Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” the CEO stated.
The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements has already commenced, to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.
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