Yolanda Thomas promoted to head coach of the Pride, becoming first Black woman to hold the role
Orlando Pride appointed Yolanda Thomas as their new head coach on Thursday, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first Black woman to hold the position in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Thomas, who joined the club in 2023, served as interim coach this season following Seb Hines' departure in August. Hines made NWSL history as the first Black head coach in the league when he took over in 2022 after the Pride's 2022 championship season.
Thomas and Hines had previously worked together on Hines' staff, with Thomas acting as an assistant coach following Hines' championship-leading tenure. Pride owner Mark Wilf praised Thomas' leadership and experience, stating that she is the ideal candidate to guide the team moving forward. Despite finishing the regular season outside the playoffs with an 11-16-3 record, Thomas expressed her excitement about leading the club into the next chapter, highlighting the strong foundation and championship standard they have built together.
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