East Wake Times

Success in sports is often a team effort, and the North Carolina Courage's achievements in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) are no exception. The club has secured seven league trophies, an NWSL record, and earned the NWSL Shield during its first three years in North Carolina. This success is attributed to a culture emphasizing hard work, accountability, fitness, and a challenging training environment.

A key figure behind this success is Mike Young, the Director of Performance for the Courage. Young is renowned in sports performance circles, having worked with top teams like Liverpool and Arsenal as well as NBA and rugby teams. Since joining the Courage in 2017, he has been instrumental in integrating sports science into soccer.

"When I first got into the sport about 15 years ago, that kind of thing hadn’t really been done at a high level," Young said. "Now, people are catching up to a science-based approach to training... But we still look to keep an edge."

Young's approach involves comprehensive data collection on fitness, nutrition, and injury prevention. "There is nothing that we do... that doesn’t get calculated or measured," said Courage defender Kaleigh Kurtz.

The use of biometric data from devices like Oura Rings and player surveys helps tailor individual training plans. "We’re taking biometric data... We take into account the demands of travel and the gym," Young explained.

This individualized approach aligns with Young's philosophy: "Each player is treated as an individual... fair is not equal." This strategy has contributed to players' endurance and performance levels.

Kurtz exemplifies this impact; she holds the NWSL record for consecutive regular season minutes without missing any playtime over three seasons. "He understands our bodies and he can push us to be our best," Kurtz said.

Young's diverse background includes experience in track and field, basketball, American football, and soccer since 2009 with the then-Carolina RailHawks. His time there led to successful stints with other teams before joining MLS’s Vancouver Whitecaps.

"I’ve worked across multiple different domains," Young noted. His varied experiences allow him to apply unique insights from different sports to soccer.

Courage Head Coach Sean Nahas praised Young's contributions: "Every day has to be more difficult than a match weekend... There’s no player that comes into our environment that doesn’t get better."

Players also appreciate his influence. Courage captain Denise O’Sullivan stated: "We all call Mike the G.O.A.T.... Training is never easy with Mike here."

Young finds fulfillment in helping players reach their potential: "I’m very grateful I’ve been able to have an impact on the club... It’s just been great to be a part of this team."

His efforts have positioned the Courage at the forefront of sports science while continuously pushing players toward new heights.