Sporting JAX Names Stacey Balaam as Head Coach of USL Super League Team

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Sporting Club Jacksonville, the United Soccer League’s Northeast Florida expansion franchise, has officially appointed Stacey Balaam as the first head coach of its women’s Division One USL Super League team, which will kick off its inaugural season this August at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium.

As Sporting Director and Head of Soccer Mark Warburton’s first major coaching hire, the up-and-coming coaching talent brings a recent track record of success and player development to Sporting JAX. Most recently, she served as the associate head coach at Vanderbilt University, helping to lead the NCAA Top 20 program to historic achievements since 2023. Sporting JAX technical consultant and coaching legend in women’s soccer at the University of Florida, Becky Burleigh, also assisted in the search.

“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 and has consistently displayed throughout her career,” said Warburton. “Her passion for coaching, her deep tactical knowledge of the game, and her ability to connect and develop players set her apart. Through our conversations, it became clear that Stacey not only understands the magnitude of this opportunity but also embraces the responsibility of building a competitive and dynamic squad that will make our supporters proud.”

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as the first head coach of Sporting JAX’s USL Super League Team,” said Balaam. “The club has a clear ambition to not only provide opportunities for professional soccer careers but also to invest in developing young female talent at the academy level. The pathway that the club is building for aspiring players is something I deeply believe in and I look forward to contributing to that vision. My goal is to cultivate an enjoyable, competitive and healthy environment where our talented squad can reach their full potential every day. We will strive for success in the inaugural season, set ambitious goals and grow together as a team that represents Jacksonville with pride and passion.”

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