LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club announced today that Michael Dickey has been appointed as head coach for the Women’s USL Super League team ahead of the inaugural season. Dickey comes to the club with deep knowledge and understanding for women’s soccer, bringing a depth of previous coaching experience.
“We are incredibly excited to bring Mike on board to the Lexington Sporting Club family,” said Stephen Dawahare. “The USL Super League is an opportunity for us to bring women’s soccer to the Lexington community on a very large stage, and we believe with his background in the sport and his dedication to his craft, Mike is the best man to lead us in this exciting time.”
Dickey brings an illustrious coaching background, notably serving as the Head Coach for the Jordan Football Association Senior Women’s National Team (2017-2018). During his time at the helm, the side competed in the 2018 Asian Cup, marking only its second appearance in the tournament’s final stage. That year, the side achieved its highest ranking in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, entering the Top 50 for the first time.
Dickey’s proficiency extends further, having steered the US Soccer Federation U17 Women’s National Team (2010), earning victories against powerhouse teams like Germany, Brazil, and Norway. Dickey’s coaching expertise contributed significantly to nurturing talent in the youth ranks, with Crystal Dunn, Kristie Mewis, Sam Mewis, Andi Sullivan, Morgan Gautrat, Midge Purce, and Jane Campbell among the players he coached who progressed to represent the United States Women’s National Team at the senior level.
His stellar coaching trajectory encompasses a myriad of leadership roles within the US Soccer Federation, spanning from Head Coach to Assistant Coach across various age groups, including the U16 and U15 Girl’s National Teams. Dickey’s coaching philosophy emphasizes technical and tactical development while fostering a pathway for players towards higher age-group representation.
“I have had the pleasure of sharing the sideline with and against Mike Dickey for over a decade. What I find the most endearing about Mike is his absolute appreciation, respect and belief in women’s soccer and the players,” said two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion Brandi Chastain. “His players will not only have a solid experienced coach, but one that sees the whole person and landscape of the big objectives. I look forward to watching Lexington Sporting Club as they kick off their inaugural season with Mike at the helm.”
Dickey hails most recently from Louisville, KY, working as the Director of Coaching & Player Development at Mockingbird Valley Premier SC. Here, Dickey designed and implemented development programs for coaching staff and players while ensuring adherence to strategic player development approaches during coaching sessions.
“Mike has opened many doors for players, coaches, and teams across the state of Kentucky and beyond. We wish Coach Mike the best as he begins his next chapter with the USL Super League Lexington team,” said Executive Director Corey Johnson.
Lexington Sporting Club’s decision to appoint Michael Dickey reflects its dedication to securing top-tier talent capable of steering the Super League team to unparalleled success.
As the new Head Coach, Michael Dickey will spearhead a comprehensive coaching program, leveraging his global experience to elevate the performance standards and overall growth of the club’s athletes.
“I want to thank Bill Shively, Stephen Dawahare and Michelle Rayner for providing me with this opportunity to come to Lexington and be a part of such an amazing program,” said Dickey.
“Being a part of the inaugural season with the USL Super League is such a unique opportunity, and I am excited to be a part of a new piece of history and opportunity for women’s sports.”
Lexington Sporting Club eagerly anticipates a new chapter of success under Michael Dickey’s stewardship, further solidifying its stature as a hub for athletic excellence and development.
About Lexington Sporting Club
Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in USL League One (U.S. Soccer third division men’s professional soccer), and in USL Super League (women’s professional soccer launching in 2024). The two professional teams are the pinnacle of the soccer ecosystem in Lexington that features more than 1,000 players within its youth and academy systems. Lexington SC in the process of building the club’s formal stadium, performance center and training fields.