For Rhian Wilkinson, managing Wales felt like destiny. After taking charge just 15 months ago, she's achieved what no coach before her could – guiding Wales Women to their first-ever major tournament qualification.
"This is a wonderful team, great people, fantastic footballers," Wilkinson told BBC Sport Wales ahead of their Euro 2025 opener against the Netherlands. "It will be right up there in the greatest moments of my career to stand there and watch these women take the field."
The Welsh Connection
Despite being born in Canada and earning 183 caps as a player for them, Wilkinson's Welsh roots run deep. Her mother Shan is Welsh, and Wilkinson spent 18 months living in Cowbridge as a child, even attending Bont Faen Primary School.
"When the job came up after Jayne Ludlow stepped down, I was sorely tempted to apply," she revealed. When Gemma Grainger later left the post, Wilkinson couldn't sleep that night – she knew this was her chance.
Her connection to Wales is personal and emotional. Wilkinson still has family in Wales, including her grandmother in Cowbridge and relatives in Cardiff. She even chose to announce Wales' Euro 2025 squad at Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), a mountain with deep family significance.
From Player to World-Class Coach
Wilkinson's impressive playing career included four Olympic Games and two bronze medals with Canada. She ranks among the 50 most-capped female players in history.
As a coach, she climbed the ladder quickly. After assistant roles with Canada, England, and Team GB, she led Portland Thorns to an NWSL Championship in her first season as head coach.
Her time at Portland ended controversially due to a relationship with a player (the couple later married), but she was fully exonerated by the NWSL. This challenging period ultimately led her back to Wales.
Taking over wasn't easy. Players were frustrated by Grainger's departure and initially hoped assistant Jon Grey would get the job. But Wilkinson won them over with results and her inspiring leadership.
"When she speaks, it makes me want to run through a brick wall for her," said Wales defender Rhiannon Roberts. Teammate Josie Green added: "She delivers messages and I think 'wow, that is such an impassioned and empowered speech'."
Wilkinson masterfully guided Wales through Nations League B promotion before orchestrating their Euro qualification through tough play-off victories against Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland.
For bettors, Wales represents an intriguing underdog option at Euro 2025. Wilkinson's tactical flexibility and ability to maximize her squad's potential could lead to some surprise results against higher-ranked opposition.
As Wales prepares to face the Netherlands in their opening match, they'll be considered underdogs. But Wilkinson's team has developed a reputation for exceeding expectations and performing in pressure situations.
Jess Fishlock, Wales' most capped player, perhaps summed up Wilkinson's impact best: "The depth of our squad is going to be our secret weapon. But also, I don't think we get the depth without her. She's the first manager who has given those opportunities."
For a team making their major tournament debut, having a coach with Wilkinson's international experience could prove invaluable. Her destiny with Wales is just beginning.
