Garth Lagerwey, the president and CEO of Atlanta United, has stepped down following a cancer diagnosis, the club announced on Thursday. At only 35, Lagerwey has taken an "indefinite leave" for treatment, with no specified timeline for his return.
While the club has not disclosed the specific type of cancer, they assured fans that Lagerwey’s prognosis is "encouraging." Atlanta United owner and chairman Arthur Blank spoke highly of Lagerwey’s strength and commitment, pledging full support for him and his family during this challenging time. He emphasized the confidence in the team’s leadership to handle the transition smoothly.
In a statement, Lagerwey expressed gratitude for Blank’s support and acknowledged the necessity of his decision to prioritize his health. He stated, "I made the difficult decision to step back from Atlanta United and tackle my cancer treatment head-on."
Lagerwey began his career in sports management in 2007 with Real Salt Lake, becoming the youngest GM in MLS history at that time. He joined Atlanta United as president and CEO in 2022 after a successful eight-year tenure with the Seattle Sounders.
During Lagerwey’s absence, daily operations will be managed by three senior leaders from Atlanta United – Chris Henderson, Skatenovtsinger from the Chief Business Office, and Dimitrios Efstathiou, Senior Vice President of Strategy. Lagerwey will continue to receive updates from these leaders.
He expressed confidence in their capabilities, stating, "Chris, Skate, and Dimitrios are experienced and talented leaders, and I am completely confident in their ability to guide the club during this period. I look forward to seeing the fans again at Mercedes-Benz Stadium."
Fan Take: This news matters to soccer fans as it highlights the human side of sports leadership, reminding us of the challenges athletes and executives face off the field. It also raises questions about the club’s future direction and how they will adapt in Lagerwey’s absence, which could have significant implications for Atlanta United’s performance and stability in the league.
