Amanda Duffy Alumni Profile
HHP alumna Amanda Duffy is two-time ECU grad was inducted into ECU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012 and was named a “40 under Forty” Leadership Award winner in 2020 by ECU Student Affairs.
Amanda earned her BS in exercise and sport science in 2003. During her tenure at ECU, Amanda lettered as a member of the women’s soccer team and remains an all-time leader in career and single-season goals, and career points. Amanda also competed in the W-League for three seasons and won a league championship in 2003.
Amanda joined the ECU women’s soccer coaching staff as a graduate assistant coach and received her master’s in sport management in 2005.
She continued her career as a player with the Swedish 1st Division in 2006 and then joined the United Soccer Leagues (USL) in Tampa, Florida in 2007.
Amanda rose through the ranks of the USL, where she spent more than seven years at the league headquarters and worked in a number of roles – including strategic planning, league management, and league operations. Amanda served as director of operations for USL PRO from 2007-2010 before she transitioned to become the senior director for the W-League, a position she held through 2014.
In October 2014, Amanda became the vice president of operations of the USL’s Louisville City FC, in Louisville, Kentucky. That December, Amanda was promoted to general manager of the club. And in December 2015, Amanda was named president of Louisville City FC, the first and only female president in the league.
In January of 2017, Amanda joined the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), as the managing director and was named president of NWSL in January 2019. She led the execution of the league’s strategic vision, growth initiatives and day-to-day operations, playing an instrumental role in the success of NWSL’s evolution as the longest-standing professional women’s soccer league in the United States.
Under Amanda’s leadership, the league experienced continued growth with teams, game attendance, partnerships, digital engagement and player relations. In her year as President, Duffy capitalized on the success of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and brought the NWSL to the ESPN family of networks, introduced Louisville City FC as a 2021 expansion club and helped secure a marquee, long-term league partnership with Budweiser, the first official beer partner of the NWSL. She also helped procure an extension with the league’s founding partner, Nike, through the 2022 season.
Today, Amanda is the executive vice president of the Orlando Pride of Orlando City Soccer Club. In this role, she leads all operations – business and soccer – related to the Orlando Pride.
When asked about her experience at ECU and in HHP, Amanda tells us, “I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend East Carolina University as a student-athlete. My time in Greenville represents a period of immense growth, as a person, as an athlete, as a student, and as a leader. In total, I spent seven years learning and growing at ECU, and they are years I cherish and reflect on fondly.
“I’ve been fortunate to build a career that’s allowed me to become a transformational leader and an inspirational manager, and during this time, I’ve been able to demonstrate the same core values, passion, and standards that make ECU distinct and extraordinary. I deeply value the rich history and traditions, the learnings, and the guidance the university has provided me, and I credit my experiences at ECU for positioning me for the success I’ve achieved.”
Amanda’s advice for students? “My most rewarding accomplishments have come after perceived setbacks and through unexpected opportunities. What I’ve learned during my journey is that fulfilling unrealized potential is a wonderful thing, and what’s guided me through my experiences has been a strong moral compass, a passionate desire to be a part of the growth of soccer, clarity around what feels right under most circumstances, and a tremendous support system that includes family, friends, and mentors. Everyone carries their own respective aspirations, potential, and the ability to make an impact. Find your guiding principles and values that keep you moving towards achievement of your goals and desired outcomes, and regardless of everything, figure out how to enjoy your journey.”