Denver Summit FC Appoints Nick Cushing as Head Coach
Denver Summit FC has made headlines by appointing Nick Cushing as their inaugural head coach, a decision celebrated for its shared commitment to building a premier soccer organization. Cushing, who has dedicated nearly twenty years to the City Football Group (CFG), has previously led notable teams like Manchester City Women and New York City FC. With Denver set to join the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) as an expansion team in 2026, Cushing expressed his enthusiasm about starting this new journey away from CFG, telling ESPN,
“I am eager to demonstrate my capability and contribute to establishing this organization from the ground level.”
Transition and Vision
Having recently stepped back into the role of interim manager for Manchester City Women, following Gareth Taylor’s dismissal, Cushing transitioned from NYCFC after the 2024 MLS season and now aims to replicate his successful strategies in Denver. During his impressive tenure at Manchester City Women, he led the team to six significant trophies, thrusting them into the newly established Women’s Super League in 2014.
Cushing reflected on the complexities of beginning anew, acknowledging the high expectations placed upon him, which mirror his early days at Manchester City.
“Building a brand new team is multifaceted and challenging,”
he noted. He placed importance on making strategic choices over the upcoming six months alongside his management team, which includes general manager Curt Johnson and assistant GM David Vaught, to ensure competitiveness within the league.
Gameplay and Player Development
In terms of gameplay, Cushing aims for an attacking style, a vision shaped by his CFG experience. He is dedicated to scouting players who not only fit this aggressive approach but also resonate with the local community. In a move toward that goal, Denver has secured forward Ally Watt from Orlando, marking her as the first player for the new team, although she will remain on loan to Orlando until the conclusion of 2025. Additionally, Johnson highlighted a commitment to nurturing the wealth of female talent emerging from Colorado while also seeking experienced NWSL players like Watt, who previously celebrated victory with Orlando.
“Constructing this squad resembles assembling a jigsaw puzzle; as each piece comes together, the broader image becomes clearer,”
Cushing articulated, emphasizing his intent to develop young talent. Citing England stars like Keira Walsh and Lauren Hemp as significant success stories from his City tenure, he underscored the importance of having experienced players to lead the team.
Community Engagement and Future Aspirations
Johnson expressed confidence in Cushing’s abilities, stating,
“Nick not only possesses world-class experience and a vision that will invigorate our supporters, but he is also the right leader to steer us through our inaugural season and beyond.”
Having closely followed the NWSL during his time at Manchester City, Cushing is enthusiastic about entering this new chapter in women’s soccer, inspired by friends in the league, including national team coach Casey Stoney. Looking ahead, he communicated his seriousness about laying a strong foundation for the franchise while generating an exciting atmosphere for both fans and players alike.
With the NWSL expansion season debuting next year alongside Boston Legacy FC, Cushing’s commitment to engaging the community and fostering a passionate fanbase stands as a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy.
“I take the responsibility of energizing our supporters seriously; we must create gameplay that electrifies them and is challenging for opponents,”
he remarked as the countdown to the January launch begins.
