Durham Reporter

Success in sports is often a team effort, and the North Carolina Courage's achievements in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) are no exception. The club holds a record of seven league trophies and earned the NWSL Shield during its first three years in North Carolina. This success is attributed to a culture emphasizing hard work, accountability, rigorous training, and fitness.

A key figure behind this culture is Mike Young, the Director of Performance for the Courage. Young is renowned in sports performance, having worked with top athletes and teams globally. His experience includes working with European football clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as NBA and rugby teams. Since 2017, Young has been instrumental in shaping the Courage's approach to sports science.

Young's methods integrate data analysis with his extensive coaching experience. He remarked on how sports science has evolved: “When I first got into the sport about 15 years ago, that kind of thing hadn’t really been done at a high level... we still look to keep an edge and stay on the leading edge of sport science.”

Data plays a crucial role in Young’s strategy, covering aspects from fitness to injury prevention. "There is nothing that we do... that doesn’t get calculated or measured," said Courage defender Kaleigh Kurtz.

Young uses various data sources, including biometric data from Oura Rings and player surveys assessing recovery and energy levels. "We’re taking biometric data from Oura Rings... All this data goes into a big proverbial pot," Young explained.

This approach supports the Courage’s philosophy on performance: “We train very hard compared to most other teams,” said Young.

Training loads are customized for each player based on individual needs. “Each player is treated as an individual,” Young stated.

Kurtz exemplifies Young's impact on players; she holds the NWSL consecutive regular season minutes record without missing a minute over three seasons. "He understands our bodies," Kurtz noted.

Young’s career began outside soccer, initially in track and field before moving into other sports like basketball and American football. His first soccer role was with the Carolina RailHawks in 2009.

His diverse background informs his philosophy: “I’ve worked across multiple different domains... It also allowed me to think outside of the box."

Track and field’s focus on physical prowess influences his approach: “Track & field is brutally honest... I try to take that focus... to a sport like soccer,” he said.

Courage Head Coach Sean Nahas praised Young’s contributions: “Every day has to be more difficult than a match weekend... There’s no player that comes into our environment that doesn’t get better.”

Players appreciate Young’s dedication; Courage captain Denise O’Sullivan called him "the G.O.A.T." She added: "Training is never easy with Mike here."

Young finds fulfillment in helping players achieve their goals: “I’m very grateful I’ve been able to have an impact on the club.”

Mike Young continues to leave a significant impact on both the North Carolina Courage team dynamics and individual player development through his innovative approach to sports science.