November 21, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Washington Spirit News Release
Washington, D.C. – The Washington Spirit continues its commitment to building a world-class organization by hiring Mark Parsons as the club’s new Head Coach. Parsons is making his return to DC having previously coached the Spirit from 2013 to 2015.
“Mark is one of the best coaches in the sport and we are thrilled to have him guiding our team as we start a new chapter,” said Spirit President of Soccer Operations Mark Krikorian. “After an extensive search process, we are confident that Mark’s experience and accomplishments are what we need as we continue to rebuild this club.”
In Parsons, the Spirit is getting a coach dedicated to the women’s game. Parsons points to his admiration and respect for the players and all they have done to be able to play the sport that they love at the highest level as the reason for his deep commitment to women’s soccer.
Parsons returns to the Spirit after seven years away from the club. Most recently, he spent a year as Head Coach of the Dutch Women’s National Team after serving as Head Coach for Portland Thorns FC from 2016 to 2021. Before making the move to Portland, Parsons led the Washington Spirit through its first three seasons in the NWSL, making the playoffs in each of his final two seasons. His additional coaching experience includes roles with the Washington Spirit Reserves (2013), D.C. United Women U-20 (2012) and Chelsea Women (2004-2010).
With Portland, Parsons led the club to a NWSL Championship in 2017, the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021, five consecutive playoff appearances and two NWSL Championship matches. Parsons was named the NWSL Coach of the Year in his first season with Thorns FC and was a finalist for FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year in 2018. Parsons led Portland to a top-three finish in all five of his regular seasons with the club. Additionally, Thorns FC scored 182 goals with Parsons at the helm, more than any other NWSL club across that time frame. The side went on a 12-match unbeaten streak during Parsons’ first season and set the league record for single-season shutouts in his final season with 13.
When it comes to coaching style, Parsons describes his philosophy as “people first” and values human connection in professional development.
“When you can connect with the person, you then have a chance of supporting their development as a player to reach the best version of themselves,” said Parsons. “By investing…
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