January 10, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release
HARRISON, NJ – With a continued commitment to elevating the player experience and a continued focus on strategic roster building, NJ/NY Gotham FC today announced the expansion of the club’s soccer operations management team. Gotham FC updated the title for Saara Hassoun from Chief of Sporting Operations to a larger, more-encompassing designation as Chief of Staff. The club also welcomes Zayne M. Thomajan as Chief Soccer Officer, stepping into the roster-building role formerly held by Nathán Goldberg Crenier, who is campaigning on the ballot for U.S. Soccer Federation Vice President.
Hassoun and Thomajan will report directly to Gotham FC General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch West. Thomajan will join Gotham FC in her official capacity at the club’s NWSL Draft table on Jan. 12 in Anaheim, California.
“By expanding our management team, we are able to provide an elevated experience not only for our players, but for our technical staff as well,” said Averbuch West. “We are incredibly excited to have Saara and Zayne as we continue to grow Gotham FC as a premier club.”
Hassoun joined Gotham FC in June 2023 as Chief of Sporting Operations and was a part of the 2023 NWSL Championship run. As a reflection of her increased responsibilities over the course of last season, Hassoun’s title shift to Chief of Staff now encompasses her leadership of all soccer operations department heads, management of staff and player well-being, and direction of daily business operations on the sporting side of the club.
“I am incredibly excited to continue building on the success of last season, which was so crucial in creating a foundation for the club to build on for the future,” said Hassoun. “We are excited for what lies ahead, and we look forward to establishing Gotham FC as a top destination for players and staff.”
Before joining Gotham FC, Hassoun co-founded HT Sports Consulting, a consulting firm with a mission to elevate athletes’ well-being through data-driven insights, and athlete-first methodologies. At HT Sports Consulting, Hassoun had the unique opportunity to combine her passion for women’s sports with her deep understanding of project management. Hassoun also worked as a management consultant, where she grew her expertise in project management and organizational strategy.
Prior to Hassoun’s professional career, the Austin, Texas native earned a master’s degree…