Richmond Ivy announces new head coach ahead of second season

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond Ivy -- the city's United Soccer League women’s team -- has announced a new head coach ahead of their second season.

According to an announcement from the team's website on Tuesday, March 4, Fred Owusu Sekyere will bring his experience, both as a player and a coach, to the club.

“I am excited to be named as the Head Coach for the Richmond Ivy for the 2025 season,” Sekyere said. “I look forward to working with Madeline and the rest of the staff to create the best possible experience for our players and dedicated fans throughout the season. I would like to thank both Rob and Madeline for this opportunity. It is an honor to join the Richmond Ivy family and I can’t wait to get started.”

During his career, Sekyere served as a pro player for the Charlotte Eagles in 2014, before joining the Richmond Kickers in 2015. Between 2021 and 2022, Sekyere worked as a volunteer assistant coach at VCU -- his alma mater -- before serving George Mason as an assistant coach in 2023. In 2024, he returned to VCU and eventually became the interim head coach.

“We are excited to have Owusu leading the Ivy women this summer,” Richmond Ivy Chairman and CEO Rob Ukrop said. “Owusu has deep roots in the RVA community, impacting many kids and families from his previous stints with the pro team and as a local youth coach. His personal touch and connection with players will help our squad find their full potential this season.”

In a social post on Tuesday, the soccer club thanked former head coach Kimmy Cummings for her contributions during the team's first season last year.