By Okon Ekpenyong

Wilfried Nancy made history on December 9, 2023, becoming the first Black head coach to win the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup. Nancy led the Columbus Crew to a 2-1 victory over the defending champion Los Angeles FC, solidifying his place in the league’s history books.

Nancy’s promotion to the league’s Head Coaching position marked a significant moment for diversity in the MLS, as he is currently the only Black head coach in the league’s history to coach in the MLS Cup and win. 

It’s always inspiring to see individuals from diverse backgrounds achieving career milestones. In this regard, Nancy has recently accomplished a significant feat. His achievement adds to the growing list of future Black soccer coaches looking to make history.

Notably, 2020 saw a remarkable moment when Thierry Henry became the first Black head coach in MLS history. Since then, several other head coaches like Ezra Hendrickson and Robin Fraser have emerged, setting an example for aspiring coaches from underrepresented communities.

However, having more diversity in coaching staff at all sporting levels is still crucial. Nancy’s success signifies the progress toward this goal. With his active presence as a Black head coach in the MLS, Coach Nancy is a role model for aspiring coaches from diverse backgrounds.

Nancy’s hiring was not just about diversity and representation but how he proved himself a capable and talented coach, leading the Crew in his first season to a strong finish in the regular season and securing a spot in the playoffs. His team defeated some of the league’s top teams, including Atlanta United FC, Orlando City, and FC Cincinnati, before ultimately winning the MLS Cup against Los Angeles FC.

“Super impressive what he’s done in Montreal and Columbus in such short windows,” said an MLS supporter. Nancy’s win inspires many, especially young Black coaches and players who aspire to reach the highest levels of the sport. It also highlights the need for more diversity and representation in the MLS and the world of soccer.

Coach Nancy says he knows what this moment may mean to the minority community; however, he says that lack of representation is an issue beyond North America that needs to change. 

The coach also stated that missing the opportunity to close games out with a win during the regular season left many people questioning their passion for this season. There were doubters everywhere, and consistently delivering the desired results took a lot of work for the team. 

However, the result is not just about the win but more about playing as a team, being true to ourselves, and performing at a high level regardless of who the head coach is.

Nancy’s journey to the MLS Cup was a challenging one. Born in France to Haitian parents, he began playing in the French lower divisions before moving to Canada for the Montreal Impact. 

Throughout his professional career, he has played for several French clubs, primarily Sporting Club Toulon, Beaucairois, Raon-l’Etape, Ivry, Noisy-le-Sec, Chatellerault, and Orleans.

After playing professionally, he shifted his focus to coaching and steadily climbed the ranks, ultimately becoming the head coach of CF Montreal for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. With over a decade of experience, the coach has an impressive record in soccer, having held multiple head coaching positions for various age groups at the Montreal Academy.

Per the Crew’s website, Coach Nancy also holds multiple licenses, including the USSF Pro, UEFA A, and Canadian Soccer Association A licenses, showcasing his sports expertise and knowledge. In addition, he has obtained the Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL) diploma, further solidifying his qualifications as a top-level coach. His experience and credentials make him a valuable asset to any team or organization in soccer.

In his post-match interview, Nancy emphasized the importance of what the victory means for the club, the city of Columbus, himself, his family, the entire domestic and international soccer community, and future generations. 

Celebrating the remarkable achievement of Wilfried Nancy and the Columbus Crew is also a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to promote diversity and inclusion in soccer. But for now, let us savor this historic moment and congratulate Nancy and his team on their well-deserved victory.

Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affect the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url