Portland Thorns FC Announce Rhian Wilkinson As New Head Coach

PORTLAND, OR — Portland Thorns FC on Monday announced the hiring of Canadian Rhian Wilkinson as the club's new head coach. She replaces Mark Parsons, who left after the just-completed season to become the manager of the Netherlands Women's National Team.

The 39-year-old Wilkinson is the fourth coach in Thorns history, and she arrives after having served as an assistant coach for the England Women's National Team. The Quebec native also was part of the coaching staff for Team Great Britain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics this past summer.

Wilkinson earned 181 international caps for Canada during her playing career, which included playing in three Olympics —winning bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 games. She also played in four FIFA World Cups.

Wilkinson, whose first name is pronounced REE-in, also played for the Boston Breakers in the National Women's Soccer League's inaugural season in 2013. She even made one appearance for Thorns FC during the 2015 campaign.

After retiring, Wilkinson spent time as the head coach of Canada's U-20 and U-17 women's national teams, while serving as an assistant coach for the senior women's national team.

Wilkinson takes over a Thorns team that reached the NWSL semifinals on Nov. 14, losing 2-0 to the Chicago Red Stars.

"I know that I am inheriting a successful, winning culture on and off the field, and I have immense respect for what everybody at the club has built," Wilkinson said. "This team has a strong foundation with not only top players, but great people. For me, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to join this club and organization, and I am looking forward to getting to know Portland again."

Thorns FC owner and CEO Merritt Paulson said he is hoping Wilkinson can continue the winning tradition that existed under Parsons. In his six seasons in charge of Thorns FC, Parsons led the club to the 2016 NWSL Shield (best regular-season record) and the 2017 NWSL championship. The Thorns also captured the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup.

"After an extensive and collaborative search process, I am thrilled to welcome Rhian Wilkinson as the head coach of the Portland Thorns," Paulson said. "Rhian has tremendous leadership qualities, character and soccer acumen that will help us grow in new ways and sustain our success. I expect her to ensure the club culture we have built is maintained while also putting her own stamp on the Thorns."