Ange Postecoglou isn’t the only Tottenham Hotspur manager who lost their top assistant to another program. Today, the club and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) announced that Robert Villahamn’s top assistant at Spurs Women, Vicky Jepson, is leaving the club to become the new head coach of the U-20 United States Women’s National Team.
While the club’s release doesn’t mention Jepson’s new job, the USSF posted a press release announcing the hiring of Jepson on the federation website.
Jepson has served as a top assistant under both Vilahamn and Rehanne Skinner, and was also interim head coach after Spurs sacked Skinner a few years ago. She was also head coach of Liverpool from 2018-21. Jepson will now take over one of the primary youth national teams that will eventually feed into the full USWNT under head coach Emma Hayes. Hayes, who led Chelsea to numerous WSL titles and is considered one of the best English coaches in the women’s game, is also a massive Tottenham Hotspur fan.
Jepson said she was pleased to be joining the USA U-20s, but admitted it was difficult to leave Tottenham Women.
“I’m truly honored and excited to start my next chapter with the U.S. Soccer Federation. I’m well aware of the great work that has been done in the past, that is being done currently under Emma and Tracey, and I know there are some ambitious plans for the future. I’m passionate about developing this next generation and I look forward to providing them with challenging and valuable experiences to help them grow as people and players. There is such a rich pool of talent in the USA and I’m so proud to be part of the players’ journey to senior international football.
“It’s hard leaving Tottenham Hotspur after four memorable years at the club, but I’m moving on to work for the most progressive organization in the world for women’s football. Working alongside the incredible leadership of Tracey, (U.S. Soccer Sporting Director) Matt Crocker and of course a serial winner in Emma Hayes is an amazing opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.”
It’s a great opportunity for Jepson, who will have an important role in helping develop the next generation of USA women’s soccer talent. Jepson takes charge just in time to lead Team USA in the 2025 U-20 World Championship this summer in Costa Rica. She’s also arguably joining a much better supported organization in the USSF; while interest in women’s soccer is increasing and the WSL is becoming bigger and better stocked with talent, there’s still a long way to go to make the league more competitive top to bottom.
Good luck, Vicky!