CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 19, 2024) – Super League Carolina announced today the addition of Melanie Thomas as an Assistant Coach joining Head Coach Philip Poole’s technical staff for the inaugural 2024-25 season. Thomas brings over 20 years of coaching experience and also has served as a coach educator for USSF and United Soccer Coaches.
“We are thrilled to welcome Melanie to the Carolinas,” Poole expressed. “Melanie is going to be an important member of our growing technical team who will bring so much prior experience along with her. Melanie will primarily operate in a dual role as one of our assistant coaches and also be the coordinator of all individual player development. Melanie’s background as an educator lends itself to this very specific position. I believe all players, no matter how long they have been playing professionally, can improve their game. Melanie will be the main driving force behind this for us.”
Working with U.S. Club Soccer, Thomas has been teaching USSF C & D licensing and grassroots courses since 2021, helping current and aspiring coaches improve their skills. She also collaborated with U.S. Club Soccer’s Player Development Programs to organize and create National Identification and Development Programs in Southern California.
Previously, Thomas served as a coach with multiple ECNL and Development Academy teams, supporting elite women’s soccer players. Thomas was also an Assistant Coach and Interim Head Coach of the Iowa Western women’s soccer program where she helped lead the team to a Division title and a Regional Championship appearance.
“I am excited and energized to move to Charlotte and enter the next step in my career, working in the professional environment alongside Coach Poole,” Thomas shared. “The Carolinas are booming locations for women’s soccer, and the start of the Division One USL Super League team is something I’m honored to be a part of during its inaugural season. I’m passionate about providing an avenue for women to play at the highest level and helping them reach their potential, and I believe the Carolinas are going to be one of the top regions fostering such an environment.”
A two-time graduate of the University of New Mexico, Thomas earned a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education in 2010 followed by a Master of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in Sports Administration and Coaching in 2014. While completing her postgraduate studies, Thomas was the Director of Operations for the University of New Mexico women’s soccer program. She supported the coaching staff with video operations and recruitment efforts.
Thomas holds numerous credentials including a USSF A Youth Soccer License, USSF Talent Scout License, USSF Instructor License, UEFA C License, USSF Youth National Soccer License, USC Advanced National Diploma, and USC Goalkeeping Level 2 License.
About Super League Carolina:
Super League Carolina is one of the eight initial markets of the USL Super League, a professional women’s soccer league set to kick off in August 2024. The USL Super League has committed to U.S. Soccer’s Division One standards, reflecting its collective vision to be a global leader in women’s soccer on and off the field while providing more opportunities for more women in more communities.
