Jointly Hired By the GA and The DPL, Amber Klimek Joins As Operational Lead
The Girls Academy (GA) is an all-girls, youth development platform for the top female soccer players in the United States and includes 7 conferences, 69 clubs, and over 7,500 players across the nation. The GA actively engages the voice of the GA players and clubs to take real ownership in the league.
Sticking to the pursuit of maintaining a high standard of excellence, the Girls Academy (GA), in conjunction with the Development Player League (DPL), hired seasoned sports operations specialist, Amber Klimek, as the Director of Operations.
The GA hiring committee went through a rigorous evaluation and selection process for the highly-coveted Director of Operations position, which drew in hundreds of applicants from across the country.
“Growing the game the right way is so important and I welcome the challenge to shape the future for these amazing female athletes.”
Amber Klimek, GA and DPL Director of Operations
Klimek stood out because of her extensive and well-versed experience in sports operations.
Notably, she has been involved in women’s professional soccer since 2008, most recently serving as Operations Director with the NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars.
“The interest in this position was overwhelming and after an exhaustive search we absolutely found the right person to lead operations for the Girls Academy and the DPL,” said Lesle Gallimore, GA Commissioner.
“Amber has contagious energy from the minute you meet her, a level of confidence that exudes experience, and a reputation in the industry of just getting things done and done well,” said Gallimore.
“It became very clear that Amber is very much aligned with our mission, vision, and values and wants to be impactful in the lives of our players,” added Gallimore.” I’m looking forward to working with her as we continue to build this platform into one that shines as a beacon in youth sports for females.”
Klimek also touts her pedigree and prowess of diverse operational expertise from her stints with the Chicago White Sox and the Olympics.
Other stretches include working with the Chicago Red Stars in the Women’s Professional Soccer League (WPSL) and as a volunteer for U.S. Soccer events.
Klimek further secured her place as the front runner with the abundantly strong references received from leading trailblazing figures in the sports industry.
“I’m thrilled to see the addition of Amber Klimek to the Girls Academy. She’s spent many years in operations, administration, and community relations at the club level of women’s professional soccer leagues, so she brings a diverse and invaluable set of talents into this role,” Alyse LaHue, General Manager of SkyBlue FC (NWSL). “Her expertise in not just soccer, but a wide range of sports operations, will no doubt contribute to the leadership and growth of the GA. I look forward to watching the Girls Academy excel under Lesle Gallimore and her fantastic team!”
Klimek will play an integral role in establishing cohesive operations between the GA and the DPL, as both leagues work to create greater development pathways for players and clubs alike.
She will officially onboard the first of August and take over the day-to-day operations while working closely with Gallimore, and DPL Commissioner, Mary-Francis Monroe.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to work alongside such passionate and respected soccer leaders across the country,” said Amber Klimek, GA and DPL Director of Operations.
The GA season kicks off in August with the first showcase event in November.
In addition, Amanda Schmutz and Amy Griffin have been named co-chairs of the Talent ID Program. Tiffany Weimer, Jen Lalor and Ashlee Fontes-Comber will serve as co-chairs of the GAAP.
The Talent ID Program and GAAP will be among the cornerstones of the newly-launched, Girls Academy. The Talent ID Program will incorporate U.S. Youth National Team (USYNT) aligned evaluations for players across the country. It will also encompass annual Conference ID Events and National ID Events for the league’s top prospects.
