Columbus hires Lucy Rushton as NWSL team’s general manager: ‘We can break ceilings’

Columbus, Ohio, is set to become the newest member of the NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) with the hiring of Lucy Rushton as its general manager. The club, still in the process of finalizing its name, crest, and branding for its inaugural season in 2028, announced Rushton's appointment on Friday. Rushton, a former Bay FC general manager and native of Reading, England, will be responsible for all of Columbus' sporting operations, including roster strategy, recruitment, support staff development, and player performance management.

She reported to Tim Bezbatchenko, president of global soccer for the NWSL. Rushton expressed her excitement about the role, mentioning the ownership's ambitious goals and principles. She had been proactive about showing her interest in the position from the beginning, and Bezbatchenko, an Ohio native and former president of MLS club Crew, was also among the first people she spoke with about the role.

Bezbatchenko aims to bring his global soccer experience back to Ohio to elevate the club's status further. Rushton's decision to take on the role in Columbus was influenced by the city's strong soccer culture and support for women's soccer. She has worked with various NWSL clubs, including Bay FC, and is eager to apply her diverse experiences to the Columbus club.