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Utah Royals and NWSL take step in advancing coaches in the women’s game

By Jordan Small

ORLANDO, FL - JULY 07: Orlando Pride defender Ali Krieger (11) kicks the ball during the soccer match between the Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit on July 7, 2018 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JULY 07: Orlando Pride defender Ali Krieger (11) kicks the ball during the soccer match between the Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit on July 7, 2018 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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It was announced on Thursday that the Utah Royals, in partnership with the NWSL and U.S. Soccer, will be offering a coaching course for NWSL players.

In an effort to develop better coaches in the women’s game, the NWSL, U.S. Soccer and the Utah Royals will host a 10-week coaching program for 21 NWSL players. At the completion of the program, the 21 players will hold their U.S. Soccer C License.

The Program will begin on Sept. 30 and conclude Dec. 9. Of the 21 players completing the course, there are two international players and five current or former players from the senior U.S. team.

This is a good move by U.S. Soccer and the NWSL to help develop the women’s game. By providing an educational opportunity to current players, it will help further the game for years to come. Because the group includes women of a variety of ages and from different backgrounds, it will also help diversify the coaching ranks.

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A problem the NWSL has had since its inception is that there has been a very small coaching pool. In the six years of its existence, there have been 17 head coaches, not including interims. Especially in recent years, many coaches have just rotated around the league. Of the nine teams in the league, five of the current coaches have coached for teams other than the one that they currently coach at.

While it’s nice to have coaches that are familiar with the systems of the league, the lack of new coaches into the league has led to stagnation. If these players, especially the ones closer to retirement, continue with the program, we could see them make the jump to the NWSL ranks in the near future.

This is a great first step in expanding the coaching ranks of the women’s game, especially in the United States.

COURSE ROSTER:

Nicole Barnhart (Utah Royals)

Elizabeth Eddy (NC Courage)

Amanda Frisbie (Sky Blue FC)

Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit)

Darian Jenkins (NC Courage)

Sammy Jo Prudhomme (Houston Dash)

Haley Kopmeyer (Orlando Pride)

Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride)

Mandy Laddish (Utah Royals)

Alyssa Mautz (Chicago Red Stars)

Meg Morris (Portland Thorns)

Rebecca Moros (Utah Royals)

Heather O’Reilly (NC Courage)

Francisca Ordega (Washington Spirit)

Angela Salem (Portland Thorns)

Abby Smith (Utah Royals)

Michele Vasconcelos (Chicago Red Stars)

Mallory Weber (Portland Thorns)

Tiffany Weimer (Washington Spirit)

Rosie White (Chicago Red Stars)

Beverly (Goebel) Yanez (Seattle Reign)

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