JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sporting Club Jacksonville (Sporting JAX) has officially named Stacey Balaam as the first head coach of its women’s professional soccer team in the USL Super League. The team will kick off its inaugural season this August at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium, marking a new chapter for soccer in Northeast Florida.
Balaam’s hiring is a pivotal step for Sporting JAX, an expansion franchise committed to creating a world-class soccer program. As the first major coaching appointment made by Sporting JAX director Mark Warburton, Balaam brings valuable experience and a strong track record of player development from her time as associate head coach at Vanderbilt University.
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“Finding the right leader as our first women’s team head coach was crucial, and in Stacey, we have someone who embodies the values of Sporting JAX,” Warburton said. “Her passion for coaching, tactical knowledge, and ability to connect with players sets her apart. Stacey understands the importance of this opportunity and is ready to build a team that will make our supporters proud.”
Balaam, originally from Suffolk, England, expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead the team and for the potential impact on the community.
“I feel like this is a really exciting opportunity for Jacksonville and for all the young girls here who aspire to be professionals in the game,” she said. “There are thousands of young girls dreaming of playing pro, and now they’ll have a team to look up to. I’m excited to be part of that and to help build something special.”
Balaam’s coaching journey includes time at Vanderbilt, where she helped guide the Commodores to a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2023. Under her leadership, the team scored 45 goals that season, ranking among the highest in program history. Her previous coaching experience includes a successful stint as head coach at the University of West Georgia, where she led the program to 40 victories and its first-ever berth in the Gulf South Tournament Championship.
Balaam’s connection to the USL Super League is not just as a coach but as a former player. She captained the Atlanta Silverbacks in the USL W-League, winning the AW-League Championship in 2011. Additionally, Balaam has played a key role in developing young talent as a U.S. youth soccer scout and served on the NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer South Region Advisory Committee.
Reflecting on her time in the sport, Balaam emphasized the importance of building a strong and competitive squad. “We want to bring in the top talent from the U.S. and abroad. The league is very competitive, and we’re focused on assembling a team that can meet the demands of the USL Super League.”
She also acknowledged the challenges ahead as the team builds from the ground up. “It’s still early days, and there will be a lot of building along the way,” she said. “But we’re hoping to start strong and keep improving from there.”
In discussing the broader impact of women’s sports, Balaam highlighted the growing interest and opportunity in women’s soccer.
“The landscape for women in sports has never been bigger,” she said. “I’ve seen women’s soccer go through ups and downs, but now, with platforms like the USL Super League, it’s finally on a great pathway. Jacksonville is providing an incredible opportunity for women in the sport, and I’m excited to be part of that.”
Balaam’s vision for the team is one of inclusivity, development, and consistency.
“I’ve been shaped by mentors who taught me how to build a great culture and weather the highs and lows of the game,” she said. “We want to create an environment where players continue to grow and enjoy the game, no matter what challenges come our way.”
Sporting JAX’s rapid rise continues with Balaam’s hiring, following the recent announcements of a multiyear partnership with adidas and the appointment of Warburton as Sporting JAX director. This appointment aligns with the club’s mission to establish a lasting legacy for women’s professional soccer in Jacksonville and elevate the region’s soccer scene.
Balaam, who is also a West Ham supporter (though she joked, “Don’t hold that against me”), is eager to foster a connection with the community.
“I come from a culture where you grow up attached to a team, and that team becomes your family. We want to create that kind of atmosphere here, especially for young girls who aspire to be professional players.”
As the team prepares for its first season, Balaam is already focused on building a strong squad and getting everything in place for a successful debut. “We’ll move quickly, assembling our staff and preparing for preseason,” she said. “We want the best people in place because we’re aiming to be at the top.”
Season tickets for Sporting JAX’s inaugural USL Super League season are now available here or by calling (904) 863-KICK. For the latest updates and news, follow @Sporting_JAX on social media.