COACH SPOTLIGHT: VICTOR PLASSÉ
AFC Ann Arbor women’s head coach shares his journey, philosophy and vision heading into the upcoming season.
By: Maya Faro
Victor Plassé brings a global perspective to the sidelines as the head coach of AFC Ann Arbor’s women’s team. Now entering his second season as head coach, he previously spent three seasons as an assistant with the team. The club’s culture has inspired and motivated him as he looks ahead to the upcoming season.
For Plassé, his role at AFC Ann Arbor represents more than just soccer — it represents purpose.
A Lifelong Journey
He has had a relationship with soccer throughout his entire life. It was only within the past six years, however, that he realized his purpose was to be a head coach.
While serving as an assistant at AFC Ann Arbor, he was also the head coach at Milan High School. He credits two key moments that led him to becoming a head coach in Ann Arbor.
The first came during the Milan girls soccer 2022 season, when he brought in AFC Ann Arbor players — including Jayde Riviere — to support and inspire the team. Milan went on to win the District Championship, with AFC Ann Arbor players supporting the girls throughout the run. That support had a lasting impact.
“The joy that they had on their faces to support me and the team, especially being happy for them to win,” Plassé said.
The second moment was realizing the impact he could have on his players’ lives. Having coached at the recreation, club, and college levels, he understands that his role extends beyond the field. Supporting players’ personal growth and connecting them with their community is just as important as winning games.
A Global Perspective
His international background has also shaped his coaching style, exposing him to “different interpretations of the game.”
Having experienced soccer in different countries, he sees the game as something approached through problem-solving and decision-making, with creativity as the most important element. He has turned that perspective into a strategy that helps players see the game through their own unique lens.
“It’s who I adapt to be with the players, and it’s who I want them to adapt with me,” he said.
Although he enjoys winning tournaments, what he is most proud of is the relationships he builds with his players. Watching them grow and seeing who they become over time is what matters most.
“When former players and families stay connected, and they trust your work and you trust what they did for you, it’s a real measure of success — more so than winning championships every single year,” he said.
Why AFC Ann Arbor?
AFC Ann Arbor represents a unique part of the soccer community.
“AFC Ann Arbor represents an ambition — it’s a community and it has a purpose,” Plassé said. “The club is competitive, it’s rooted in the values and the people of Ann Arbor and the nearby areas.”
His goal is to continue inspiring that same pride in his players that he feels throughout the community. The opportunity to build a team that reflects that identity is what makes the role so meaningful.
Coaching Philosophy
His coaching philosophy is constantly evolving, but it is rooted in being proactive, intelligent, and supportive of players.
“I want them to feel like, wow, this coach is growing me one percent. He’s challenging me. It’s giving me something else to think about that I never normally think about,” he said.
When everyone has what they need to thrive, a successful and supportive environment follows.
At the start of his first season as head coach, he told players to believe in the season and the culture they were building together. His motto: “Do your best, you can, and forget about the rest.”
He also emphasizes “TNT,” or tiny noticeable things — the small details players can control that make a difference.
As players embraced a mindset of organization, discipline, and fearlessness, it began to show on and off the field.
“The togetherness from day one started to grow, and I’ve never seen such a beautiful moment of togetherness at the end of the season,” he said.
Moments that Matter
When asked about his favorite memories with the Mighty Oak, he points to the moments when everything comes together.
After weeks or months of hard work lead to a great game — when everyone is healthy and performing together — those are the moments that stand out. Resilience and trust define those experiences.
“When you have grit, you have unity, and when you have unity, you have pride,” he said.
Looking Ahead to the Season
As the new season approaches, he is eager to show Ann Arbor the results of his players’ hard work. Focused on building something special, he has been recruiting players whose hunger matches that of the returning group.
“We want to compete with heart, play with purpose, and build a team that represents the strength of what AFC Ann Arbor stands for,” he said.
He believes this will be a season to remember and has a message for supporters:
“Come with the heart to watch a team that has a heart to compete with a purpose and represent their community every step of the way.”