Meet The Coaches

Coach Gavin grew up in Stoke-on-Trent England loving the game of soccer. He started playing soccer when he was five years old. Gavin came to the United States in 2010 and has been coaching for Soccer Shots since 2014. As the Southeast Program Coordinator of Coaching Gavin will be coaching at various schools and park locations. He will also be assisting in instructor recruitment and evaluation.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Striker

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: The Spaceship Game

Fun Fact: Coach Gavin enjoys cooking and has his own business selling British pies. Coach Gavin and his wife enjoy traveling to various countries.

Coach Jaimie is a native of Delaware County. Jaimie began playing soccer at the age of five and still continues to play now in many adult and coed leagues. Jaimie has a background in sports management and extensive coaching experience with children ages 2-18 years old! On top of coaching future Soccer Shots participants, Jaimie will be assisting the Program Director and Executive Director with administrative projects, marketing, sales and instructor recruitment.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Goalkeeper

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: The Pirate Ship Game

Fun Fact: Coach Jaimie enjoys hiking and spending time with her dog Cooper!

Austin Stevens is currently going into his senior year at Villanova University and has played soccer all his life. While Austin has played almost every position available, he found his home on the back line playing defense. Austin played for several years at his club in Minnesota where he became known as a hard worker and a supportive teammate. Currently, Austin continues to play in adult leagues. Austin is studying political science as his major with a minor in Arabic and Islamic studies.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Outside Back

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: Cats and Dogs

Fun Fact: Coach Austin loves playing and making his own music when he is not playing soccer.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Outside Back

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: Sharks and Nemos

Fun Fact: Coach Kat loves hanging out with her family and friends when she is not playing soccer.

Coach Jay has been playing soccer for 27 years. He also has been coaching and training soccer players for almost 13 years for several ages and all genders. His passion is to help athletes set goals and achieve them no matter what their experience may be. Although he doesn’t play soccer as much as he used to, Coach Jay spends his free time with his wife, three kids and a puppy named “Checkers”

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Center Midfielder

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: “Blob Tag”

Fun Fact: Coach Jay also has experience as a Chef,
Bon Appetite!!

Coach Liz started playing soccer at the age of 5 for Haverford Township. She also played field hockey, since field hockey and soccer are during the same season she picked to play field hockey competitively. From there, she played pick up soccer in college and then at YSC in the coed soccer league. When she is not busy playing soccer, softball, or field hockey, she is busy teaching in the classroom. Hopefully one day, she will be able to coach soccer as an after-school club at the elementary level.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Defense

Fun Fact: Coach Liz loves Belle from Beauty and the Beast.

Coach Ryan grew up in Coral Springs, Florida and began playing soccer at the age of 6. He loves coaching children and has done so throughout college and even with the Brooklyn Nets! Bringing his enthusiasm and excitement to each session, Coach Ryan’s goal is to make sure that each child is learning and having fun! In addition to coaching with Soccer Shots, Coach Ryan is pursuing his J.D at Villanova.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Defense

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: “What time is it Mr. Fox?”

Fun Fact: Coach Ryan bungee jumped off the first bungee jump in New Zealand

Coach Michele has been playing soccer since the age of four, and was a captain of Abington High School’s varsity team. Her favorite team is ACF Fiorentina, from Florence, Italy. She has a background in psychology, and is a big fan of sports as a way to build life skills! When she’s not coaching, Michele writes and performs stand up comedy around Philadelphia.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Right Midfield

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: Volcanoes Game!

Fun Fact: Michele has played the viola at Carnegie Hall.

Coach Eric started playing soccer at age 10 and loves that it is an outside-sport! Coach Eric is currently attending West Chester University in pursue of becoming a Health and Physical Education Teacher. Coach Eric loves to inspire young kids to believe they can achieve anything they put their minds to. He also loves to travel and experience new cultures.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Midfielder – (You get to have the best of both worlds)

Fun Fact: Coach Eric has floated in the Dead Sea!

Coach Ashton is from Princeton, New Jersey and has played soccer her whole life. Coach Ashton played for numerous teams growing up, including indoor soccer and futsal teams. At The Hun School Of Princeton, she was captain of the varsity girls’ soccer team and went on to play for NCAA DIII Bryn Mawr College. Further, Coach Ashton had the pleasure of coaching girls’ soccer at Millburn High School. She adores educating youth as she was a Kindergarten Teacher prior to attending Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law where she will receive her J.D. in 2019. During each Soccer Shots’ session, Coach Ashton seeks to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can develop skills and become passionate about playing soccer.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Center Midfielder

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: Volcanoes

Fun Fact: Coach Ashton also played lacrosse and basketball for NCAA DIII Bryn Mawr College.

Coach Walter hails from Argentina and is very passionate about the sport of soccer and children.  To Walter, soccer meant playing everyday in recess, at school, every afternoon, and every time he saw a ball. Most importantly, soccer has been the reason he has met his best friends. Walter still remembers the days he played until there was no sunlight and didn’t not know who was winning the game. At the end of the day someone would ask: “Who is winning?”  Nobody would know the answer  but whoever scored the last goal would win! Walter wishes every child could experience soccer in the way he did in his native Argentina.  This is why Walter loves being a part of the Soccer Shots team.  Walter works as an Orientation and Mobility Instructor for Families with Children who have Visual Impairments or are Blind Under Three Years of Age at the Overbrook School for the Blind.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Striker

Fun Fact: Each year the POSB (Principals of Schools for the Blind) organization recognizes the contributions of remarkable individuals from around the nation who work with students with visual impairments through the annual POSB awards program. Walter was selected as the recipient of the 2016 Outstanding Provider of Outreach Services award!

Coach Lauren has been playing soccer since the age of 5 for Harleysville and Towamencin soccer leagues. She would still love to play today but education is very important to me. She plans to go to West Chester University in the fall of 2017 to finish my degree in early education and get a minor is special needs as well. I love to teach children and watch them grow as an individual.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite position: Striker

Favorite Soccer Game: Treasure Hunt

Fun Fact: Coach Lauren enjoys baking and cooking in her spare time. She also enjoys going down to Wildwood NJ with her family.

Matt is a United States Marine Corps veteran who served 10 years in the service.  A sports related injury took Matt out of the game he loved playing so Matt turned to coaching to ensure his passion for the game is passed on to other athletes.  Matt recently completed his Master of Science degree in Recreation and Sports Science with a concentration in Soccer Coaching and has started his Doctoral of Education degree in Sports and Performance Psychology with a concentration Positive Leadership and Administration in January 2017. Matt has been coaching or teaching youth athletes for the past 6 years at many different ages. Matt always strives to put the person before the player and brings a scientific approach to player development.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Right Fullback

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: “What Time is it Mr. Fox”

Fun Fact: Coach Matt sang in his high school choir!

Coach Kelsey began playing soccer at age 5. She played at Ursinus College and continues to play in adult leagues. She has been a Soccer Shots coach since 2012. Kelsey Graduated with a degree in exercise and sport science and minor in Education. She recently got her certification in Health and P.E.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Outside Defense

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: Volcanoes

Fun Fact: She has been skydiving

Coach Noah grew up in Stockton, New Jersey and fell in love with soccer at 5 years old. He played in middle school through high school and continued on to play club at Ithaca College. Noah has played competitively for many years and you can still find him playing in many adult leagues in the area.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Midfield

Favorite Soccer Shots game: Dribble gates. It teaches honesty and improves their dribbling and change of direction skills.

Fun Fact: Noah has a twin sister!

Coach Julia grew up in Walt Disney World’s backyard in Orlando, Florida. She was six when she began playing soccer and where she went on to play at North Greenville University. She studied English because she loves reading and writing stories. Lots of people ask her is she plays basketball because she’s so tall, but she likes soccer too much to play another sport. When she was 13, Julia started coaching with her dad, and she loves helping others learn the game. She loves telling stories, being outside and singing Disney songs at the top of her lungs!

FUN FACTS:

Favorite position: Defense

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: Shooting Stars

Fun Fact: During hurricanes in Florida, Julia used to go outside and pretend she was talking about the weather on the news!

Coach Matt grew up in Havertown Pennsylvania where he grew up playing soccer from grade school, through to high school. Matt is currently enrolled in West Chester University getting his 2nd undergraduate degree in K-12 Health and Physical Education.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Right Full Back

Favorite Soccer Shots game: Snowman Game

Fun Fact: Coach Matt used to make pizza in a pizzeria and loves to make mac and cheese!

Coach Molly has been playing soccer since she was 5 years old, and has played on numerous teams, holding the role as a center defender. She was very fortunate to get the opportunity to play both soccer and basketball at the collegiate level for DIII Marian University in Wisconsin. She graduated with a degree in Forensic Science minoring in both Biology and Chemistry, and is currently pursuing her master’s in organizational leadership at Eastern University. At Eastern, Coach Molly also is an Assistant Coach with their Women’s Soccer program.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Outside midfield (you get to be apart of the attack- something you don’t often get to do as a center back!)

Favorite Soccer Shots game: The Hungry Bear

Fun Fact: Coach Molly loves watersports and is a certified Paddle Board instructor!

Coach Darren grew up playing soccer in South Africa and has had a passion for it since he was a kid. When moving to America, soccer became the bridge of cultures for Darren as he played through high school on numerous teams. He now enjoys watching soccer, playing FIFA and of course coaching for soccer shots! If Coach Darren had to describe himself as a cereal box, it would be Cap’n Crunch because of his ultimate dream of owning a pirate ship and sailing across the ocean!

FUN FACTS:
His favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip!

Coach Patricia is fondly known as “Coach P”. Her motto is “Kids MUST have fun”. When she is on the field with her soccer shots kids, one wonders who is having more fun- the kids or the coach! Coach P loves kids and loves soccer. “Coaching kids in soccer is the best of both worlds and the elixir of youth” she says. When Coach P is not on the field coaching soccer, she is at a soccer field somewhere cheering-on her children as they play soccer.

FUN FACT: Coach P loves music, dancing and good food!

Ed is a former Health and Physical Education teacher who enjoys coaching various sports: cross country, track and field, baseball, wrestling, and soccer while educating student/athletes to have fun and be successful both in their sport and in life. He has coached teams to State and Conference Championships and individuals to National and All State recognition and rankings. He currently coaches a middle school soccer team and coached the Widener University club soccer team before he moved into his current role as Widener’s Club Sport Coordinator.

Fun Facts:

Favorite Position: All – it takes a team to win

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: The Hungry Bear

Fun Fact: Ed is married and has 3 boys who are very active and enjoy playing the game of soccer

Originally from Wilmington Delaware, Coach Danielle is now living in the Montgomery County area attending college. Currently a senior at Ursinus College, she is studying business economics with a minor in psychology and management studies with hopes to one day find a job working in sports analytics. Playing center-mid all four years for Ursinus, Coach Danielle found a love for travel and trying new foods!

Fun Facts:

Favorite Position: Center Mid

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: Red light/green light

Fun Fact: Coach Danielle studied abroad in London

Coach Kevin grew up playing soccer at a young age in Lancaster, PA. He then went on to play at Lock Haven University which led to an exciting opportunity playing professional indoor soccer for the Harrisburg Heat. Currently he coaches the men’s team at Harcum College and multiple teams at FC Continental. He enjoys being outside, traveling and playing in Sunday leagues when ever he has free time.

Coach Lindy grew up in San Diego, CA, but her parents recently moved to Nashville, TN which also feels a lot like home now, too! She started playing soccer when she was 3, and eventually found herself playing outside back at the University of Michigan. Coach Lindy received a degree in cognitive science, and is currently pursuing a nursing degree in the accelerated program at Villanova University. Soon after she hopes to get her masters degree in nursing and also a public health masters degree so she can work side by side with nurses and public health officials to improve the efficiency of hospitals.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Outside back

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: The marshmallow game

Fun Fact: When Coach Lindy was 2 years old, she was stung by a sting ray. The stinger is still in her foot!

Coach David grew up in Mexico City where he first fell in love with soccer.  After moving to the United States at a young age, David went on to play soccer at Duquesne University and still continues to play in competitive leagues, including playing a Sunday league for the Ukrainian Nationals Men’s Majors team.  Coach David is certified in speed and agility training as well as strength and conditioning.  Whenever he gets the chance, he loves visiting his homeland of Mexico to visit family and enjoy their cooking.

Fun Facts:

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: Superheroes

Favorite Position: Left wing

Fun Fact: He has twin sons and his highest juggling record is 834!

Originally from the Poconos, Coach Jamie’s life long dream since she was 12 was to coach and impact children’s lives – just like the many that have impacted hers. She is a softball, baseball, and soccer trainer. Enjoying every aspect of soccer. Coach Jamie couldn’t be happier being involved with soccer and teaching kids the basics of the game and most importantly, the love of the game!

Fun Facts:

Favorite Position: Goalie

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: The Cookie Monster

Coach Paige grew up in Bucks County where she fell in love with soccer at the age of 5. She went on to play club for FC Bucks and currently plays for LaSalle University. There, she is enrolled as a 5th year student, studying Elementary Special Education. Upon graduation from LaSalle, Coach Paige plans on joining the Police Academy where one day she hopes to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a Police Officer for Philadelphia.

FUN FACTS:

Favorite Position: Forward

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: “What time is it Mr. Fox”

Fun Fact: Coach Paige enjoys horseback riding in her free time!

Coach Kelly grew up locally in Drexel Hill and began playing soccer at the age of 5.  In 2012, she began coaching 2nd and 3rd graders at the Holy Child School in Rosemont.  Kelly is currently a senior in high school at Sacred Heart Academy and runs on the cross country team.  She loves the outdoors, being active, teaching and sharing her knowledge.

Fun Facts:

Favorite Position: Defense

Favorite Soccer Shots Game: Iceberg

Fun Fact: Coach Kelly ran her first half marathon this November!