Wilfried Nancy: The first African-American MLS coach to visit the White House

The Columbus Crew has shown that they are one of the top North American teams in recent years, and although they missed out on winning what would have been their second Campeones Cup (losing last week’s final to América), there is no doubt that Wilfried Nancy’s project is bearing fruit both nationally and internationally.

The Ohio team has built its success story largely on Nancy’s excellent management and the day-to-day work by his coaching team. At every level it’s a collective effort and while the roster boasts individual talents such as Cucho Hernández and Diego Rossi, the priority is making sure the Crew functions as a team.

The Crew going from strength to strength under Nancy’s leadership

Since Nancy’s arrival, the Crew has reached four finals, and being crowned MLS champions last year earned the team an invitation to the White House.

The Crew’s head coach took made the most of the moment to share an emotional message about his career and what this recognition meant. Wilfried Nancy is the first African-American coach to win a trophy in MLS and also to visit the Oval Office.

Nancy, a pioneer in MLS

Nancy delivered an emotional speech in the East Room: “It’s an honor to be here, it’s a privilege also. With our team, and to represent our club, our fans and Columbus. We are celebrating our 2023 MLS Cup today. We are always focused on continuing to write our story - as people, and as a team. For my story, I never expected to be here today, that’s why I don’t like expectation... not just at the White House but coaching here in America.

“In France, I knew I wanted to be a coach one day. I learned early in my career, I was too slow as a player, also. So I need to stay on the task, get better as a coach and to understand myself as a human being, and then also, my dream. That is what we did last year. We recognize we could be limitless. This is the most important thing - there really are no limits.

“But first, we had to be together. We built our values. We built trust. Who we are as people, who we are as a team, and the adversity we face together is why we are champions. The challenges we faced made us stronger. We grew together, but not just as players.

“For me, even if we hadn’t won the trophy, we would still be champions because of the work we put in together, our culture and the belief we have in each other. I’d like to say that, it’s not just about results, but the connection we have and the great people within the organization. That is what made last year, and our club, special.

“Because of this, we are going to compete but also to have joy. And that joy shows in the way that we play on the pitch. They way that we trust one another and the way we can evoke emotion for our fans. This is our story. And we are proud of that. Last year’s championship is one chapter and we look forward to writing the next one. Thank You players. Thank You staff. Thank You to the club and all the organization, and Thank You again gentlemen”.