Former Canadian goalkeeper Labbe named Whitecaps GM of women's soccer

The Vancouver Whitecaps have hired former Canadian national women's team goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe as general manager of the club's women's program.

The team made the announcement Thursday, saying in a release that Labbe will "oversee and transform" the program.

The role will include evaluating the development of a women's domestic league, including a professional team in Vancouver.

The native of Stony Plain, Alta., made 86 appearances for the national squad, including 81 starts, and earned 44 clean sheets.

Labbe was a crucial piece in Canada's gold-medal win over Sweden at the Tokyo Olympics, and helped the country to bronze at the 2016 games in Rio.

“Being able to have an impact on the next generation of players through my experience, understanding and passion for the game excites me beyond words." - <a href="https://twitter.com/stephlabbe1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stephlabbe1</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VWFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VWFC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SaritaReports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@saritareports</a> <a href="https://t.co/W47eO6BMyN">pic.twitter.com/W47eO6BMyN</a>