Swedish head soccer coach Pia Sundhage comes out

Saskia Joreen's picture

By Saskia Joreen on Sunday, January 10, 2010 - 14:52

Pia Sundhage (49), Swedish head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, came out on Swedish television this week.

She said: “There has been no problem for me to be openly gay as head coach in the U.S.” During her interview with TV host Lasse Bengtsson, she also disclosed that she has a girlfriend named Marie.

Before starting her career as coach, Pia had a pretty successful professional soccer career. She played for several Swedish clubs and also played for the Swedish National Team.

With Pia as head coach, the U.S. Women’s National Team won the 2008 Algarve Cup (in Portugal) and a gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Pia recently assembled 26 soccer players for a 20-day training camp in California, in preparation for the 2010 Algarve Cup.

You can watch Pia’s appearance on Lasse Bengtsson’s show here, unfortunately without English subtitles. It’s still fun to watch though – she opens with singing a song and playing the guitar! Multi-talented women are awesome. We’re glad to have you on our team, Pia!

(3 votes)
Caisa's picture
I like Pia
Submitted by Caisa on January 10, 2010 - 21:00.

very much. She has done much for women's football not only in Sweden and the USA but globally.  She came out officially yesterday, January 9, And it was surely a surprise for almost everyone.   It's been common knowledge for years and years, and I along with many thought that she was out a long time ago.She's been a major reason that Swedish athlete women don't have to hide that they are lesbians.
Little G's picture
I've been wondering...
Submitted by Little G on January 10, 2010 - 22:27.

Fantastic news. Being a bit of a fan of the US soccer team since the 90s, and having seen April Heinrichs and Lauren Gregg come and go as coaches, Pia set off my gaydar. Nice to see I wasn't off - for once ;)
 
Cath's picture
gaydar doing a samba.
Submitted by Cath on January 11, 2010 - 15:34.

 

great news, especially in light of how much way Sundhage has paved for young female athletes who happen to be gay. Let's hope she continues her training work for many years to come, while effortlessly being a great role model on the side!