Bev Priestman is rediscovering her passion for football after a challenging period away from the game. The Wellington Phoenix head coach recently celebrated her 40th birthday, a milestone that prompted reflection on a year defined by a FIFA ban and intense public scrutiny following the Olympic spying scandal involving Canada's women's team.
Priestman describes the profound isolation she experienced after the events in Paris, noting how inaccurate media reports compounded her sense of being cut off from the sport she loves. "You just become very isolated in a job where it is about being part of a team," she explained, highlighting the personal toll of the controversy.
Her move to Wellington, New Zealand, offered a fresh start far from the spotlight. As the only professional women's football team in the country, the Phoenix compete in Australia's A-League Women's. Under Priestman's guidance this season, the team has transformed from perennial underdogs into serious contenders, boasting the league's best attack and defense.
The Phoenix secured a second-place finish in the 2025-26 regular season, earning a bye in the first week of the playoffs. They now face a critical semi-final second leg against Brisbane Roar, trailing 2-1. A victory would propel them into a historic first grand final, with temporary seating added to Porirua Park to accommodate an expected crowd of 5,000.
Priestman's impact extends beyond tactics. She has fostered breakout performances from players like Brooke Nunn and Grace Jale, while nurturing teenage talent Pia Vlok. The team's success has ignited a local football community, with Priestman noting increased recognition around Wellington—a stark contrast to her initial arrival.
For Priestman, the joy lies in the daily work of coaching and mentorship. "The biggest joy I’ve had the most this year is just again, getting back on the pitch, working with people who want to be better," she said. This renewed sense of purpose is a welcome change from the safety concerns and isolation she previously faced.
Her wife, Emma Humphries, who serves as the Phoenix's academy director, also helped facilitate the transition to New Zealand. Together, they are part of a growing movement to elevate women's football in the region, with Priestman hopeful that the club's success will showcase the sport's potential.
Based on reporting from Football | The Guardian.