Bev Priestman Appointed Head Coach of Wellington Phoenix FC Women's Team

In a significant move for both Bev Priestman and the Wellington Phoenix FC, the former head coach of the Canadian women's national soccer team has been appointed as the head coach of the Wellington Phoenix FC women's team in New Zealand. This announcement, made on July 29, 2025, follows Priestman's departure from her position with Canada Soccer amid controversy surrounding a drone-spying incident during the Paris Olympics.

Priestman, who was banned from football activities for one year by FIFA due to her involvement in the scandal, expressed her excitement about returning to the coaching landscape. "I’m thrilled to have signed with the Wellington Phoenix. It’s a fantastic club with big ambitions, world-class facilities, and a phenomenal fan base. I can’t wait to get to work, connect with everyone in the building, and get to know our amazing fans," she stated in an official press release.

The Wellington Phoenix, which competes in Australia’s A-League Women, concluded the previous season in ninth place with a record of 7 wins, 13 losses, and 3 draws. Wellington’s chairman, Rob Morrison, expressed confidence in Priestman's ability to elevate the team, stating, "Bev is a world-class coach and a top person, and I have no doubt she will bring her winning mentality to the Wellington Phoenix."

Priestman, 39, has deep ties to New Zealand football, as her wife, Emma Humphries, is the academy director for the Wellington club, and Priestman herself has previously contributed to the development of football in the region. Her coaching pedigree includes stints with the Canadian national team, where she served as head coach from November 2020 until her departure in 2025, and as an assistant coach for England’s women's teams.

The circumstances leading to her departure from Canada Soccer were complicated. According to a complaint filed by New Zealand's Olympic Committee, drones were reported flying over practice sessions prior to the Olympics. This resulted in FIFA suspending Priestman along with her assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joey Lombardi.

Despite the controversy, industry leaders have welcomed Priestman’s return to coaching. Stephen Conroy, the executive chairman of the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), remarked, "Bev is a world-renowned national team head coach and Olympic champion, and her experience and expertise will be a huge boost for the up-and-coming squad at the Phoenix."

Historically, Priestman has been recognized for her contributions to women's soccer, having been nominated for FIFA Women's Best Coach in both 2021 and 2022. Her journey in soccer began in New Zealand, where she worked for over four years with New Zealand Football before transitioning to Canada to support the growth of women’s soccer there.

The appointment of Priestman is anticipated to reignite the Wellington Phoenix FC’s ambitions on the pitch. As the only professional women's team in New Zealand, the club holds a unique position within the national sports landscape, and Priestman’s leadership is expected to have significant implications for the team's future performance and development. The club aims to leverage her extensive experience to foster talent and achieve greater success in upcoming seasons. The future is poised to be transformative for the Wellington Phoenix under her guidance as they strive to raise the profile of women’s soccer in the region.