The ‘trailblazing’ black coaches leading Orlando Pride to success

October 19

Thomas was appointed to Hines’ staff last year and has vast experience of coaching across all age groups in America, as well as analysis work with US Soccer.

She is vice-chair for US Soccer’s ‘Black Coaches Community’ and leads on an initiative called ‘Moms Who Coach.’

Thomas says if you work long enough in women’s sport “you either become an activist for women or you quit” but seeing inequality in football has encouraged her passion to drive change.

Her inspiration stemmed from a run-in with former England manager Hope Powell – the first black female coach Thomas had seen while playing football.

“I was playing in the youth teams for Sweden and we played against England. Hope Powell was the coach. That was the first time I saw anyone who looked like me,” Thomas told BBC Sport.

“I had dreadlocks at the time and so did she. I thought ‘wow, she looks like me and she is doing this. I am going to do that.’

“That was the seed planted in me. I didn’t say anything to her but the ability to see someone that looked like me, in that position, inspired me.”

Thomas has never met and spoken to Powell but she remains a key influence on her life.

“I think about it often. I am very aware each time I walk into a stadium, that there are no other black women coaching. It’s not lost on me,” she added.

“I hope my visibility will create an opportunity and a sense of ‘I can do that’ too. I chose a long time ago to not view it as a burden but a privilege.

“If I fail, unfortunately it could impact those after me. That is unfortunate but it’s my reality. I just decide to take on that attitude and think ‘it’s not just for me, but for those who come after me.'”

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