Bev Yanez Becomes First Former Player To Win NWSL Coach Of The Year Award
Bev Yanez, head coach of Racing Louisville FC, has made history by becoming the first former player to win the NWSL Coach of the Year award in 2025, following a remarkable season that culminated in the club's first playoff berth. Under her leadership, Racing achieved a record of 10 wins and 37 league points while finishing seventh, marking a significant milestone in the franchise's history. Yanez's journey from player to coach was previously highlighted by her experience with Seattle Reign FC and as an assistant coach at Gotham FC. Her success underscores a notable shift in the league, as she is also the first American female coach to reach the postseason since 2013. Looking ahead, Yanez's achievement may inspire further opportunities for former players in coaching roles within the league.
Dive Deeper:
Bev Yanez coached Racing Louisville FC to a seventh-place finish in the league, their highest rank, which enabled them to qualify for the playoffs for the first time.
The team's season record was 10 wins, 7 draws, and 9 losses, with significant victories including a 2-0 home win against the reigning champions, Orlando Pride.
Yanez's coaching career began after her playing days at Seattle Reign FC, where she was mentored by renowned coach Laura Harvey, and she served as an assistant coach with Gotham FC before taking the helm at Racing.
Yanez's milestone of reaching the NWSL playoffs both as a player and as a coach is unprecedented in the league's history.
The NWSL End of the Year Awards included a voting process where Yanez won the final round with a weighted scale involving players, owners, general managers, coaches, media, and fans.
In her first season as head coach, Yanez recorded a historic 5-1 victory against the Utah Royals FC, which was the highest score in Racing's club history.
The other finalists for the Coach of the Year award were Adrián González from the Washington Spirit and Vlatko Andonovski from Kansas City Current, both notable figures in the league.