January 23, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – North Carolina Courage News Release
North Carolina Courage Assistant Coach Nathan Thackeray
(North Carolina Courage, Credit: Lewis Gettier)
CARY, N.C. – The North Carolina Courage today announces multi-year contract extensions for full-time assistant coaches Nathan Thackeray and Emma Thomson, keeping them on Sean Nahas’ staff through the 2024 NWSL season and beyond.
The contract extensions ensure the same full-time staff, with Thackeray and Thomson alongside fellow assistants Fabrice Gautrat and Victoria Boardman, returns under Nahas from the 2023 Challenge Cup championship team that also finished third in the NWSL regular season. The 2023 Courage set single-season records in several possession and passing categories, led the NWSL with 10 regular season clean sheets, and allowed the second-fewest goals with 22.
“I am excited to have both Nathan and Emma remain with the club as they have played a very big part in what we are building here. It was a priority for me this off-season to see the club keep them and I’m thrilled we’ve taken the necessary steps to do so. I look forward to working alongside both again this season and the foreseeable future. It’s important to have people that I trust on staff, and Nathan and Emma have my full confidence. It’s a good day for us as a club knowing we can keep this staff together,” said Nahas.
Thackeray has been on the Courage’s staff as an assistant and goalkeeper coach since 2017, the team’s first season in North Carolina after relocating from Western New York. He has helped the Courage continuously boast top-tier goalkeeping, playing a critical role in the growth and development of keepers Katelyn Rowland, who has more NWSL trophies than any other player in league history, and United States Women’s National Team keeper Casey Murphy. He has been on staff for all eight trophies won by the Courage, including a league-most seven NWSL trophies.
“It’s been a privilege to be a part of the Courage since its inception in 2017, and I’m delighted to extend our time together for three more years. I’ve been excited by the continued growth and evolution of the club over the past seven years and know that this is a place where I can continue to develop as both a coach and person while being given the platform to make an impact. I’m thankful for the club, the staff and the players for putting their trust in me. I look forward to embracing the work and challenges…