‘The health and wellbeing of our players is foundational to the strength and sustainability of our sport’ – Sarah Gregorius

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced the formation of the NWSL Health Advisory Council. This strategic initiative is designed to create a holistic framework for player health, wellness, and performance, spanning the entire athlete pathway from youth soccer to the professional elite.

Key Objectives

• Holistic Care: Advancing women’s health in sport by integrating physical health, mental health, and performance science.
• Innovation & Research: Identifying new opportunities for medical research and technological innovation specific to female athletes.
• Education & Advocacy: Elevating awareness through storytelling and providing resources for players and performance staffs to ensure a sustainable career.
• Clinical Support: The Council will complement—not replace—the existing medical and clinical governance structures already active within the league’s 16 clubs.

Inaugural Council Members

The council consists of eight experts across medicine, psychology, and sports science, including former players:

• Dr. Cindy Chang (NWSL Chief Medical Officer): Professor Emerita at UCSF.
• Dr. Kathryn E. Ackerman: Director of the Women’s Health, Sports & Performance Institute at Harvard Medical School.
• Dr. Rachel Buehler Van Hollebeke: Former USWNT/NWSL player and current Family Physician.
• Dr. Mariah Bullock: Clinical and Sport Psychologist and former NWSL player.
• Dr. Amy Compton-Phillips: Chief Medical Officer at CVS Health (which holds a dedicated seat as the league’s Official Health and Wellness Partner).
• Jo Clubb: International sports science consultant.
• Dr. Margie Davenport: Expert in active healthy living at the University of Alberta.
• Sarah Gregorius: NWSL Vice President of Sporting.

2026 Priorities

In its first year, the Council will focus on:

1. Strengthening injury prevention initiatives.
2. Implementing key research partnerships to close the gap in female-specific sports data.
3. Developing a standardized, league-wide wellness framework.

This move signals the NWSL’s commitment to matching its rapid commercial growth with a sophisticated medical infrastructure that prioritizes long-term player welfare and performance at the highest level.