UCLA women's soccer coach Jillian Ellis has been named as an assistant coach for the U.S. Women's National team.
Ellis, who had been coaching the under-20 national team, had interviewed for the head coaching job this fall, before Pia Sundhage was hired.
She will remain as the head coach at UCLA and said she will not miss any of the Bruins season.
``I'm really fired up about it. I think it's a fantastic opportunity,'' Ellis said. ``I'm really excited to work with her and be in an environment where I can continue to learn. ''
Ellis said that Sundhage originally offered her a position when they met to discuss some of the younger players Ellis had coached on the Under-20 team, that Sundhage was considering for the national team.
The two have crossed paths over the years, but didn't know each other well recently.
Ellis will begin her new position on February 1 and stay through at least the 2008 Olympics, provided the U.S. qualifies in April. Tony DiCicco, who coached the U.S. National Team from 1994-99, will replace her as coach of the Under-20 team.