Penn State alumna and award-winning businesswoman and marketer Lisa Baird was named the new commissioner of the NWSL Thursday.

Baird, who graduated from Penn State in 1994, served as the marketing chief at the U.S. Olympic Committee for nine years before her most recent year-long stint with New York Public Radio. She’s no stranger to leadership in the pro sports world, having also served as the NFL’s senior vice president of marketing and consumer products.

Many prominent women’s soccer players who won the 2019 World Cup with the U.S. national team play in the NWSL, including Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe. The league consists of nine teams and could be expanding as soon as 2021.

Baird is slated to begin the position on March 10, according to nwslsoccer.com. Her work will primarily be in media and league operations, according to the site.

About the Author

Andy Mollenauer

Andy is a writer for Onward State, a senior majoring in journalism, and a die-hard Wisconsin pro sports fan despite being from our nation's capital. His taste in music is absolute garbage, ranging from Bon Jovi to Slipknot to Avril Lavigne. If you want to talk sports or share memes and cute photos of French bulldogs, email him at [email protected].

Penn State Football Wide Receiver Koby Howard Ruled Out For Washington Game

Saturday marks the sixth consecutive game Howard will have missed.

Previewing The Enemy: Washington Huskies

Penn State is set to make its lone West Coast trip of the season.

Staff Predictions: Penn State vs. Washington

Woof.