Ella Masar will join the Chicago Red Stars as Assistant Coach, the team announced today.

“Ella has spent over a decade in professional soccer, both as a player and a coach. She is incredibly detailed in her approach, and passionate about player growth. We are excited to welcome her back home,” said Red Stars General Manager, Michelle Lomnicki.

“You know, they say, there is nothing quite like coming ‘home’ and after leaving Chicago in 2012, just over 10 years later, I can’t wait to do just that,” said Masar. “I am honored, excited and ready to help CRS bring home its first ever NWSL championship and I wouldn’t be coming here if I didn’t think that was possible. We have all we need, and the pride, the pride that all Chicagoans have, placed deep in their heart is something I can’t wait to experience once again in our stadium.”

Masar is an Illinois native and former Red Star player who played in 20 games for the Red Stars in 2013 and scored three goals with two assists that year. Masar’s playing career also includes stints with the Houston Dash, Paris Saint-Germain (France) and VfL Wolfsburg (Germany). Masar spent the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season with the Kansas City Current as an assistant coach. Holding a UEFA A and B coaching license, Masar’s coaching experience also includes time with Real Madrid’s women’s team.

Masar will be part of the Red Stars team headed to the 2023 NWSL Draft in Philadelphia. Fans can watch the draft Thursday, January 12, on CBS Sports Network from 5 to 6 p.m. CT. The draft will then stream live on Paramount+ and CBS Sports HQ, the free 24/7 streaming sports news network, from 6 to 10 p.m. CT.