Hue Menzies facts for kids

Hue Alphanso Menzies is a football manager and former player. He was born on March 10, 1964. He is famous for leading the Jamaica women's national team to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. This was a huge achievement! It was the first time a team from the Caribbean qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Playing Career

Hue Menzies played as a defender during his time as a player. He played college soccer for the Hardin–Simmons Cowboys from 1982 to 1985.

In the mid-1980s, Menzies played professionally for two seasons. He played for the Orlando Lions and the Houston Dynamos.

Coaching Career

Starting in the United States

Menzies began coaching in 1983 while still in college. He coached youth soccer teams to earn extra money. Later, he left his job in finance to coach full-time.

From 1993 to 1997, he coached the boys' soccer team at Abilene High School. He also helped coach the Longhorns women's soccer team at the University of Texas at Austin for two years. Menzies also worked with the U.S. Olympic Development Program (ODP). He even coached the U.S. women's under-19 team at the 2004 FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship.

In 2004, Menzies helped start Lone Star Soccer Club in Austin, Texas. He served as a director there. Later, he became the director of coaching for Central Florida United. Since 2012, he has been the executive director of Elite Clubs National League club Florida Kraze Krush. This club has helped over 400 players go to U.S. colleges. Menzies has a special "A" coaching license from U.S. Soccer.

Leading the Jamaica Women's Team

In 2015, Menzies became the head coach and technical director of the Jamaica women's national team. He joined as a volunteer because there was no budget for the women's team coach. Before he joined, Jamaica's women's teams had never qualified for a major international tournament.

He first led the team in November 2015 for Olympic qualifying matches. Jamaica lost and did not advance. The national team was then stopped for two years.

Menzies was contacted again in February 2018 to prepare the team for World Cup qualifying. Jamaica won their group and advanced. In the final qualifying round, Jamaica won all four matches. This helped them qualify for the 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship.

At the 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship, Jamaica was in Group B. They lost to Canada but then had a big 1–0 win against Costa Rica. They also beat Cuba 9–0. Jamaica finished second in their group and went to the semi-finals. They lost to the United States.

In the third-place play-off, Jamaica played Panama. The winner would go to the World Cup. The game was tied 2–2 after extra time. It went to a penalty shoot-out. Goalkeeper Nicole McClure saved two shots, helping Jamaica win 4–2 on penalties. This meant Jamaica qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup in France! It was the first time a Caribbean nation made it to the Women's World Cup. Because of this success, Menzies was named the 2018 women's football coach of the year by CONCACAF.

Menzies worked hard to improve women's football in Jamaica. He helped players join clubs in Europe and other places. This allowed them to train and play more often.

At the 2019 World Cup, Jamaica was in Group C. They played against Australia, Brazil, and Italy. Weeks before the tournament, the players signed contracts for the first time. Menzies also received payment after volunteering since 2015.

Menzies resigned from his role with the Jamaica national team in December 2019. He mentioned financial problems and issues with the football federation.

Coaching NJ/NY Gotham FC

In August 2022, Menzies was named the interim head coach of NJ/NY Gotham FC. This team plays in the National Women's Soccer League.

Personal Life

Hue Menzies was born in London, England. When he was four, he moved to Jamaica with his family. He grew up there. In 1980, at age 16, he moved to the United States. He later earned a college scholarship to Hardin–Simmons University.

After his playing career, Menzies earned an MBA degree from New York University. He worked in investment banking for six years. He also taught algebra at Abilene High School. Menzies lives in Orlando, Florida, and is an American citizen.

Awards and Achievements

Manager

Jamaica Women

• CONCACAF Women's Championship third place: 2018

Individual

• CONCACAF Women's Football Coach of the Year: 2018