Annis floats idea of coaching Filipinas

After announcing her retirement from football, former Filipinas team captain Tahnai Annis isn’t ruling out a coaching stint with the national team.

Annis, 35, said she would love to join the team again one day but for now, she wants to stay put after playing for the Filipinas for six years.

The Filipino-American midfielder played in 43 games with the Filipinas and scored 15 goals.

“I could see myself being part of the Filipinas staff one day, but I don’t think I’m ready for a full-time coaching role yet,” Annis said.

“Right now, I want to focus my energy on things that resonate more deeply with me, like working with youth in football or the LGBTQ+ community, or even diving into the mental health side of sports and trauma.”

Annis already had experience coaching, having been part of the think-tank for the Filipinas U17 squad that participated in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup last May.

Annis also pushes for mental health among football players.

“Even when it feels isolating — when you’re training alone — once you’re back with the team, you realize your world is actually so big,” Annis said.

“That’s always been worth it. There’s this unspoken understanding among teammates because you all know this life. Suddenly, you’re surrounded by 20 or 30 people, including staff, who share that same experience.”