Denver Summit FC hire Nick Cushing as first head coach

Denver Summit FC appointed their first head coach on Wednesday, bringing in Nick Cushing to lead the expansion side in their inaugural year.

Cushing has spent nearly two decades with one ownership groups, working between Manchester City Women and MLS side New York City FC. The Summit say they hired him because of his experience from the FA Women’s Super League as well as a proven track record of building strong teams at the highest levels.

“In order to be successful right away, you need people who have experienced environments like this, have built organizations, and have had success,” Denver Summit FC general manager Curt Johnson said in a news release. “Nick brings world-class experience, a passion for player development, and a tactical vision that will excite Summit supporters. He’s won major trophies and is the right leader to guide us into our first season and beyond.”

Cushing’s most recent gig was at Manchester City Women, where he returned as interim head coach for the conclusion of the 2024–25 FA WSL season, following a two-year tenure as head coach of New York City FC in MLS. He had previously led Manchester City Women to six major trophies, including the 2016 FA WSL title, and was named FA WSL Manager of the Year that same season.

“Denver Summit FC’s commitment to building a world-class soccer organization really inspired me,” Cushing said in a news release. “We have a passionate, committed fanbase and we have to put a team on the field that replicates that. Our team will play an attacking form of the game that excites our stadium and makes things difficult for our opponents. We want to create a winning team as well as a great experience for all of Colorado.”

The first player Johnson has signed should align with Cushing’s vision for the club. Forward Ally Watt is the team’s first player and Denver will use her attacking capabilities.

“My responsibility is to play a form of the game that, one, excites those fans; two, gives our players real energy to play but; three, makes it really difficult for people to come here to play,” Cushing told ESPN.

Watt matches the mission that has been shared by the Summit so far. They want to build a club with ties to Colorado that can compete on the global stage. The signing of Watt is a great first step toward their goal, but the bringing in of Cushing reveals another goal — ownership wants a high-scoring and attacking unit.

The Summit will debut in 2026, alongside Boston, as the 16th NWSL franchise. Denver’s team will play out of a temporary home in Centennial before a permanent stadium on I-25 and Broadway can be built in time for the 2028 season. The team announced its name and branding late last month.

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