Steph Cox added to Reign as assistant coach

Seattle Reign FC announced that former defender Steph Cox has joined the team as an assistant coach. Cox played with the Reign from 2013 to 2015 and helped lead the team to back-to-back NWSL Shields in 2014 and 2015.

“I am so honored and excited to be joining the Reign FC coaching staff,” said Cox in a statement released by the team. “After almost 10 years of playing professionally and internationally, I have the highest regard and admiration for the coaching ability and education of Laura [Harvey] and Sam [Laity]. Not only do they create a positive environment for the players, but they are great developers and help the players perform at their highest level.”

Cox also stated, “I hope I can bring a player’s perspective to the coaching staff. My focus will be primarily on the backline. This season we have the most defenders that we have ever had, and I want to help them all develop and be prepared for their role and maximize their different opportunities on the field.”

In all, she made 48 appearances for the team and assisted on four goals. She was also a member of the US Women’s national team from 2005 to 2013 and earned 89 caps. She won an Olympic Gold Medal with the US at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“Not having Steph around us in 2016 was different,” said Seattle Reign FC head coach and general manager Laura Harvey. “I spoke with her and said I’d love her to be part of our staff in any way that she could. Her experience and knowledge of the game and what she can give back to the players in terms of things she went through is massive. She’s someone the players can really speak to and learn from both on the mental side of the game and tactically as well.”

The club also announced the goalkeeper coach Ben Dragavon has stepped down to pursue other professional opportunities, and will be replaced by Doug Herrick.

Herrick served as an assistant goalkeeper coach earlier this year. A Seattle native, Herrick played for Washington Crossfire (2010-2011), Seattle Sounders U23s (2012-2013, 2015) and the Charlotte Eagles (2014), and has also played internationally for Guam.

In college, Herrick played for St. Mary’s College of California and helped lead them to their first ever West Coast Conference Championship and an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2011.

“I'd like to thank Ben for his commitment to the club over the past four seasons. I wish him every success in his future endeavors,” said Harvey. “We’re pleased that Doug has been able to seamlessly transition into the role and are excited to have him as a member of the coaching staff.”