Portland Thorns FC have found their next head coach. Rhian Wilkinson will lead the Thorns in their 2022 NWSL campaign and brings invaluable leadership and experience, both on and off the field, to a locker room with equally impressive talent and high expectations.
Wilkinson, 39, replaces former head coach Mark Parsons after Parsons accepted the same role with the Netherlands Women’s National Team.
“The hiring of Rhian is a testament to the work and dedication the players, staff and organization put into this coaching search,” said Thorns FC general manager Karina LeBlanc. “Culture is at the core of this team’s success, and Rhian is a culture-first coach, who I believe can navigate and lead us where we want to go.
A former Canadian National Team and Thorns player (briefly), Wilkinson began her coaching career in 2014 with Canada youth national team system.
In 2019, she became head coach of the U-17 and U-20 and would later become an assistant coach with the senior team. In 2020, she joined the Team Great Britain coaching staff at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“Since leaving the field, Rhian has quickly accrued valuable coaching experience and knowledge at the international level, helping her stand out in a deep and competitive candidate pool. She knows how to challenge players in an inspiring, motivating and honest way and she will bring integrity to the role, while being a player-first person and coach” said LeBlanc.
“I know that I am inheriting a successful, winning culture on and off the field, and I have immense respect for what everybody at the club has built,” said Wilkinson. “This team has a strong foundation with not only top players but great people. For me, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to join this club and organization, and I am looking forward to getting to know Portland again.”
Source: Thorns FC Communications
