How Seb Hines turned Orlando Pride into NWSL's unstoppable force in 2024

The 2024 NWSL season will be remembered for a lifetime as the moment when Orlando Pride ceased being just another competitor and turned into an unstoppable force. Much of that change actually comes down to one name: Seb Hines. With blade-sharp tactical skills and a clear vision as to how a team is led on the field, he elevated the club to places that once seemed unreachable.

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Change starts with structure and strategy.

Things weren't exactly in the best state when Hines took over the reins of Orlando Pride as interim coach in 2022. The team had struggled for consistency and seemed several miles away from qualifying for the playoffs. But rather than apply any quick fixes, he started with the basics: providing the team with a good tactical base, with a solid backline matched by a decent attack, coupled with a general mindset that put the collective ahead of the individual.

By 2024, those changes were unmistakable. The Pride finished the regular season with 18 wins, 2 draws, and only 6 losses—the best record in the league. The team scored 46 goals, setting a club record, while conceding just 20, fewest in the league this season. These numbers didn't fall from the sky; they were won game by game through a team that knew its roles on the field and executed the vision of their coach to the letter.

The numbers tell the story of dominance

The 2024 Orlando Pride was one of the most dominant teams the league has ever seen. An eight-game winning streak proved their ability to sustain top-level performance, even against tough opponents. Beyond that, the team remained unbeaten in 23 matches during the season, really hammering home their claim of consistency. At the end, the Pride counted 60 points to take the regular season title and win their first-ever NWSL Shield.

This performance was more than a bunch of statistics on an Excel spreadsheet. It was proof that Hines had found the magic formula to bring the best out of his squad. Little surprise that he turned out to be the winningest coach in Orlando Pride history, with 31 wins, 30 draws and 12 losses since taking charge.

Playoffs: capping off a magical season

After seven years away from the playoffs, Orlando Pride roared back into contention with authority. Their 4-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars in the quarterfinals made it clear they weren't just there to participate. Then, an electrifying 3-2 win over Kansas City Current in the semifinals secured the Pride's first-ever trip to the championship final.

This playoff run wasn't just about tactics. The team showed heart, resilience, and an ability to adapt when it mattered most – all qualities a direct reflection of Hines' leadership.

The future is now

With the NWSL Championship looming, Orlando Pride stands at the cusp of winning the biggest title in its history. Whatever the result, the 2024 season is already a point of inflection. Seb Hines' job has not only put the Pride on top but has shown what's possible with a mix of strategic planning, flawless execution, and long-term vision.

For the fans, 2024 will be remembered as the year when Orlando Pride turned into one of the true giants in women's soccer.