Former Sweden and WUSA boss Pia Sundhage was announced as the new coach of the US Women's National Team on Tuesday.

Federation chief Sunil Gulati was on hand to proudly present the 47-year old as the first foreign USWNT coach to reporters.

"She brings a fresh perspective and a tremendous amount of experience to the job," he stated. "She knows the international game and has a great track record of not only winning, but getting the most out of players and teams. We feel that she is a great fit for this team moving forward."

Sundhage, who served as USWNT scout for the 2004 Women's World Cup, had made no secret of her desire to take the post after it was announced that Greg Ryan would be allowed to run out of contract.

"I am very excited and happy that I have this opportunity," she declared. "I see myself as being a part of a group that wants to be challenged."

A two-time Women's World Cup performer, she retired as a player with 71 goals in 146 Sweden caps and finished sixth in Player of the Century voting in 2000. As a manager, Sundhage was the 2003 Coach of the Year with the Boston Breakers, and more recently, served as assistant coach for China at World Cup 2007.