid platform for future success. However, the appointment of a new president of soccer operations and general manager will be a crucial decision for the team’s ownership. The ideal candidate will possess not only a deep understanding of the game but also the strategic vision and leadership skills necessary to build upon Krikorian’s legacy and guide the Spirit to even greater heights. The team’s fanbase and the wider NWSL community will be closely watching the selection process as the Washington Spirit enter this new chapter in their history. The incoming leader will inherit a team with significant potential, but will also face the challenge of maintaining the momentum established under Krikorian’s leadership. Ensuring continuity while also injecting fresh ideas and a new strategic direction will be critical to the Spirit’s continued success.
