Casey Stoney was named the first coach of San Diego NWSL in Summer 2021 ahead of the team’s inaugural season in 2022 as the 12th club in National Women’s Soccer League history. She joined San Diego after serving as the head coach of Manchester United Women’s Football Club for four seasons (2018-2021) and producing a standout career on the field as an England International for more than 15 years.
"I am extremely excited and motivated to lead San Diego NWSL on the field. Jill Ellis and this ownership group are deeply committed to building a world-class club both on and off the field and I look forward to being a part of creating our culture and style of play as a team."
As the former Head Coach of Manchester United Women, Stoney guided the team to the FA Women’s Championship title in her debut season in 2018-19 and two consecutive fourth-place finishes in The FA Women’s Super League during their first two seasons in the top flight division. Overall, she recorded 52 wins in 77 competitive matches during her time with the club.
As a player, Stoney’s career spanned nearly 20 years and included professional spells at Chelsea, Arsenal, Charlton, Lincoln and Liverpool. During that time, she helped her teams capture FA Cup victories four times. Stoney also notched 130 caps for England - including during three FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments - and captained Team GB at the London Olympics in 2012, wrapping up her National Team career in 2017 as one of England’s most decorated and accomplished players. In 2015 she was awarded an MBE for her services to football.
After retiring from playing, Casey enjoyed a spell as Phil Neville’s Assistant with England before being appointed by Manchester United to relaunch their Women’s team in 2018. With merely six weeks to recruit playing and coaching staff, Casey assembled a balanced group of young talent, experienced players and support staff to give the club the best possible platform to progress, eventually winning the league and earning promotion in the club’s first year.
Despite her success on the field and the touchline, Stoney has overcome various obstacles throughout her career on and off the field. Growing up, it was rare for youth teams to accept female players and, at the age of 11, Stoney was banned from her youth side from being a girl. After making it to the professional ranks and serving as her country’s captain, Stoney was a part of the Charlton Ladies club that was forced to fold in 2007 when the men’s side was relegated, unceremoniously ending her time at the club after leading them to championships during her spell there.
Stoney is mother to three children - her biggest priority - with her partner, Megan, who is the source of inspiration for everything she does. The San Diego Head Coach is determined that her children grow up in a world where they are offered equal opportunities and she is deeply committed to making an impact to this cause. As it is vital to her that future generations have visible role models, she also takes great pride in grassroots ambassadorial roles, public speaking engagements, TV appearances and writing books aimed at inspiring the next generation of youth and soccer players to dream big.