Debbie McDonald is stepping down as USET coach. Who will be next?

It occurred to me that if Debbie felt that she was “constrained” regarding actual coaching of team members, then whoever follows her may also have the same constraints. So it should probably be an individual who is very good at organizing and logistics and very detail oriented about those aspects of high performance competition, but maybe doesn’t have or need to have “top” riding or training experience - esp. if the SOP these days is for team members to work mainly with their own coaches, even at international competitions.

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Temporary fix and next steps, from Euro Dressage article.
As USEF Dressage High Performance Pathway Advisor, George Williams will serve as the U.S. Dressage Team Chef d’Equipe in Santiago. US Equestrian will announce the details of the search for a long-term technical advisor and chef d’equipe in early August following feedback from key stakeholders and high-performance athletes.

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Ha, George Williams is one person I thought of that could fill in at least on a temporary basis. He has name recognition and “street cred” and experience in a leadership role with USEF.

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Maybe he could take that role and someone else his current role. And it could be someone from another country…Klaus Balkenhol was our Chef D’Equipe for 8 yrs, back in the early 2000’s.

I don’t know that GW would want the role permanently. I believe he really enjoys his time bringing the young riders up into international competition.

Well, Snow_Mass nailed it. It seems they have left open Debbie’s position, not clear if that’s permanent or temporary. But C. Traurig certainly has the background.

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Yep, Snow_Mass nailed it for sure.

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