Former Canadian international Karina LeBlanc will head women’s soccer at CONCACAF. (Matt Kryger-USA TODAY Sports)
MIAMI — CONCACAF Wednesday the addition of Karina LeBlanc as Head of CONCACAF Women’s Football, effective Aug. 3.
The former Canadian international will lead the confederation’s efforts to strengthen and grow the women’s game throughout the region.
“We are very pleased to welcome Mrs. Karina LeBlanc as Head of CONCACAF Women’s Football. She brings a vast knowledge and passion for the sport, having played for 18 years and serving as an advocate to providing access for more women to the game,” CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani said. “Mrs. LeBlanc is the right leader to support our mission of advancing and promoting women’s football in a sustainable and scalable way. She will contribute to increase participation and awareness at all levels.”
LeBlanc will focus on developing women’s football throughout the region, increasing opportunities for women in the sport across multiple area. That will include grassroots and competitions platforms, refereeing, development, and administration. She will be based in Miami, Fla.and report to the Chief of Football Officer Manolo Zubiria.
Born to Jamaican and Dominican parents and raised in the Caribbean island of Dominica until she was eight, LeBlanc is a retired player. She represented Canada in five World Cups, two Olympics and three Pan-American Games. LeBlanc was a member of the bronze-medal winning team at the 2012 London Olympics. In 2013, she became the first female professional soccer player to be appointed a UNICEF Ambassador.
“I am honored and excited to join CONCACAF at a pivotal time for women’s football,” LeBlanc said. “I have seen the growth and potential of our game across the Concacaf region and around the globe and look forward to create additional opportunities for women in football. Our confederation is well-positioned to continue supporting and inspiring its member associations to build, develop and elevate the women’s game.”
