OL Reign Announces Scott Parkinson as Head Assistant Coach
OL Reign today announced that it has hired Scott Parkinson as its Head Assistant Coach. Most recently, Parkinson served as the head coach at NJ/NY Gotham FC, leading the team to the 2021 NWSL playoffs for the first time since 2013. Parkinson is set to join OL Reign immediately and will be present at the 2023 NWSL Draft in Philadelphia on January 12.
This hiring marks head coach Laura Harvey and Parkinson’s second stint together after spending two seasons with the Utah Royals in 2018 and 2019, where he initially made his NWSL start as an assistant coach under Harvey. Together, the two helped guide the team to 19 wins in two years. Parkinson later served as the club’s head coach through the 2020 NWSL Draft.
“I’m so happy to be working alongside Scott again,” said OL Reign head coach Laura Harvey. “He is passionate about player development and committed to supporting the players in this league. He is a great addition to our club.”
The Liverpool, England native recently earned his USSF Pro coaching license, in addition to holding USSF A and UEFA B licenses. He has been coaching in the United States for 13 years, including his head coaching position with Gotham FC and assistant coaching positions with Utah Royals FC and the Chicago Red Stars. Prior to joining the NWSL, Parkinson served two years as the Head Women’s Soccer Coach for Rogers State University.
In 2020, he made the move to the Chicago Red Stars, where he served as the team’s assistant coach until August 2021. Parkinson was then tapped as Gotham FC’s head coach, midway through the 2021 season.
At Gotham, he led the team during their final eight games of the 2021 season and helped to secure a spot in the 2021 NWSL Playoffs for the first time since 2013. Across those eight games, Gotham FC went undefeated.
“We are thrilled to welcome Scott to OL Reign. He brings a wealth of coaching experience with him and has proven to be a positive influence, on and off the pitch,” said OL Reign general manager Nick Perera.