Molly Downtain resigns; Wave’s first GM signed Alex Morgan, drafted Naomi Girma

Molly Downtain, who built the San Diego Wave’s roster into an NWSL Cup winner and No. 1 seed in last year’s playoffs, has resigned as the team’s general manager. Her last day is April 15.

Downtain said in a news release sent Monday morning that was “looking forward to taking on new challenges” after what she called “an amazing three years with the Wave.”

Downtain said she began discussing her future with team president Jill Ellis last month. The Wave extended coach Casey Stoney’s contract in late January, a deal that runs through 2027.

“Since Day 1, I’ve tried to always do what was best for the club, the players and this city and I am grateful to ownership and Jill for the support and opportunity to bring this roster to life,” she said. “The foundation that has been laid and built is something I’m beyond proud of. The direction that this club is heading is exciting and I wish the team, staff and fans the very best of luck.”

A former U.S. Soccer executive, Downtain signed stars Alex Morgan and Abby Dahlkemper, selected reigning United States Women’s National Team Player of the Year Naomi Girma with the first pick in the NWSL Draft and, more recently, went overseas to bolster the roster.

Downtain’s departure comes following a flurry of offseason activity that has included multiple trades and international signings. The Wave open the 2024 season March 15 against NJ/NY Gotham FC in New Jersey.

An Upland native who played collegiately at Chico State, Downtain was named the club’s general manager in July 2021 — four months before the club announced its name and nearly 10 months before its first match. She had known Ellis for years, serving on her staff with the USWNT from 2015-19 and spending her final year as the USA World Cup team’s administrator.

“Molly’s dedication and unwavering commitment to our club helped solidify San Diego Wave FC as a force in this league from Day 1,” Ellis said in a news release. “We are incredibly grateful for Molly’s valuable contributions and the foundation she has laid. On behalf of the club I extend my heartfelt thanks to Molly and wish her the best in her future endeavors.”