After coaching the Mariners women’s team to glory in the Ninja A-League grand final, Emily Husband is set to leave the club and take up a prestigious position as full time Assistant Coach for the Matildas.
Husband will join newly appointed head coach Joe Montemurro as part of the leadership team guiding Australia’s Senior Women’s National Team into a new era.
Husband joined the Mariners in March 2023, announced as the Head Coach for the returning women’s team after a successful stint at Sydney University in NPL NSW.
After building the team from scratch ahead of the 2023/24 season, Husband surpassed all expectations as she guided the women to a fifth-place finish, before narrowly losing to eventual Champions Sydney FC over two legs in the semi-finals.
The team would go one better in 2024/25, finishing in fourth place and booking a home elimination final, where a 2-1 win over Canberra United would kickstart a finals run for the ages.
The Mariners knocked out unbeaten Premiers Melbourne City over two legs in the semi-finals, with Izzy Gomez’s late strike sending them to the grand final at AAMI Park.
Husband’s team overcame a star-studded Melbourne Victory side on penalties in one of the most iconic Ninja A-League grand finals.
It was a momentous achievement, with the club winning its first ever women’s championship, and Husband becoming just the fourth female head coach to oversee a championship-winning team.
“I’d just like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity in the first place, I wouldn’t be where I am without it,” Husband said.
“To all the staff and players that I have worked with over the past two years, thank you for your effort and commitment.
I will never forget the amazing memories and success we shared together.
“Finally, I want to thank the Mariners Family.
“The Central Coast is such a special place.
“For us to go from having no supporter base to having 1,000-2,000 fans at every game has been incredible and you have truly been the 12th player for the team.”
Mariners CEO Greg Brownlow expressed gratitude and admiration for Husband, whose leadership and dedication he said had made an indelible mark on the club’s football program.
“Her remarkable success on the field is testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence, discipline and teamwork, and has inspired both players and staff alike,” he said.
“Beyond the on-field success, Emily has been a mentor, a role model and a pillar of integrity and passion.
“While we are extremely sad to see Emily go, we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished, and we are excited to see what she achieves next.
“We wish Emily nothing but the very best in her next chapter.
“As a club, we will now commence our search for our next Ninja A-League Head Coach.
“We will take our time to find the right person who connects with the Mariners’ organisational strategies.”
Husband said “It’s an honour to be appointed as Assistant Coach to the CommBank Matildas.
“To be trusted with the chance to contribute, even in a small way, to the Matildas and their future is an absolute privilege.
“They are such an important part of Australian sport and culture, and I’m really excited to help push the team forward.”
