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Orlando Pride’s Unlikely Rise: How Friendship Fueled NWSL Success
For those who follow women’s soccer in the USA, Seb Hines and Giles Barnes are the English coaching duo who propelled a previously unsuccessful club to unprecedented heights. For English football enthusiasts, they’re the former Middlesbrough and Derby County players who ventured into the MLS. But to each other, they are longtime friends, going back to their shared room during England youth international camps. Their story is an inspiring tale of how camaraderie and a shared vision led to triumph in the National Women’s Soccer League.
The Power of Trust and Camaraderie
“It creates an unwavering trust. We can challenge each other without any hidden motives,” Barnes explains, highlighting the advantages of a head coach and assistant who share a deep bond. The remarkable series of events that reunited them in Florida is almost as astonishing as Orlando Pride’s ascent from 10th place to champions in just two years.
A Pivotal Conversation
Hines might never have relocated to the U.S. if not for a conversation with Barnes. In 2015, when Hines was considering leaving Middlesbrough, it was Barnes – then with Houston Dynamo – who influenced his decision.
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“I asked Giles: ‘What’s the lifestyle like? Is it good for my family? What’s the standard of play?’ He sold me on it, saying: ‘This league is growing, and you get to compete against some of the best players.’ Without that conversation, I might be working a mundane job in England,” Hines recalls. His decision was validated when he debuted for Orlando City in front of 62,510 fans alongside Kaká.
Barnes’s MLS Journey: A Career Saved
Barnes’ life-altering move to the MLS occurred three years prior, following a series of severe injuries at Doncaster, after stints at West Brom and Derby.
“As a young player, I had a promising career. Then I suffered significant injuries to the point where retirement was suggested,” Barnes recounts. “After knee surgery, I twice ruptured my Achilles tendon. While at Doncaster, I wasn’t enjoying football because I didn’t feel like the same player. Expectations remained high, but I never fully recovered from my injury, which placed me in a dark place. I had lost my passion for the game and felt heartbroken. At the end of that season, I told my dad I was done with football.”
“I spent a lot of time on the couch before I unexpectedly received a call from an agent asking, ‘How do you feel about playing for LA Galaxy?’ That got my attention. Ultimately, I joined Houston and rediscovered my joy in a new city where I wasn’t defined by past expectations. As my love for football returned, I began to feel better as a person. The MLS rescued me during a challenging period in my life and career.”
Barnes later represented Jamaica and played in Canada, Mexico, and India before coaching with Toronto FC during pre-season, thanks to an invitation from former USA manager Bob Bradley. Meanwhile, in Florida, Hines’s coaching career was about to take an unexpected turn.
Hines’s Rise and the Call to Barnes
Hines was part of the Orlando Pride’s backroom staff when, in 2022, head coach Amanda Cromwell was placed on leave, and Hines was promoted to interim head coach. Cromwell was subsequently dismissed for “retaliatory conduct” against players who had filed complaints against her.
The team needed a fresh start, and Hines knew who to contact. “Bringing Giles in was a no-brainer,” Hines states. “We started by focusing on the culture, making training fun and enjoyable, but also emphasizing hard work. It’s important to enjoy the game because football is the best job in the world.”
Barnes adds, “It was straightforward – I wanted to support him, as he’s a great person. I did have some questions because the club had faced turmoil and investigations. I asked Seb, ‘What will it take?’ and he said, ‘We need to fix the culture, and things will improve.’ That was all I needed to hear.”
Transforming the Culture and Achieving Victory
In 2024, Orlando Pride clinched the regular-season title and the playoffs, marking the first major trophy win for any professional sports team in Orlando. “There are some very big clubs here,” Hines notes, “so winning a championship for Orlando was a moment of immense pride. Everyone remembers the difficult times Orlando Pride has endured, and we changed that perception by winning both the shield and the championship.”
Building a Legacy of Success
“It was almost a complete rebuild. The ownership’s investment and trust in us have been tremendous. Everything has come together effectively, following an upward trend. Now, we aim to sustain this success and ensure it’s not just a fluke. We have established a new standard and expectation.”
Breaking Barriers: Hines’s Historic Role
Hines also made NWSL history as the league’s first Black head coach, a fact that surprised him. “I wasn’t aware of it until I got the job. The league has been around for over a decade, so it was a bit of a shock. Ideally, we would see more Black coaches and minorities being given opportunities to succeed across various leagues. I aspire to be a role model and ensure everyone has the same opportunities.”
Learning from the Best
As a former England youth captain, Hines gained experience under prominent coaches such as Steve McLaren, Gareth Southgate, Gordon Strachan, Tony Mowbray, and Aitor Karanka. “I’ve been fortunate to learn from a great group of coaches,” Hines reflects. “I’ve taken valuable lessons from each of them, which I’ve tried to apply here.”
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Success
As the NWSL approaches its mid-season break for the Euros, Orlando Pride is currently second in the league standings. Barnes emphasizes, “It’s not just about winning one championship. It’s about whether you can win another.” Barnes and Hines are determined to continue their winning streak and cement their legacy in the NWSL.