At a press conference at the Hyatt Centric on Beale this morning, the Memphis Americans indoor soccer team announced Corey Adamson as its player-coach. Adamson will take charge of both the men and women’s teams for the upcoming season, and will play as part of the men’s roster.
“There were some great options when I was evaluating our coaching staff,” said National Indoor Soccer League co-founder and Memphis Americans co-owner Andrew Haines. “But this market is special, and I wanted to make sure we got that special person that can do the things I know is needed. This guy [Adamson] is the best I’ve ever seen in the community. That’s hands down. I’ve owned teams for 20 years, not a single player or coach has been better in the community than our new head coach.”
Adamson is an indoor soccer veteran, having played nine seasons of arena soccer in the Unitd States. He started his career with the Las Vegas Legends in 2012 before joining the St. Louis Ambush the following year. Adamson also played for the Milwaukee Wave, Cedar Rapids Rampage, and acted in a hybrid player/assistant coach role for the Orlando SeaWolves. Overall, he scored 53 goals and 17 assists in 114 career games.
“Indoor soccer, from the first time I played, I was never going back to anywhere else,” said Adamson. “Andrew saw me back in 2013 [in St. Louis], and I remember the first game like it was five hours ago.
I’m very excited to start to build not only the brand of indoor soccer here, but continue the legacy of the tremendous talent that’s come before me,” he continued. “Part of my role here is building the brand of women’s professional soccer. I’m very excited that the ownership group has worked hard to give me the same budget, the same equipment, the same facilities for both the men and women’s teams. It’s true equality across the board and we’re looking forward to partnering with more sponsors, more local talents, and bringing in some high-level names.
“One of the biggest keys I think that Andrew can attest to, and my former teammates and coaches — I’m a huge collaborator. I feel like I can learn from everybody, everybody can give you a better perspective in life, a better perspective on every part of your relationships, whether they be personal or business.”
Joining Adamson as assistant coach is Bo Melson, member of the 1983-84 Memphis Americans, and the first African-American to play professional indoor soccer.
“I started in Atlanta, but I moved to Memphis so I could have more opportunities to play as a youth, and professionally,” said Melson. “But soccer wasn’t even here when I arrived!” After finding a youth team, Melson honed his skills and eventually played for Memphis State University and trained with the U.S. Olympic soccer team before joining up with the Americans.
“I was chasing a dream then, and I’m chasing the dream now,” he continued. “We’re going to build the same legend as we had back then, and I just appreciate the opportunity. We’re going to have a good time. The Memphis Americans are back.”
Visit memphisamericans.com for more information