Racing Louisville's Michelle Betos and Christy Holly find new home

NWSL expansion team provides fresh start for veteran players and coach

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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For veteran goalkeeper Michelle Betos and head coach Christy Holly, the new NWSL expansion team Racing Louisville is already feeling like a dream come true. After years of playing and coaching in the league, they have found a welcoming new home in Louisville, Kentucky that is fostering a special start to the club's inaugural season.

Why it matters

The launch of an NWSL expansion team provides opportunities for experienced players and coaches to join a new organization and help build a culture from the ground up. Betos and Holly bring a wealth of knowledge that can shape the early development of Racing Louisville as it seeks to establish itself as a competitive force in the league.

The details

Betos, a 33-year-old goalkeeper, has played in the NWSL since 2013 with the Seattle Reign, Portland Thorns, and most recently NJ/NY Gotham FC. Holly, the head coach, has over a decade of coaching experience in the NWSL, USL, and youth levels. Together, they are helping to lay the foundation for Racing Louisville in its first season, aiming to create a winning culture and identity for the expansion club.

  • Racing Louisville FC was founded in 2020 and began play in the NWSL in 2021.
  • Michelle Betos joined Racing Louisville in January 2026 after previous stints with Seattle Reign, Portland Thorns, and NJ/NY Gotham FC.
  • Christy Holly was named the first head coach of Racing Louisville in November 2020, bringing over 10 years of NWSL, USL, and youth coaching experience.

The players

Michelle Betos

A 33-year-old goalkeeper who has played in the NWSL since 2013 with the Seattle Reign, Portland Thorns, and most recently NJ/NY Gotham FC.

Christy Holly

The first head coach of Racing Louisville FC, bringing over 10 years of coaching experience in the NWSL, USL, and youth levels.

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What they’re saying

“This feels like a dream come true. To be part of building something special from the ground up is an incredible opportunity.”

— Michelle Betos, Goalkeeper, Racing Louisville FC (Racing Louisville FC)

“The energy and excitement around this club is palpable. We're creating a culture and identity that the city of Louisville can be proud of.”

— Christy Holly, Head Coach, Racing Louisville FC (Racing Louisville FC)

What’s next

Racing Louisville FC will play its inaugural home match at Lynn Family Stadium on April 10, 2026, hosting the Orlando Pride.

The takeaway

The launch of an NWSL expansion team provides a fresh start and exciting new challenge for veteran players and coaches like Michelle Betos and Christy Holly, who are helping to build Racing Louisville FC into a competitive force in the league from the ground up.