Cindy Parlow Cone, born on May eighth, nineteen seventy-eight, is a prominent figure in American soccer, known for her dual roles as a former professional player and a dedicated coach. With an illustrious career, she has earned the distinction of being a two-time Olympic Gold medalist and a champion of the nineteen ninety-nine FIFA Women's World Cup. Her leadership skills were on full display in two thousand thirteen when she guided the Portland Thorns FC to victory, securing the inaugural National Women's Soccer League championship title.
Beyond her playing days, Parlow Cone has made significant contributions to the governance of soccer in the United States. She has served on various committees within U.S. Soccer, including the Referee Committee, Medical Advisory Committee, Appeals Committee, Athletes’ Council, and Youth Task Force. Her commitment to the sport was recognized when she was elected as interim vice president of U.S. Soccer on February sixteenth, two thousand nineteen, and subsequently re-elected for a four-year term in February two thousand twenty.
In March two thousand twenty, she ascended to the role of president of U.S. Soccer following the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro. Her leadership was further solidified when she was elected to a full four-year term in February two thousand twenty-two. Parlow Cone's impact on the sport has been acknowledged through her induction into several halls of fame, including the National Soccer Hall of Fame in two thousand eighteen, the Tennessee State Soccer Association Hall of Fame in two thousand nineteen, and the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame in the same year.