Ben Olsen, the former D.C. United player and coach who helped steer the Washington Spirit through turbulent times and to the National Women’s Soccer League championship last season, is stepping down as the club’s president, three people familiar with the situation said Saturday.
Less than one year removed from coaching United, Olsen was appointed to the Spirit post in September. At the time, the team was ensnarled in turmoil, which included a coaching change, accusations of unprofessional behavior by team executives, a league investigation and an ownership feud.
Olsen was also the Spirit’s de facto general manager, working closely with Coach Kris Ward in re-signing players, overseeing the draft and retaining most of the roster this past offseason.