We would like to thank Jennifer Tepper Mackesy ’91, D. Scott Mackesy ’91, and John Goodenough “Goody” Tyler II for their generosity during this successful final day. all in Campaign, W&M Athletics, and Campus Recreation are making significant upgrades to campus facilities. The new 1987 Women's Soccer Team Training Center will feature an entirely new turf field, named Jill Ellis Field, with a new scoreboard and lighting, allowing for night practices and games.
“Due to the incredible generosity of Jen, Scott, and Goody, W&M Athletics was able to properly recognize Jill Ellis, one of our most notable alumni and one of the greatest football teams of all time. “This is a great opportunity to recognize Jill's support over the years,” said Director of Athletics Brian D. Mann. “The impact of this gift across the university is particularly noteworthy, as the improved facilities will benefit the university’s soccer and lacrosse teams, as well as intramural and club sports.”
Jill Ellis Field will be dedicated on April 20 in memory of legendary Tribe soccer player Jill Ellis ’88, LHD ’16, who had a distinguished career as a head coach at the Division I level and as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. The team that won back-to-back FIFA World Cups in 2015 and 2019. She currently serves as team president of San Diego Wave FC. Already a member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame, Gilles will be inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame over the weekend of April 19-20.
“I am so grateful and humbled by this wonderful gesture,” Ellis said. “I never dreamed I would see my name on the field at William & Mary, and knowing that college and club athletes are having fun there brings me immense joy. Truly, my family and I I can't think of a more meaningful honor. I'm so excited to have my teammate and great friend recognized at the same time. Thank you to the entire W&M community.”
Jen McKessie was a freshman on the 1987 team, which Ellis was captain. “While Jill is one of the most influential and decorated figures in the history of U.S. women's soccer, I don't think her most notable accomplishments are the wins or the honors. Rather, it's the recognition of future generations of women. “It’s going to have an impact on players and coaches,” she said.
Tribe Athletics will also honor one of the most successful women's soccer teams in its history with the establishment of the Women's Soccer Team Training Center in 1987. It was in the NCAA Tournament that W&M made its mark on the football world, as the 1987 team made it to the Elite Eight and finished in the top five in the nation. “As I look back on my time at William & Mary, I realize how special our ’87 team was with great leadership from our senior class. My teammates have had great careers,” Mackesy said.
Members of the 1987 team also included current W&M head soccer coach Julie Shackford ’88. Kathy Carter '91, senior advisor for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Megan McCarthy won the 1988 National Player of the Year award. Pictured below is his '87 team after defeating the University of North Carolina in the WAGS tournament.
As co-owner of New Jersey/New York Gotham FC and part of the ownership group of Chelsea FC, Mackesy knows how important great facilities are when it comes to helping athletes reach their peak. “The 87 Women's Soccer Team Training Center will provide Tribal student-athletes with a great opportunity to practice and play in a first-class facility that will help them compete at the highest level.”
“We are also pleased that William & Mary students participating in rec sports will have the opportunity to utilize the training center,” she said. “We hope those students will become fans and supporters of the national team and cheer them on at games. That is very important to the entire university community.”
Along with his late wife, Helen “Bee” Elizabeth McLeod ’83, MBA ’91, Goody Tyler has long supported W&M’s wellness efforts. “I would like to thank Linda Knight (Executive Director of Health and Wellness) for sharing her vision for campus recreation with me, and for creating new opportunities for all William & Mary students to be active. We are excited to be working with Mackesys on “Experience Recreational Sports,'' said Tyler.
Details are being finalized for the dedication of Jill Ellis Field and the 1987 Women's Soccer Team Training Center, with benches honoring '87 team member Kathleen McCarthy in a ceremony that is very close to the heart of the '87 team. A dedication ceremony is scheduled to be held. , she is the sister of the recently deceased Megan McCarthy.
Athletics Director Mann and Health and Wellness Director Knight are asking area residents to mark their calendars for April 20th. “Please join us for a wonderful celebration as we officially unveil our wonderful new facility. We thank our generous donors and salute our people.” I admit it. ”
W&M Athletics Staff
