In the ever-evolving world of women’s soccer, the Utah Royals have made a bold move that could shape their future for years to come. After an impressive turnaround under his interim leadership, the club has named Jimmy Coenraets as their new permanent head coach, signaling a new era for the NWSL expansion side.
A Royals Revival
When Coenraets took over as interim coach on June 30, following the dismissal of Amy Rodriguez, the Royals were languishing at the bottom of the table. The team, with the youngest roster in the NWSL, had scored a meager seven goals in 15 matches under Rodriguez’s tenure.
But Coenraets’ arrival marked a turning point. In just four months, the Belgian manager orchestrated a remarkable revival, leading the Royals to a 5-3-2 record and collecting 17 points—triple the amount they had earned under Rodriguez, in six fewer games.
I am incredibly proud to take on the role of head coach for the Utah Royals. My focus is not only on winning but also on developing each player and colleague so that we can excel both as a team and as individuals, on and off the field.
— Jimmy Coenraets, Utah Royals Head Coach
Coenraets’ leadership has not only improved results on the pitch but has also transformed the team’s culture. Players have fully bought into his vision, and the club’s core values of excellence, winning, community, and attention to detail are embodied in their new coach.
A Proven Track Record
Coenraets’ success with the Royals is not his first turnaround. Prior to joining Utah, he managed OH Leuven in Belgium, where he took over a last-place team in 2020 and transformed them into title contenders.
His ability to identify and develop talent was evident in the Royals’ summer transfer window, where the club brought in experienced international players like Spanish midfielder Claudia Zornoza, Japanese midfielder Mina Tanaka, and Canadian forward Cloé Lacasse. Their impact was immediate, injecting new life into the team.
The Future Is Bright
With Coenraets at the helm, the future looks promising for the Utah Royals. His contract runs through the 2027 NWSL season, providing stability and continuity for a team on the rise.
At just 29 years old, Coenraets is the youngest head coach in the NWSL, but his age belies his experience and tactical acumen. His ability to connect with players, foster their development, and implement a winning strategy has already been proven.
We are thrilled to have Jimmy on board. Under his leadership, the players have found their form on the pitch and have completely bought into the vision that Jimmy has for this club. We are excited for him to stay long term.
— Kelly Cousins, Utah Royals Sporting Director
As the NWSL continues to grow and evolve, the Utah Royals are positioning themselves as a team to watch. With Jimmy Coenraets at the helm, they have a bright future ahead—one filled with the promise of excellence, both on and off the field.
The Royals may have missed the playoffs this season, but their second-half surge under Coenraets suggests that they could be contenders sooner rather than later. As the club continues to develop its young talent and attract top international players, fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead.
For now, the Utah Royals can celebrate the appointment of a head coach who has already proven his ability to transform a struggling team into a competitive force. With Jimmy Coenraets at the helm, the sky’s the limit for this ambitious NWSL club.
Coenraets’ leadership has not only improved results on the pitch but has also transformed the team’s culture. Players have fully bought into his vision, and the club’s core values of excellence, winning, community, and attention to detail are embodied in their new coach.
A Proven Track Record
Coenraets’ success with the Royals is not his first turnaround. Prior to joining Utah, he managed OH Leuven in Belgium, where he took over a last-place team in 2020 and transformed them into title contenders.
His ability to identify and develop talent was evident in the Royals’ summer transfer window, where the club brought in experienced international players like Spanish midfielder Claudia Zornoza, Japanese midfielder Mina Tanaka, and Canadian forward Cloé Lacasse. Their impact was immediate, injecting new life into the team.
The Future Is Bright
With Coenraets at the helm, the future looks promising for the Utah Royals. His contract runs through the 2027 NWSL season, providing stability and continuity for a team on the rise.
At just 29 years old, Coenraets is the youngest head coach in the NWSL, but his age belies his experience and tactical acumen. His ability to connect with players, foster their development, and implement a winning strategy has already been proven.
We are thrilled to have Jimmy on board. Under his leadership, the players have found their form on the pitch and have completely bought into the vision that Jimmy has for this club. We are excited for him to stay long term.
— Kelly Cousins, Utah Royals Sporting Director
As the NWSL continues to grow and evolve, the Utah Royals are positioning themselves as a team to watch. With Jimmy Coenraets at the helm, they have a bright future ahead—one filled with the promise of excellence, both on and off the field.
The Royals may have missed the playoffs this season, but their second-half surge under Coenraets suggests that they could be contenders sooner rather than later. As the club continues to develop its young talent and attract top international players, fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead.
For now, the Utah Royals can celebrate the appointment of a head coach who has already proven his ability to transform a struggling team into a competitive force. With Jimmy Coenraets at the helm, the sky’s the limit for this ambitious NWSL club.
