Coaching Changes Signal Challenge

The Chicago Stars have announced a second coaching change before the season’s halfway mark, a sign of turbulence for the franchise. Interim coach Masaki Hemmi has decided to leave the team to explore other opportunities, just a few months after taking over for Lorne Donaldson on April 30. Ella Masar, a former Stars forward, has been elevated to interim coach from her assistant role, making this her second stint in this position since 2023.

Context of the Coaching Shift

The timing of this transition is critical, as women’s sports gain unprecedented popularity and visibility. With Fox broadcasting the UEFA Women’s Euro soccer championships and ESPN highlighting women’s matches at Wimbledon, interest in female athletes is at a peak. However, the Stars have struggled to capture this momentum.

While the WNBA recently announced the addition of three expansion teams and the NWSL increased its roster by two teams this season, the Chicago Stars find themselves in a challenging position. Since the resignation of long-time coach Rory Dames in 2021 amid allegations of misconduct, the franchise has struggled to maintain a competitive edge, even after their rebranding from Red Stars to Stars.

Stadium and Attendance Concerns

Adding to the challenges, the Stars have joined other Chicago professional sports teams in seeking public funding for a new stadium. Currently housed in the 20,000-seat SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, which exceeds their needs, they’re reportedly seeking a more suitable venue closer to downtown.

For example, the KC Current recently opened an 11,500-seat stadium designed exclusively for women’s sports, demonstrating the potential for growth and investment in women’s leagues. Meanwhile, the Stars’ average home attendance figures remain undisclosed, raising questions about fan engagement.

On-Field Struggles and Player Challenges

The Stars’ current performance presents a daunting challenge, as they sit at the bottom of the league standings with a record of 1-9-3, resulting in a goal differential of -17. Stepping into the role, Masar will face the difficult task of motivating a team that has struggled significantly, particularly after losing key players like U.S. National Team forward Mallory Swanson, who is out for the season, and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who is on the injury list.

As of now, Ludmila leads the Stars with only four goals this season, indicating a pressing need for player development and potentially new acquisitions to reinvigorate the team.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming break in the NWSL schedule provides an opportunity for Masar to reassess the team dynamics and strategize for their next match against Gotham FC on August 1. With the current conditions providing limited room for error, the franchise and its supporters hope that future changes—including a potential final coaching appointment—will lead to a recognizable shift in performance.