Fort Lauderdale United names Ali Rogers USL Super League Head Coach
Rogers is promoted while Tyrone Mears moves upstairs to focus on the bigger picture- including next year's USL League One launch
Fort Lauderdale United FC has officially named Alissa “Ali” Rogers as the club’s new Head Coach, a historic appointment that makes her the first woman to hold the position in club history. Rogers, who has been serving as the acting head coach since the start of the preseason, was formerly the team’s Associate Head Coach.
In a related move, former Head Coach Tyrone Mears has been elevated to the role of President of Soccer, where he will continue to shape the club's long-term strategic vision. The moves were announced at a press conference earlier today.
This move was no surprise as Rogers has become more visibly vocal on the Fort Lauderdale touchline in recent weeks. The move also allows Mears to begin building along with General Manager Aly Hassan the squad for FTL United’s USL League One launch next season.
“It was always part of our plan for Ali Rogers to take on the head coach role, and I’m thrilled to see it come to fruition,” Mears said. “I’ve truly enjoyed my time working directly with this group, and Ali has my full support as she leads the team forward. We’re excited to continue building on our success and to play our part in growing the women’s game.”
At the press conference, I asked Mears specifically about the challenges of building a squad for USL League One and he lauded FC Naples’ build this past off-season as well as discussing a broader vision of integrating the youth talent pool in South Florida into the broader club. Fort Lauderdale United’s USL2 men’s squad reached the national quarterfinals this past season, so the building blocks are already there.
Rogers has been an integral part of Fort Lauderdale United FC since its inception, helping the team achieve a 12-9-9 record and a berth in the Super League Final during its inaugural season. Her promotion is a significant milestone for the league, making her just the third woman currently serving as a head coach, alongside Denise Schilte-Brown of Tampa Bay and Stacey Balaam of Sporting JAX. She is the sixth female head coach in Super League history.
“It’s an incredible honor to be named Head Coach of Fort Lauderdale United FC,” Rogers stated. “Leading this club at such an exciting time is a privilege, and I’m ready to continue building on the progress we’ve already made. To be just the third woman head coach in the league, and the sixth overall, is something I don’t take lightly. I know the importance of representation, and I’m proud to be part of paving the way for more women in leadership roles in professional soccer.”
Hassan expressed confidence in the new appointment. “We’re thrilled to officially name Ali Rogers as our head coach,” Hassan said. “She’s been a very valuable part of our club’s progress — shaping our identity, setting high standards, and building strong relationships within the team. Her impact has been felt in every part of the organization, and this promotion reflects both her leadership and the belief we have in her vision. We’re proud to take this next step with her at the helm.”
Rogers’ coaching career is marked by a history of success at the collegiate and professional levels. Prior to her time with Fort Lauderdale United FC, she served as Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Dartmouth College, where she helped the team achieve an unprecedented unbeaten start. She also spent five years at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), guiding the program to multiple ASUN regular-season and tournament championships and NCAA tournament appearances. Her role as ECNL Director and Head Coach for Florida West further highlights her commitment to developing young talent.
In addition to her new head coaching duties, Rogers will continue to play a critical role in the club’s youth development as the Girls Academy Technical Director, College Advisor, and Girls Liaison to Florida West FC.
Rogers also brings elite playing experience to the role. A standout player and team captain at FGCU, she was a First Team All-Conference selection and conference MVP before a professional career in Poland's Ekstraliga was cut short by injury.
“I have been acting as head coach since the start of preseason, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation we have already established,” Rogers added. “I will give my full commitment to establishing Fort Lauderdale United FC as a top team in the league and to solidifying our reputation as a prominent and respected club in professional soccer.”