Laura Harvey Named 2021 NWSL Coach of the Year

OL Reign head coach Laura Harvey was voted the National Women’s Soccer League Coach of the Year for the 2021 NWSL season, the league announced today.

This is Harvey’s third time winning the award, the most of any coach in the NWSL. She previously received the award in 2014 and 2015 with the Reign, when she led the Reign to back-to-back NWSL Shields and championship final appearances. In 2015, she was the first coach to win the award on multiple occasions.

This season, Harvey joined OL Reign after the conclusion of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and made an immediate impact on the team. After a rough start to season that included picking up just seven points from seven games and departure of former head coach Farid Benstiti, Assistant Coach Sam Laity began to set the Reign on the right path. Through the six matches Laity was in charge, OL Reign earned 12 points with a 4-2-0 record.

Harvey seamlessly transitioned into coaching OL Reign. She led the team to a second-seed finish, ending the season with a 7-2-2 regular season record as head coach. This comeback finish also allowed OL Reign to host a playoff match for the first time since 2015.

“I was just so excited to work with Laura again, truly so excited. I knew she was going to be phenomenal for us and especially for the youngsters in this group. We learned loads from her and that just made us better and better,” said OL Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock.

Under Harvey, the Reign managed an eight-game unbeaten streak spanning from August 21 to October 16 and garnered a .667 win percentage. The team outscored opponents, 25-9, and led all teams in goals and assists, with 35 and 23 respectively. It was recently announced that Harvey’s contract was extended through the 2023 season.

Not only did Harvey produce results on the field, but she inspired the team to believe in themselves and reach for their full potential as a group. She was a consistent positive force from the second she stepped into the locker room after the Olympics and continues to have an impact at OL Reign, on and off the field.

“We are incredibly happy for Laura, as this honor is well-deserved recognition for all she has achieved since her return to the club,” said OL Reign CEO Bill Predmore. “The results she delivered since taking the helm mid-season exceeded all expectations and serves as a testament to her extraordinary talents. We are proud to have her leading our team again.”

The list of finalists was decided after a preliminary round of voting by owners, general managers, coaches, players and media. The finalists were then voted on by fans, owners, general managers, coaches, players and media. Portland Thorns FC head coach Mark Parsons finished second in voting, while NJ/NY Gotham FC head coach Scott Parkinson came in third.