U.S. Soccer tabs Philip Poole as full-time USWNT Goalkeeper Coach

CHICAGO – U.S. Soccer announced that Philip Poole has been named the full-time Goalkeeper Coach for the U.S. Women’s National Team.

Poole joined head coach Vlatko Andonovski’s staff in January of 2020 and was the goalkeeper coach for the Concacaf Olympic Qualifying tournament and the SheBelieves Cup, both won by the USA. He will now be in the role full time after leaving his job as the Associate Head Coach for the Wake Forest women’s soccer program.

Poole, 38, has extensive experience coaching with the U.S. National Team programs. He has been involved with U.S. Soccer since 2012, working numerous camps and events as a coach and scout from the U-14 level up to the senior National Team. He was the goalkeeper coach for the U.S. Under-20 Women’s World Cup Team in 2014, and from 2017-2019 was the goalkeeper coach for the U.S. U-23 WNT.

“Pooley’s work ethic, analytical mind and personality make him a great addition to our staff,” said Andonovski. “He has experience and an excellent rapport with our current pool of goalkeepers, and he understands the work it takes – from a coach and the players – to prepare elite goalkeepers for success.”

Poole also worked four years at the Charlotte Soccer Academy as the Girls’ Academy Director and Director of Goalkeeping.

Poole spent five years as the executive director of the Lake Norman Soccer Club. He also has experience working with the Charlotte Independence and Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) and served as the goalkeeper coach for the Puerto Rico Men’s National Team from 2011-12.

He also spent three years as an assistant coach at Charlotte on the men’s side, as well as one year at Wingate, his alma mater.

Poole graduated from Wingate in 2004 where he was a four-year starter. He helped Wingate to a pair of conference titles, served as a two-year team captain, and was named to Wingate’s All-Decade Team. Poole also earned conference Freshman of the Year honors his rookie season.

The Newcastle, England native played as a youth player with Newcastle United before spending three seasons with Hull City AFC. He came to the USA to attend college in 2000 at the age of 18.

Poole holds a USSF National “A” license. He and his wife Melissa have three daughters.