Stoney Challenging Journey: From Homelessness to International Management

Casey Stoney’s journey from being sacked as the head coach of the San Diego Wave to becoming the new manager of Canada’s national women’s football team is nothing short of remarkable. It was a rollercoaster ride that began with an unexpected twist, leaving Stoney and her family in a precarious situation that saw them effectively homeless for several months. From grappling with personal and professional challenges to embracing her new role, Stoney’s story is one of resilience, reflection, and a renewed passion for football.

Stoney’s Unexpected Setback: Homeless After Being Fired

Stoney’s story took an unexpected turn in June when, after traveling to the UK for a funeral, she was informed that she had been dismissed from her role as the head coach of the San Diego Wave. This news was not only a career setback for Stoney, but it also left her family in a difficult position. Stoney and her partner, along with their three young children, were suddenly unable to return to their home in California because the termination of Stoney’s contract also meant the immediate cancellation of their visas.

“When I got fired, it terminated our visas with immediate effect whilst I was in the UK, pretty much rendering me and my partner homeless, with three children,” Stoney recounts. This left the family stuck in the UK, unable to return home and in a state of uncertainty about what the future held.

The Challenges Stoney Faced: Questioning Her Future in Football

Casey Stoney of the San Diego Wave FC celebrates with her team after the 2024 NWSL Challenge Cup at Red Bull Arena on March 15, 2024

Stoney’s time in the UK following her sacking was one of the most difficult periods of her life. Not only was she dealing with the emotional fallout from her sudden dismissal, but the situation also took a toll on her family. With her children unable to return to school and the family without a permanent home, Stoney was left questioning whether she even wanted to continue working in football.

The challenges were immense, as Stoney took on the responsibility of home-schooling her children, while also grappling with the professional uncertainty that came with her job loss. “It was one of the hardest times in my life,” Stoney says. “It did make me question if I wanted to stay in the game because if the game chews you up and spits you out like that, after everything that we had sacrificed to be there, and after what I had achieved in a short space of time, it did make me question the game.”

Despite receiving offers soon after her sacking, Stoney turned them all down. At that time, her priority was her family. “My priority was my family [and] how do we get back to San Diego,” Stoney reflects. It wasn’t until several months later, after her family’s visa issues were resolved, that Stoney began to consider returning to football.

The Road to Recovery: Stoney’s Family First

Casey Stoney walks out to a guard of honour with her three children ahead of her final match as a player in February 2018

After four long months of waiting, Stoney’s family was finally able to secure new visas, based on Stoney’s consultancy work. This allowed them to return to the United States and begin rebuilding their lives. Although the time spent away from their home in California had been challenging, Stoney recognizes the importance of that period for her personal growth.

“[The children] missed two and a half months of education. They missed a lot of their life during that time,” Stoney says. However, the family’s journey back to stability marked a turning point for Stoney. She was able to take a step back, reflect on her experiences, and gradually heal the emotional wounds caused by her dismissal.

Reflecting on the Past: Stoney’s Journey in Football

Casey Stoney in Canada training gear

Before her time with the San Diego Wave, Stoney had been a beloved figure in England’s football scene. As a player, she won 130 caps for England and captained the Great Britain team at the 2012 Olympics. After retiring from playing, Stoney transitioned into management, where she initially gained recognition as the manager of Manchester United’s women’s team. However, her decision to leave Manchester United and join the newly-formed San Diego Wave would prove to be a pivotal moment in her career.

In the first two seasons with San Diego, Stoney led the team to impressive performances, finishing third in their debut season and topping the standings in the second. Despite some struggles in her third season, where the Wave only secured three wins out of 14 games, Stoney had shown promise and had laid a solid foundation for the club’s future. Still, the abrupt termination of her contract was a bitter blow.

Stoney had seen the job with San Diego as a long-term project, especially after overcoming personal challenges to reunite with her partner and children in California. The difficulties the family had faced to move to the US made the job loss even more difficult to accept. “It took 22 months to get them out there, we were 22 months apart, we weren’t even out there a year [together] and I lost my job,” she shares.

Embracing International Football: The Canada Opportunity

After taking the necessary time to heal, both personally and professionally, Stoney began to reassess her future in football. Although she had considered other roles, she found herself drawn to an opportunity that would take her to the international stage. The position of head coach for Canada’s national women’s football team became available, and Stoney was intrigued.

Initially, Stoney was hesitant to move into international management, as she had always loved working with players on a daily basis. However, after an extensive interview process that lasted several months, Stoney began to feel excited about the prospect of leading Canada. She was particularly impressed with the thoroughness of the interview process, which included discussions with other figures, such as Jesse Marsch, the manager of Canada’s men’s team, who had made a similar transition from club football to the international game.

Stoney was also drawn to Canada’s organization and leadership, which she felt aligned with her own values. “I really liked that it was extensive. It meant that their hiring process was thorough. I got to interview them as much as they interviewed me,” Stoney says. The fact that Canada was willing to allow her to continue living in California was also a key factor in her decision to take the role.

A Fresh Start: Stoney’s New Role with Canada

Now, as Canada’s head coach, Stoney is excited to get back to doing what she loves: working with players and shaping a team’s future. Canada, who are currently ranked sixth in the world, have had their own share of challenges in recent years. The team was embroiled in controversy during the Paris Olympics when two coaching staff members were sent home for flying a drone over a New Zealand training session. Despite this, Stoney sees great potential in the team and is focused on guiding them toward success.

Stoney’s first major task was the Pinatar Cup in Spain, where Canada triumphed in a four-team tournament, defeating Chinese Taipei 7-0, Mexico 2-0, and drawing 1-1 with China. Stoney is optimistic about the team’s future, saying, “This team excites me. I do think they’ve got so much potential.”

The journey that began with heartbreak and uncertainty has now led Stoney to a new chapter in her career. Although the road was tough, Stoney is now back in a position where she feels fulfilled and motivated once again. With Canada’s World Cup aspirations on the horizon, Stoney is ready to help take the team to the next level.

Stoney’s Resilience: A Testament to Strength and Perseverance

Casey Stoney’s story is one of resilience, strength, and the ability to overcome immense challenges. From the personal and professional turmoil she faced following her unexpected sacking, to her decision to return to international football, Stoney has shown remarkable perseverance. Her journey is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always the possibility for renewal and growth. As the new head coach of Canada, Stoney is poised to lead the team to new heights and continue her legacy as one of the most influential figures in women’s football.