The Black Coaches Leading Orlando Pride to Success

Seb Hines has made history as the first black manager to win a trophy in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) with Orlando Pride. Under his leadership, the team secured the NWSL Shield two weeks ago, claiming their first silverware with a 2-0 victory over Washington Spirit, thanks to a penalty by Marta.

At just 36 years old, Hines, who was born in Leeds, England, enjoyed a decade-long playing career at Middlesbrough in the Championship before relocating to Orlando after retiring from professional football. Transitioning into coaching, he began with volunteer roles before taking charge of Orlando Pride following an independent investigation that revealed systemic abuse and misconduct across NWSL clubs, including the Pride.

Since assuming the role in 2022, Hines has worked to reshape the club's culture. Alongside assistant coaches Giles Barnes and Yolanda Thomas, he is becoming a beacon of inspiration for black coaches in the United States. Hines reflected on his groundbreaking role: “I was the first black coach in history to take over in the NWSL. The league has been going for over 10 years, so to be the first shows it has moved forward, but it also makes you wonder why other black coaches weren’t getting opportunities before.”

He recognizes the weight of his position as a trailblazer. “Being a trailblazer comes with a big responsibility because I want to advocate for more black coaches and diversity within the sport,” Hines stated. “It’s a responsibility to fight for more equality globally. It’s less about winning and more about breaking those barriers. I want to continue to give hope to others.”

Orlando Pride's impressive performance this season has positioned them as the top seed heading into the playoffs, with a critical match against Gotham FC set for Sunday. Hines hopes to extend the team's unbeaten run for the year.

Having played under notable managers such as Steve McClaren and Gareth Southgate at Middlesbrough, Hines is eager to carve his path as a coach and create opportunities for others, not just in the U.S. but globally. “We’re one of the few NWSL clubs that have black coaches in their environment,” he noted. “I’m so grateful to have [my assistant coaches] Giles Barnes and Yolanda Thomas alongside me to help grow the sport and get more opportunities for others.”

Hines took over the team with a mission to give back to the community, aiming to restore hope after a challenging period for the club. “There has been so much disappointment, so to get some silverware is massive for the city,” he said, while also emphasizing his commitment to promoting diversity and representation within coaching.

Yolanda Thomas: Championing Change in Women’s Sports

Yolanda Thomas joined Hines' coaching staff last year and brings a wealth of experience, having coached across all age groups in America and worked with US Soccer. She serves as vice-chair for the 'Black Coaches Community' and leads an initiative called 'Moms Who Coach.'

Thomas is passionate about driving change in women’s sports, stating that working in this field often turns individuals into activists due to the inequalities present. Her inspiration stems from a significant encounter with Hope Powell, the first black female coach she encountered during her youth football days in Sweden.

“I was playing in the youth teams for Sweden, and we played against England. Hope Powell was the coach. That was the first time I saw anyone who looked like me,” Thomas recalled. This experience planted the seed of ambition in her: “I thought, ‘wow, she looks like me, and she is doing this. I am going to do that.’”

Although Thomas has never met Powell, the former England manager remains a pivotal influence on her life and career. “I think about it often. I am very aware each time I walk into a stadium that there are no other black women coaching. It’s not lost on me,” she explained.

Thomas hopes that her visibility as a black woman in coaching will inspire others: “I hope my visibility will create an opportunity and a sense of 'I can do that' too. I chose a long time ago to not view it as a burden but a privilege. If I fail, unfortunately, it could impact those after me. That is unfortunate, but it’s my reality. I just decide to take on that attitude and think it’s not just for me, but for those who come after me.”

As Hines and Thomas lead the charge for greater representation in coaching, their commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment in sports continues to inspire young athletes and aspiring coaches alike.