Orlando Pride confirmed Thursday that Yolanda Thomas will serve as the club’s permanent head coach, signing a multiyear agreement after leading the team on an interim basis since August. Thomas stepped into the role after Seb Hines was dismissed earlier in the season.
Historic milestone for the league
Thomas becomes the first Black woman to hold a permanent head‑coaching position in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). While she was already the first Black woman to lead an NWSL team as an interim coach, the new contract solidifies her place in league history.
Club leadership praises the appointment
“Yolanda has earned this opportunity through her expertise, tactical acumen, preparation and impact on our players and our club,” said Pride general manager and vice president of soccer operations Caitlin Carducci in an official statement. “We are thrilled to have her continue to guide our program.”
Thomas expressed her enthusiasm, noting the personal and professional significance of the role. “I am honored to lead a club that I care so deeply about and a group of players I believe in wholeheartedly,” she said. “We have established a strong foundation and a championship standard, and I believe the potential of this club goes far beyond what we’ve already achieved.”
Extensive coaching résumé
Thomas brings more than a decade of experience across professional, national‑team, youth, and collegiate levels. In 2025 she led two U.S. women’s under‑23 national team camps and continues to serve as a scout within U.S. Soccer’s player pathway.
Before joining Orlando, Thomas held several positions with Women’s Premier Soccer League clubs Tulsa Soccer Club and Fortuna Tulsa, including sporting director, director of coaching, and head coach. Under her leadership, Fortuna Tulsa captured two conference championships and made multiple postseason runs. She was named the WPSL Red River Conference Coach of the Year in 2019, and Tulsa Soccer Club earned the league’s franchise‑of‑the‑year honors in 2019 and 2021 during her tenure.
Her collegiate coaching experience includes assistant roles at Oklahoma State and Tulsa, as well as a head‑coaching stint at Rogers State. Thomas holds a U.S. Soccer Federation A License and is working toward a Pro License.
Playing background
A native of Uppsala, Sweden, Thomas played professionally for seven years in Sweden’s top division. She also starred at Oklahoma State, where she was a two‑time Big 12 Player of the Year and three‑time All‑American.
The appointment underscores Orlando Pride’s commitment to building a competitive, inclusive program that reflects the diverse community it serves. With Thomas at the helm, the club looks to continue its push for on‑field success while fostering a culture of leadership and opportunity.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
