PORTLAND, Ore. — On Tuesday, the Portland Thorns introduced their new head coach, Rhian Wilkinson, who will lead the team starting in 2022.

The former Canadian national team player and two-time Olympic bronze medalist had played for the Thorns for a short period of time in 2015. She most recently served as an assistant coach with the England Women's National Team.

Her hiring comes after former players came forward with allegations of sexual assault against former coach Paul Riley, who left the team in 2016.

The current head coach of the Thorns, Mark Parsons, announced in the spring he was leaving at the end of the year to coach the Netherlands Women's National Team.

Wilkinson spoke on those changes at a press conference Tuesday.

"Me earning their trust and earning their respect, and there's a real bias toward female coaches - from the players as well. And that's because there haven't been many of us,” said Wilkinson. “So for the players, for the staff...it's making sure they know I know what I'm talking about I haven't just landed this role because ‘we need women straight away.'”

Wilkinson says she hopes to be an example to all players who want to continue any connection to the game.

General Manager Karina LeBlanc says Wilkinson is a culture-first coach who will take the Thorns where they need to go.