Seb Hines Is Keeping Orlando Pride Together

Teams in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) are nearing the end of the season, and so is the Orlando Pride. Seb Hines remains the Orlando Pride’s head coach — and for good reason. He has been essential to the team’s success in recent years. From securing Orlando’s first major silverware to navigating injuries and transfers, Hines has become part of the team’s history and identity. Here’s what to know about Hines’ beginnings and how he is managing the Pride this year.

Seb Hines: From Player to Coach

Seb Hines began his soccer career as a player as he made his way through Middlesbrough’s youth ranks. He joined the senior team and went on loan to clubs such as Coventry City. In 2015, Hines moved to Major League Soccer, joining Orlando City SC. It was there that he ended his career.

After retiring, Hines began his coaching career with Orlando City’s youth team. He then joined Orlando Pride as an assistant in 2020. In June 2022, he became the team’s interim head coach. It was the beginning of many moments where Hines made history. Back then, his appointment made him the first Black head coach in the NWSL. He became the permanent head coach in November 2022.

It didn’t take long for Hines to find success with Orlando. He transformed the team completely and found success. In 2024, Orlando managed to win both the NWSL Shield and the league’s Championship. The two titles earned him the 2024 NWSL Coach of the Year award. This honor also made Hines the first head coach in Orlando’s history to win this title.

When Orlando Pride won the NWSL Championship, Hines talked about how he wants to help more Black coaches. “I want to be that role model for other people to get the opportunity that I got. I’ve fulfilled a lot of joy in this opportunity, and so I just want to continue to be an advocate for more Black coaches and [to] create a more diverse league within the NWSL,” he said, according to Andscape.

Seb Hines’ coaching style

One reason for Hines’ success with the Pride is his coaching style. Hines is known for not being too strict and allowing his players some flexibility. He focuses on a strong defensive line and clean transitions throughout the field. On the other hand, he trusts his attackers to be creative. Hines also makes sure to rotate his players, especially when playing in different competitions. Being able to play without your key players is a clear indicator of his talent.

Orlando Pride’s 2025 season

While Seb Hines’ work with Orlando Pride in 2024 was more than excellent, things this year aren’t on the same level. Currently, the team has nine wins, five draws and eight losses. With these numbers, they are fifth in the league with 32 points. This performance can be attributed to several factors including injuries. Barbra Banda’s injury shook the team. After all, she’s their top scorer. Because of it, she had to miss the rest of the season. Her injury can even be described as devastating.

Of course, Seb Hines had to think of solutions to the team’s problems. One of the ways he tried to do this was by making new signings. The most significant signing that Orlando did this season is that of Lizbeth Ovalle, signed from Tigres UANL for a record $1.5 million, according to Reuters. In four matches, Ovalle managed to score one goal and register one assist. Along with strengthening their attacking line, Orlando also signed defender Oihane Hernández. In addition to bringing in new players, the club also made sure to keep its stars. Last August, they extended their goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse’s contract until 2027.

Orlando isn’t having a season as strong as last year’s. Unfortunately, this has been reflected in several competitions. They recently lost to Club América Femenil in the Concacaf W Champions Cup. This isn’t the end for them since they are still in the 3rd position in their group. However, they would have felt more secure if they hadn’t suffered this defeat. Seb Hines might still turn things around. The team trusts him, especially since they renewed his contract through the 2026 season with an option for 2027. This is according to Forbes.

Seb Hines Will Always Be Important for Orlando Pride

No one can deny the impact that Seb Hines has on Orlando Pride. He is always mentioned in conversations about the NWSL’s inclusivity and diversity since he is the league’s first Black head coach. As the team’s head coach, he has managed to lead them through hardships. He led them to their first major trophies in 2024. While 2025 didn’t witness the same success, he is still doing his best to deal with the injuries the team is suffering from. Orlando’s current position in the league and the CONCACAF W Champions Cup make it clear that Hines kept his team competitive. No matter what happens by the end of the season, Hines’ importance to Orlando Pride won’t be denied.

What do you think of Seb Hines as a head coach?