NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Name Rob Gale, Katie Quinlan as Assistant Coaches

Published on March 23, 2023 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC today announced that Rob Gale and Katie Quinlan have been named assistant coaches ahead of the 2023 season.

Gale joins the staff following extended time (2018-2021) as the head coach and general manager of Valour FC in the Canadian Premier League. He was most recently with New York City FC working as a youth coach in their academy.

"Rob brings a wealth of knowledge from his time in the professional game as well as on the international stage and we are looking forward to having him join the group," said Thorns FC head coach Mike Norris. "His experience as a head coach will be a valuable addition to our staff as we look ahead to the 2023 season. Rob's dedication and energy for developing people and winning will be a key asset as we look to continue the recent successes of this team."

Prior to his work with Valour FC, Gale was part of the youth system across various levels in Canada Soccer, including as an assistant coach with the Canada U-17 Men's National Team (2008-2014) and head coach for the U20s from 2014-18, while also spending time with the Canada Women's National Team in November 2021. Gale, who holds an UEFA A license, also gained experienced coaching in the youth levels in both Canada and the UK before he started work with the Manitoba Soccer Association (2006-2014) as a head coach and technical director, specializing in player development.

"I am delighted to be here in Portland. I couldn't turn down the chance to work with Mike [Norris] and this talented squad," said Gale. "The opportunity to work with the group and help develop them further in their quest to make history and defend the championship is one I am relishing, and I very much look forward to living in this great soccer city."

Quinlan, who holds her UEFA A and U.S. Soccer B license, arrives in Portland after serving as the director of player development for Gulf Coast S.C. Prior to her arrival in the United States, she worked for five years at Blackburn Rovers (2016-21). During her time at Blackburn, Quinlan helped the club earn promotion at the conclusion of 2018-19 season, posting a record of 23-0-1. She also served as the technical director and head of performance analysis at the club.

"Katie has a wide variety of coaching experience across the women's game," said Norris. "Her past experiences in developing individual and unit specific content both on the and off the field along with her passion, attention to detail and ability to impact the individuals within the team make her an ideal addition to the staff. She is a driven coach with an eye for scouting, which is an important part of how we operate, and we are excited to welcome her to Portland."

Quinlan played abroad for Reading FC Women from 2008-10 in the FA Women's Premier League. After concluding her playing career, she gained experience working at the youth level with Everton Ladies FC and Chelsea Ladies FC, while working with the English Football Association. She also spent time with AFC Wimbledon, St. Neots FC, the Bedfordshire FA and Leeds City College in different capacities.

"I want to thank the staff for this opportunity, I am so excited and grateful to be joining the Thorns," said Quinlan. "Who wouldn't want to work with this talented group of staff and players every day and represent the Rose City. I am ready to be back in the women's game and bring my experiences to this team and league."

Thorns FC open the 2023 NWSL regular season at home on Sunday, March 26, against the Orlando Pride; kickoff is set for 2 p.m. (Pacific) at Providence Park. The match will be streamed on Paramount+ and will also be broadcast on local television in Portland on FOX 12 PLUS.

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