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Yolanda Thomas becomes first Black female head coach in NWSL

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 28, 2026, 11:16 AM

Last updated Sep 28, 2026

Yolanda Thomas becomes first Black female head coach in NWSL

Summary

Yolanda Thomas is now the interim head coach of the Orlando Pride, making history as the first Black woman to hold the position in the National Women’s Soccer League. Her promotion follows the dismissal of former head coach Seb Hines on August 31, with the team struggling in 12th place. Thomas has prior head coaching experience at the collegiate and club levels, and she aims to guide the Pride through a challenging season as they remain in the playoff hunt. She emphasizes a focus on the humanity of her players during this transitional phase.

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By the Numbers

•Yolanda Thomas appointed interim head coach of Orlando Pride
•Thomas previously served as assistant coach and head coach at collegiate level
•The Pride sit in 12th place in the league standings after a difficult season
•Seb Hines was dismissed following a series of poor team performances
•Thomas prioritizes player well-being during the coaching transition

Latest Updates

11:16 AMYahoo Sports — Yolanda Thomas, the NWSL’s first Black female head coach: ‘I felt more than ready for the job’

What they're saying

"
Yolanda Thomas has been ready for this moment. As interim head coach of the Orlando Pride — the first Black woman in the history of the National Women’s Soccer League to serve in that role — Thomas’ seat on the touchline may have moved up a few spots from her old post as assistant coach, but her mindset has remained unchanged. Thomas has occupied this space before. She’s worn the badge of head coach twice, with the Rogers State University women’s soccer team and later Fortuna Tulsa in the Women’
— Yahoo Sports

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