ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2026) – The Orlando Pride today announced the appointment of Yolanda Thomas as head coach, signing her to a multi-year agreement to become the fifth permanent head coach in club history.
Since first joining the Pride as an assistant coach ahead of the 2023 season, Thomas has played an integral role in one of the most successful periods in club history, helping guide Orlando to an NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship, delivering the first major professional sports championship in Orlando history. Thomas’ coaching impact also extends to the U.S. Soccer player pathway, where she led two U.S. Women’s Under-23 National Team camps in 2025 and continues to identify emerging talent as a scout. Thomas has served as the Pride’s interim head coach since August. At that time, she became the first Black female head coach in National Women’s Soccer League history and now becomes the first Black woman to be appointed to the position on a permanent basis.
“We are committed to providing our players, staff and supporters with a championship-caliber organization, and selecting our next head coach was one of the most important decisions for the future of the Orlando Pride,” said Mark Wilf, Orlando Pride Owner & Chairman. “Throughout this process, it was clear that Yolanda’s leadership, experience and character made her the strongest individual to lead our club moving forward. She has already played an important role in the success this organization has achieved, and we are excited to see her lead the next chapter of the Pride.”…