U.S. Soccer Hires Matt Potter as New Head Coach of U-23 WNT
Long-Time College Head Coach Takes Over Oldest Age Group in USA’s Youth National Teams Program
CHICAGO (Jan. 9, 2020) – The U.S. Soccer Federation has hired Matt Potter as the full-time head coach of the U.S. Under-23 Women’s National Team.
Potter, a long-time collegiate head coach, served as an opponent scout for the U.S. Women’s National Team during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. He comes to U.S. Soccer full-time after spending eight seasons as a head coach of the University of Oklahoma where he led the Sooners to 63 wins and two NCAA playoff appearances.
“Our U-23s are vitally important to the continued success of our senior Women’s National Team as some of these players just need a small push to make the jump to the full team,” said U.S. Women’s National Team General Manager Kate Markgraf, who led the hiring of Potter. “Matt has the knowledge and experience working with players at this age group, and in his time serving as a scout for the senior team gained an understanding of what it takes to reach the highest levels. He’s a widely respected and well-liked coach who will play a big part in continuing to deepen our player pool.”
“This is a unique position as the U-23 player pool is made up of both college and professional players, and I’m excited to be working with a group that has high aspirations in the pro game and with our senior team,” said Potter. “Our job with the U-23s is to make sure the players who are too old for the U-20 pool, and not quite ready for the full team, have a place to show their talents in the international environment and continue to grow. I’m looking forward to supporting WNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski in any way I can and helping these players on their journeys.”
Prior to his job at Oklahoma, Potter led Washington State's women’s soccer program in the tremendously competitive Pac-12 Conference for 11 years, winning 88 games and making three appearances in the NCAA tournament. Prior to Potter’s arrival, Washington State had advanced to three NCAA tournaments since the program's inception in 1989.
At both Division I college coaching stops, Potter’s players earned numerous All-Conference and All-Academic honors. He also spent eight years at the youth level coaching with the Sereno Soccer Club in Arizona, winning numerous Arizona state titles.
Potter graduated from West London College of Brunel University in 1992 with an honors degree in physical education and religious, social and moral education. In 1991, he helped lead West London to the National British College title. Potter was also involved with the England National Team, representing the country at the U-19 international level. He played for Watford F.C. as a central midfielder from age 14-19. He also worked as a community director with the Brentford Football Club in London. Potter holds a USSF "A" license and a NSCAA Premier License.