Becky Burleigh took less than two days to exit retirement and accept the offer to become the Orlando Pride’s interim coach.
For Burleigh, the call from Orlando Pride executive vice president Amanda Duffy came as a surprise. She was on vacation with her wife Celia, enjoying an extended reprieve after her retirement from collegiate coaching in April. Burleigh had no plans of pursuing a professional coaching position — especially not within the next week.
But in the Pride — who are still reeling after the sudden departure of coach Marc Skinner on Friday — Burleigh saw a unique chance to direct a team stacked with talent and in need of guidance.