Seb Hines has made history as the first Black head coach in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The Orlando Pride recently rewarded Hines with a new contract, extending his leadership role through the 2026 season, with an option for 2027. This milestone comes on the heels of Hines guiding the Pride to unprecedented success in the league.
Record-Breaking Unbeaten Streak Propels Pride to Top of NWSL
Under Hines’ leadership, the Orlando Pride have achieved their longest unbeaten streak ever. The team currently sits in first place with an impressive 11-0-5 record. Notably, Hines led the club to a league-record eight consecutive wins.
The Pride’s remarkable performance culminated in a 2-1 victory over Kansas City, solidifying their position as the team with the longest unbeaten streak in NWSL history. This achievement underscores Hines’ impact on the team’s success.
From Interim to Permanent: Hines’ Journey to Head Coach
Hines’ path to becoming the Pride’s head coach began at the end of the 2022 NWSL season. Initially taking on the role of interim head coach, he guided the club to a seven-game unbeaten streak.
Impressed by his performance, the Orlando Pride removed the interim title ahead of the 2023 season. This decision marked a significant milestone, as Hines became the fourth head coach in club history and the first Black head coach in the NWSL.
A Decade of Dedication: Hines’ Long-Standing Commitment to Orlando
Hines’ connection to Orlando runs deep. He’s now in his 10th season with the organization, having spent three years as a player for Orlando City SC in Major League Soccer (MLS). Following his playing career, Hines transitioned to coaching, serving in various roles on the Pride’s staff for seven years.
This long-standing commitment to the club has undoubtedly contributed to Hines’ success as head coach. His familiarity with the organization and the city has helped foster a strong team culture.
Building a Legacy: Hines’ Vision for the Orlando Pride
Upon signing his new contract, Hines expressed his gratitude and outlined his ambitious goals for the team. He stated, “I’m proud of what we have accomplished to this point, but our work isn’t done yet. At the end of the day, we want to win something. We want to build a legacy here.”
Hines emphasized the importance of giving back to the community and creating an exciting atmosphere for fans. His vision extends beyond on-field success, aiming to establish the Pride as a cornerstone of Orlando’s sporting landscape.
Leadership and Teamwork: The Keys to Hines’ Coaching Success
Orlando Pride VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager, Haley Carter, praised Hines for his leadership qualities. Carter highlighted Hines’ ability to foster teamwork and collaboration, stating, “Seb has helped build one of the hardest working and most cohesive locker rooms I’ve seen in my career.”
This emphasis on unity and hard work has clearly paid dividends on the field. The Pride’s record-breaking performance is a testament to Hines’ coaching philosophy and his ability to bring out the best in his players.
