Sports

Orlando Pride’s Seb Hines Wins 2024 NWSL Coach of the Year

Published

2 years ago

November 19, 2024

Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines has been named the 2024 NWSL Coach of the Year, capping off a historic season that saw the Pride claim their first-ever NWSL Shield and secure a spot in the NWSL Championship.

Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Hines’ Historic Leadership

Under Hines’ leadership, the Orlando Pride delivered a phenomenal 2024 season with a league-best 18-2-6 record. The team shattered multiple records:

46 goals scored, the most in club history.
20 goals conceded, tied for the fewest in the league this year.
60 total points, the highest in franchise history.
Longest unbeaten streak: 23 games in a single season (24 overall).
Longest winning streak: 8 consecutive games.

Hines, a native of Wetherby, England, now holds the title of all-time winningest coach in Pride history with a career record of 31-30-12.

First-Ever NWSL Shield and Championship Appearance

The Pride secured the 2024 NWSL Shield on October 6 with a commanding 2-0 victory over the Washington Spirit, marking their first league trophy.
Orlando achieved their first playoff win in franchise history with a 4-1 triumph over the Chicago Red Stars in the quarterfinals.
The Pride advanced to their first NWSL Championship appearance after a thrilling 3-2 semifinal win against the Kansas City Current.

Seb Hines on His Award

“This season has been a journey of belief and perseverance,” Hines said. “I’m incredibly proud of our players and staff who worked tirelessly to make history for Orlando Pride fans.”

Orlando Pride General Manager Haley Carter added, “Seb’s leadership, dedication, and strategic brilliance have transformed the Pride into a championship-caliber team. This award is well-deserved.”

What’s Ahead?

The Pride will face the No. 2 seed Washington Spirit in the 2024 NWSL Championship, presented by Google Pixel.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, November 23, at 8 p.m. ET at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City. Fans can watch live on CBS and Paramount+.

Orlando Pride fans are eager to see if Seb Hines and his team can cap off this record-breaking season with an NWSL Championship victory. Stay tuned to FNN for match coverage and updates.

______________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Select 25 Coaches for 2027 Academy, Five for Fellowships

Published

2 days ago

October 22, 2026

FNN SPORTS

The fourth class will receive scholarships for a weeklong program in Tampa, with five participants returning for training camp and preseason.

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are accepting applications for their 2027 National Coaching Academy, offering 25 finalists an opportunity to learn from NFL coaches and participate in rookie minicamp activities.

Applications close Dec. 31, 2026. The program uses rolling admissions, and applicants are encouraged to apply early, according to the team.

Presented by ReliaQuest, the academy was established by the Glazer family to create pathways for coaches seeking NFL opportunities. The upcoming class will be its fourth.

Eligibility and Scholarships

Applicants must have at least three years of coaching or work experience in a football program at the high school, college or semiprofessional level.

The 25 finalists will receive full scholarships covering costs while in Tampa for the weeklong academy.

After completing the program, five participants will be selected to return as fellows for training camp and the preseason.

On-Field Experience and Coaching Instruction

Finalists will attend team meetings and participate in on-field coaching sessions during rookie minicamp.

The program includes master classes led by Buccaneers coaches, along with Super Bowl-winning head coaches Jon Gruden, Bruce Arians and Tony Dungy, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronde Barber, according to the announcement.

Additional sessions cover film review, media training, business insights and networking.

Program Draws International Interest

The academy has attracted more than 3,000 applicants from 22 countries over its first three years, the team said. Dozens of previous finalists have since earned new positions or promotions at their institutions.

Applications for the 2027 class are open now until Dec. 31, 2026, with a rolling admissions program. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. More information can be found HERE.

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Expand ThreatLocker Partnership With Warmup Branding, Cybersecurity Campaign

Published

2 days ago

October 22, 2026

FNN SPORTS

Orlando Magic, ThreatLocker Add Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign and Courtside Branding

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic and Orlando-based cybersecurity company ThreatLocker have expanded their partnership to include player warmup branding, courtside signage and a cybersecurity awareness campaign, the team announced Oct. 21.

ThreatLocker’s branding will appear on the Magic’s player warmup shirts for all home and away games, as well as front-row courtside seatback covers at Kia Center.

Campaign to Share Online Safety Tips

Timed to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the awareness campaign includes an opening-night commercial featuring ThreatLocker CEO and co-founder Danny Jenkins.

The spot will offer tips to help fans and Orlando-area residents protect themselves online, according to the announcement.

“As a Magic Champion of the Community partner since 2023, ThreatLocker has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community,” Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman said. “We’re excited to help raise cybersecurity awareness and continue growing their brand and our collective community impact.”

Branding Extends Across Games and Broadcasts

The agreement also includes a season-long commercial campaign and a custom-branded broadcast feature. ThreatLocker will receive exposure through MagicTV 27 in Central Florida and the team’s regional over-the-air broadcast network.

Warmup shirt branding will give the company visibility during pregame activities, player-focused content and game broadcasts, according to the announcement.

“We’re delighted that this partnership will help fans stay safe online,” Jenkins said. “And with October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s a great opportunity to share a few simple steps everyone can take to better protect themselves and their families.”

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Exercise Team Options on Jase Richardson, Tristan Da Silva

Published

2 days ago

October 22, 2026

FNN SPORTS

Orlando Magic Tristan da Silva. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Magic Keep Jase Richardson, Tristan da Silva Under Contract Through 2027-28

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic have exercised their third-year team option on guard Jase Richardson and fourth-year team option on forward Tristan da Silva, keeping both players under contract through the 2027-28 season.

President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced the moves. Financial terms were not disclosed, per team policy.

Richardson builds on rookie season

Richardson appeared in 54 games during his rookie season, averaging 4.4 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 10.9 minutes per game, according to the team.

He scored in double figures seven times, including a career-high 20 points against Washington on Jan. 6. He also scored six points in his lone playoff appearance.

Before joining Orlando, Richardson averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists during his freshman season at Michigan State in 2024-25. He shot 41.2% from 3-point range and earned third-team All-Big Ten and conference all-freshman honors while helping the Spartans reach the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight.

Richardson wears No. 11.

Da Silva provides scoring and shooting

Da Silva played in 77 games, including 34 starts, last season. He averaged 9.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 24.7 minutes per game, shooting 37.4% from 3-point range and 88.4% from the free-throw line.

He scored in double figures 38 times and reached 20 points five times, including a career-high 26 against Washington on March 12. In seven playoff appearances, he averaged 4.1 points and 2.9 rebounds.

Orlando selected da Silva with the 18th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Through two seasons, he has appeared in 151 regular-season games, including 72 starts, averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

The Germany native played four seasons at Colorado, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2022-23 and second-team recognition in 2023-24. He wears No. 23.