SAN DIEGO (November 23, 2021) – San Diego Wave Fútbol Club announced today the addition of Rich Gunney to the club’s coaching staff. Gunney becomes the first assistant coach announced under Head Coach Casey Stoney.
Gunney joins Wave FC following five seasons with the Portland Thorns. During his time in Portland Gunney helped lead the club to four NWSL playoff appearances (2017-19 and 2021), two NWSL Finals appearances (2017 and 2018), Challenge Cup Championship in 2021, NWSL Shield in 2021 and NWSL Championship in 2017.
“I am delighted to announce the addition of Rich to the San Diego Wave FC technical team,” said Wave FC head coach Casey Stoney. “He is a proven winner within the NWSL and will add vast knowledge and experience of not only the league but of the college landscape as well. I am very excited to be working with him as we build the future of this team.”
Prior to arriving in the NWSL, Gunney spent five years working for National Association of Wales as Head Coach of senior Men’s Indoor National Team (Futsal) and an additional five years working for English Premier League club Fulham FC as Technical Director of Girls Academy developing players for England Youth National teams. He’s served as Coach Educator for two national associations.
“I am delighted to accept this new challenge with San Diego in what will be an exciting inaugural season,” said coach Gunney. “I’m extremely grateful to Jill [Ellis] and Wave FC ownership for this intriguing new opportunity which I’m confident my experience and expertise in the NWSL will serve me particularly well, to support Casey, the staff and all the players as we embark on this exciting new journey together.
Coach Bio
Name: Richard Gunney
Assistant Coach
Date of Birth: July 13, 1981
Birthplace: Cardiff, Wales
Last Club: Portland Thorns (NWSL)
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About San Diego NWSL
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced in June 2021 that San Diego will be home to an NWSL expansion team, set to begin play in Spring 2022. Jill Ellis, the only two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winning manager and a former FIFA World Women’s Coach of the Year recipient, serves as President of the San Diego NWSL team while England standout and former Manchester United Women’s Manager Casey Stoney will serve as the team’s head coach. Chief Revenue Officer, Vanessa Shay, will run revenue streams, marketing and business operations. The San Diego NWSL is owned by investor Ron Burkle. Burkle has tapped longtime friend and business associate Matt Alvarez to lead the project on his behalf.
