Former US Women’s Soccer Coach and acclaimed President of San Diego Wave FC Jillian Ellis has joined the documentary feature film SheChange production team as Executive Producer.
Ellis is the winningest head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team and led the team to 2015 and 2019 FIFA World Cup Championships. The U.S. Women’s National Team won two Summer Olympic Gold Medals in 2008 and 2012 with Ellis serving as an assistant coach.
She joins famed sports agent, former pro snowboarder, and current Wasserman Executive Vice President Circe Wallace, who is also serving as Executive Producer. SheChange is an intimate journey with four of the best female big-wave surfers in the world as they fight for equal access and equal pay in one of the most dangerous sports on earth. Their surprising, history-making victory is only the beginning of what becomes their ultimate mission: equity for women in the world of professional sports and beyond.
SheChange follows the journey of four trailblazing athletes who broke the glass ceiling of this machismo sport and laid the foundation for gender equity in all halls of power for generations to come. Beyond the perilous surf story of women riding mountains, this is an emotional journey about the fight for equality, and the right to dream big and compete on the world stage.
It is a story about friendship, resilience, and the power of women coming together into a self-described orca pod of #badassbigwavebitches. Our cast includes three-time big wave world champion Paige Alms; two-time Puerto Escondido Cup winner Bianca Valenti; world record-holding SUP, outrigger, and big wave surf pioneer Andrea Möller; and the original big wave warrior, former WCT star, and big wave world champion Keala Kennelly.
REELated:
Notes Ellis, “A big wave doesn’t exclude anyone; a big wave simply asks, ‘Are you good enough? Are you crazy enough?’ Kudos to these four badass women for answering the call and risking everything to forever change their sport. I have seen firsthand the power of women standing up together to fight for equality in the professional sports landscape. From the court to the stadium, and now the ocean, change is being driven by bold women saying “enough.” SheChangeis a jaw-dropping inspiration and a must-see for EVERYONE.”
Ellis currently serves as the President of San Diego Wave Fútbol Club. Wave FC was the first expansion team in NWSL history to make the playoffs and set regular-season and playoff attendance records of 32,000+. Ellis is a FIFA Legend and a member of the United States National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Additional Executive Producers include Academy Award-winning filmmaker and photographer Louie Psihoyos, WaveMaker Media CEO Adriana Cargill, and Earth Species Project CEO Katie Zacarian. The film is produced by Sound Off Films and its CEO/Owner Adrienne Hall, with famed surfing photographer and filmmaker Sachi Cunningham slated to direct.
Adds Wallace, “I have worked in the surf industry long enough to know the challenges women face in the space. SheChange is about shining light on the ongoing inequities and a demand for respect that shouldn’t have to be demanded. Whether charging hard in the water or on the other side of the camera with Director Sachi Cunningham, I’m delighted to work with this team in telling these women’s incredible stories.”
Circe Wallace is a former pro snowboarder, pioneering action sports agent, entrepreneur, film and TV producer, mother, and ceiling smasher. She started off her career in action sports as a pro snowboarder sponsored by Ride Snowboards in the 90’s. She segued from slopes to sports agent to the stars, serving as an athlete manager and partner for over 20 years. The career shift coincides with her role as EVP at Wasserman, a global advertising agency serving among the world’s best sports talent, artists, brands and properties.
Click HERE to learn more about the film.
