Super League Carolina announce Philip Poole as first head coach

By Tyler Trent

Phillip Poole (Photo courtesy of Super League Carolina)

The first-ever professional women’s soccer team to represent the Western Carolinas is set to begin play in the USL Super League's inaugural season in 2024. This morning, Super League Carolina announced Philip Poole as the head coach for the team’s first season. Currently working as an assistant coach with the US Women's National Team, Poole will officially begin as coach after the SheBelieves Cup in April 2024.

I’m thrilled to be chosen to lead this new women’s professional soccer franchise and join the USL Super League ahead of its inaugural season. I look forward to working with our ownership group to expand the women’s game and create more opportunities for exceptional women to compete and work in the game of soccer. To support our players, we’re going to bring in a top-tier technical staff, develop a robust athlete care program and create a community of passionate women’s soccer fans across the Carolinas. The climb begins today!

-Coach Philip Poole

Poole, or Pooley as known by many, grew up in Newcastle, England, playing for the Newcastle United academy before later moving to Hull City at 15 years old. As he approached 18, Poole decided to attend Charlotte’s nearby neighbor Wingate University to continue his education and his soccer career. In the Carolinas, Poole has held positions at Wingate, UNC Charlotte, Charlotte Soccer Academy, Lake Norman Soccer Club, Charlotte Eagles, Charlotte Independence, and Wake Forest.

On the national level, Poole has been a regular in the United States soccer system, currently serving as a goalkeeper coach at the U-14, U-20, and U-23 National Teams before joining former US Women’s Manager Vlatko Andonovski’s staff as goalkeeping coach.

Poole previously began his time with the United States National Team in 2012, working as a coach and scout from the U-17 level up to the senior National Team. He served as the Assistant Coach for the U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup Team in 2014 and served as a staff member overseeing the US U-23 Women's National Team from 2017 to 2019. Super League Carolina’s new manager also spent time in Puerto Rico as a goalkeeper coach for their national team.

"Pooley's work ethic, analytical mind and personality make him a great addition to our staff. He has experience and an excellent rapport with our current pool of goalkeepers and he understands the work it takes – from a coach and the players – to prepare elite goalkeepers for success."

-Former USWNT Coach Vlatko Andonovski

Poole has been a native of Charlotte for 24 years and is one of a few select coaches holding a USSF Pro License

The USL Super League is set to begin in August 2024. While Super League Carolina is currently without an official name, expect an announcement revealing the community-driven branding for the team soon.