Seattle Reign Coach Laura Harvey Admits to Using AI Tool for Team Tactic Development
Reign head coach Laura Harvey has revealed that she utilized the large language model ChatGPT to inform her team's tactics for multiple NWSL matches this season. In an interview on the Soccerish Podcast, Harvey explained how she initially asked the AI tool questions about tactics and strategy in the league, which led to more detailed insights on how to beat specific teams.
According to Harvey, she began by asking ChatGPT what Seattle Reign's identity was, only to receive a response that she wasn't entirely sure was accurate. However, when she asked the AI for its suggestion on formations to employ against NWSL teams, it provided a back-five formation as an option. And so, Harvey decided to give it a try.
The results were notable. While the team played with a back five in April against Orlando Pride, they suffered a 1-0 loss despite generating about 0.5 more expected goals than usual. However, since then, the Reign have continued to employ the formation, which has led to significant improvements in their results. The team is now fourth in the league and has secured a playoff spot.
Harvey attributed her decision to use ChatGPT as part of a thorough research process, with her coaching staff conducting a deep dive into the AI's suggestions. While the exact teams they used the tactic against remain unknown, Harvey did acknowledge that it was an unconventional approach.
The Reign's transformation under Harvey's leadership has been marked by improvement in results compared to last season. The team finished second from bottom in the league then, but this year they are a significant step up, having secured a playoff spot with their improved form.
Harvey, who has previously managed Arsenal and Utah Royals among other teams, expressed her willingness to experiment with new ideas and tools to gain an edge over opponents. As she continues to navigate the NWSL landscape, it remains to be seen how often AI will feature in her team's strategic planning.
				
			Reign head coach Laura Harvey has revealed that she utilized the large language model ChatGPT to inform her team's tactics for multiple NWSL matches this season. In an interview on the Soccerish Podcast, Harvey explained how she initially asked the AI tool questions about tactics and strategy in the league, which led to more detailed insights on how to beat specific teams.
According to Harvey, she began by asking ChatGPT what Seattle Reign's identity was, only to receive a response that she wasn't entirely sure was accurate. However, when she asked the AI for its suggestion on formations to employ against NWSL teams, it provided a back-five formation as an option. And so, Harvey decided to give it a try.
The results were notable. While the team played with a back five in April against Orlando Pride, they suffered a 1-0 loss despite generating about 0.5 more expected goals than usual. However, since then, the Reign have continued to employ the formation, which has led to significant improvements in their results. The team is now fourth in the league and has secured a playoff spot.
Harvey attributed her decision to use ChatGPT as part of a thorough research process, with her coaching staff conducting a deep dive into the AI's suggestions. While the exact teams they used the tactic against remain unknown, Harvey did acknowledge that it was an unconventional approach.
The Reign's transformation under Harvey's leadership has been marked by improvement in results compared to last season. The team finished second from bottom in the league then, but this year they are a significant step up, having secured a playoff spot with their improved form.
Harvey, who has previously managed Arsenal and Utah Royals among other teams, expressed her willingness to experiment with new ideas and tools to gain an edge over opponents. As she continues to navigate the NWSL landscape, it remains to be seen how often AI will feature in her team's strategic planning.