EDP Soccer recognizes 30 promising young coaches under 30 years old
By Kevin McCartney, EDPSoccer.com
EDP Soccer is recognizing promising young coaches participating in EDP Soccer leagues. Based on nominations from club directors, these 30 coaches under 30 years old are recognized for their hard work, dedication, and ability to develop players and teams.
“Being a soccer coach at the youth level requires dedication, time and a great deal of patience. Our sport continuously evolves and for soccer to be the preeminent sport in the US we need the up and coming young coaches that are listed on our 30 under 30 to drive the development of our player. Congratulations to the young women and men listed below. We look forward to watching you shape the future of soccer in our country .”
– Simon Collins, Technical Director of EDP
Matty Berman
FC Copa Academy
26 years old
After graduating from Marist College in 2015, where he was a two year captain of the Division 1 soccer program and was also named twice to the MAAC All Academic team, Matty has been part of the FC Copa Academy coaching staff. Matty, a former FC Copa Academy youth player, led the FC Copa Academy 06′ girls team to the US Youth Soccer National League in 2019-2020, and has brought multiple teams to a top 10 state ranking. In addition to FC Copa Academy, Matty is part of the coaching staff at Seton Hall Prep, which won the New Jersey Non Public A State Championship this past Fall and has been a perennial top team in the country. Matty currently hold a USSF E License and is a Certified Personal Trainer.
Nicholas Biglin
Massapequa SC
24 years old
Following a successful collegiate career, Nicholas is now a key staff member at Massapequa SC.. As coach of the Massapequa Fury 03G, his team has been a 2018 State Champion, a semi finalist in the 2019 EDP Conference Cup, and claimed a spot at the 2019 Eastern Regional Championships through its fantastic performance in the US Youth Soccer North Atlantic EDP Conference. Nicholas holds a USSF E License and is the U5-U8 Core Coordinator for the club.
Santiago Cabrera
Cedar Stars Academy Bergen
27 years old
Joining Cedar Stars in 2016, Santiago has had a big impact on one of the top clubs in New Jersey. As the Zone 1 Director, Santiago has developed many top players who have gone on to play for the Cedar Stars Bergen Development Academy. In addition to his role as Zone 1 Director, Santiago also coaches the club’s U16 Boys team in the EDP Atlantic Development League. Santiago currently holds his USSF D License.
Clint Caso
Cedar Stars Academy Newark
28 years old
Following a great college career at one of the top division 1 programs in the county, The University of Akron, Clint returned to New Jersey and has been an integral part of the coaching staff at Cedar Stars Newark. Clint led the club’s 02’ boys team to a NJYS State Cup Championship and also the US Youth Soccer National League. Prior to that, Clint coached the club’s 99’ team, which was a State Champion and also champions of the prestigious Dallas Cup. In addition to Cedar Stars, Clint is the assistant at St Benedict’s Prep, helping them to three National Championships. Clint currently holds his USSF D License.
Allison Diaz
Maryland Rush Montgomery
29 years old
A former Division 1 soccer player at Canisius College, Allison is currently the coach of the club’s Maryland Rush Montgomery 2009 girls, 2010 girls, and the 2002 girls, which won the 2019 MSYSA Presidents Cup. Allison has created a tremendous culture, where players are excited to come to every training session. Allison also coaches St John’s College High School, a top program in D.C. Allison currently holds her USSF D License
Papa Diene
Soccer Stars United
25 years old
Born in Paris, France, Papa was a member of the FC Metz Academy at the age of 8 and went on to play for Senegal in the U17, U19, U20 African Cups, as well as several international tournaments, World Cup qualifiers and was part of the U23 team that played the qualifiers for the 2014 Olympic Games in Rio. Papa coaches the 2010 boys and 2006 boys, which have consistently been a part of the US Youth Soccer North Atlantic EDP Conference. Papa holds a Masters in Sports Science from New York University and a Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree from Université de Lorraine. He currently holds a UEFA ‘A’ License and a UEFA ‘Elite Youth’ A License.
Dylan Hogan
Sporting CT
23 years old
A former player for Southern Connecticut State University, Dylan has made an immediate impact at Sporting CT. Dylan is the head coach of the 2007 girls team, and was the assistant coach for two CJSA State Cup Championship teams in 2019. Dylan helps with the Southern Connecticut Men’s soccer program, and, in addition to coaching, he is NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, IYCA Speed & Agility Specialist and a IYCS Youth Nutritionist. Dylan holds an USSF E license.
Holly Hoy
Keystone FC
25 years old
A former collegiate player at Messiah College, Holly is the Gilrs Youth Director of Coaching and coaches the Keystone FC 06 Premier Girls. Holly has led the team to be EPYSA State Cup Champions in 2019, and also has the team in the US Youth Soccer South Atlantic EDP Conference. Holly is also an assistant coach at her alma mater, where she helped lead Messiah to the 2019 Division 3 National Championship. Holly currently holds her USSF E license.
David Jannati
Soccer Association of Columbia / Baltimore Armour
29 years old
A tireless work ethic, strong character and excellent knowledge of appropriate age specific tactical and technical development models for all players give David a unique skill set making him an important member of the SAC coaching staff . David works as an instructor in the SAC Recreation program, as a coach for the 2008 pre academy team, and is an apprentice coach for the Baltimore Armour Development Academy. David currently holds a USSF D License.
Tori Leigh
Yardley Makefield Soccer
28 years old
After a collegiate career as a Division 1 player at Rutgers University and youth regional team player Tori Leigh returned to the club she played for and now coaches the 03’ and 08 girls at YMS. Tori has led both teams to the US Youth Soccer Mid Atlantic EDP Conference. Overcoming adversity after injury in her college career, Tori instills the same fight and resolve in her team. Tori holds a USSF E License, and is also a certified personal trainer.
Evan Marques
Ironbound SC
25 years old
A former collegiate standout for Caldwell University, Evan has made a quick impact in the coaching world. Evan is head coach of the Ironbound 04’ boys who are part of the US Youth Soccer Mid Atlantic Conference, and one of the top teams in New Jersey. In addition to his role at Ironbound, Evan was a part of the NJIT coaching staff that was named the United Soccer Coaches Atlantic Region Coaching staff of the year and took the team to their first ever Division 1 NCAA Tournament appearance. Evan currently holds an USSF D license and is a NPTI certified personal trainer.
Ellie McDougall
Albany Alleycats
26 years old
A former Goalkeeper at Mercyhurst College, Ellie is now in her second year with Albany Alleycats, one of the top clubs in New York. Ellie works with the youth academy, the 03’ Girls and the 06’ Girls who were 2019 ENYYSA State Cup Champions. In addition to her role with the Alleycats, Ellie is an assistant for the RPI women’s program. Ellies humility and strong character have helped her build a tremendous bond with her players. She holds her USSF F License and United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeper Level One certification.
Brendan McIntyre
Lehigh Valley United
28 years old
A former collegiate player at Muhlenberg College, Brendan is the coach of the 2009 and 2002 Boys as well as the 2006 Development Academy team at LVU. Back where he played in his youth, Brendan led the 2009 boys to the EPYSA State Championship. In addition to his role with LVU, Brendan is currently an assistant coach with Lehigh University, where he helped lead the team to the 2019 Patriot League championship. Brendan holds a USSF D license.
Gabby Meck
Yardley Makefield Soccer
26 years old
After a successful collegiate career at Cabrini University, Gabby joined the coaching staff at Yardley Makefield Soccer. Gabby currently coaches the 01 and 02 girls teams. Both teams participate in the US Youth Soccer Mid Atlantic EDP Conference, and the 02′ girls were members of the 2018-2019 US Youth Soccer National League. Gabby has helped place over 10 girls from the teams to college programs in the class of 2020. In addition to her role with YMS, Gabby is an assistant coach at her High School alma mater Notre Dame HS.
Patrick Mehlert
Bethesda SC
28 years old
A former captain and all conference performer for division 1 American University, Patrick has held multiple positions at Bethesda SC since joining the staff in 2009. Patrick has a tremendous understanding of the game and attention to detail, and is driven to always improve his teams. In addition to his role at Bethesda, Patrick is an assistant coach at his alma mater American University. Patrick holds a USSF B license.
Marc Meoli
PA Dominion FC
24 years old
As assistant executive director and goalkeeper director, Marc has been integral in the growth of PA Dominion FC, a club that produced the U15 US Youth Soccer National Finalist in 2019. Marc is the head coach of the 07’ and 03’ boys team, and is also the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Ursinus College. Marc has a unique ability to connect with his players through his passion and love of the game. Marc currently holds a USSF C license.
Nina Montesinos
Valencia SA
25 years old
A former collegiate player at Drew University, Nina is now the Girls Director and Director of Operations for Valencia SA. Since joining the club, Nina has built the girls program through her commitment to players in Zone 1. Nina’s players show tremendous promise at a young age, and are learning the game the right way. In addition to her role with Valencia SA, Nina works with the Wardlaw Hartridge HS girls program.
Rinus den Oudsten
NJ Premier FC
25 years old
Coming from the Netherlands, Rinus is the head coach of NJ Premier FC 2004 and 2010 boys teams. Rinus brings an extensive coaching background to NJ Premier having also worked at S.C. Heerenveen, a professional club in the Netherlands and the L.A. Galaxy of the MLS. Rinus has extensive experience in the periodization of players which has been implemented across NJ Premier’s various programs. Rinus holds the UEFA B license.
Mark Pratico
PDA Hibernians
29 years old
A former collegiate player at Rider University, Mark is the coach of PDA Hibernian Draxler, PDA Modric 2004 and PDA Kane 2005 boys teams. Mark led PDA Modric during the 2019-2020 US Youth Soccer National League season where they had a strong performance going 4-2-1 against the nation’s best. In addition to his role with PDA Hibernian, Mark is an assistant coach at Rider University. Mark is known as a driven, motivated, energetic individual who carries a wealth of knowledge onto the training ground and matches.
Tom Ruzzi
Baltimore Union SC
27 years old
In his 8th year of coaching, Tom is coach of the Baltimore Union Elite 08 and Elite 07 Girls. Tom has led both of the teams to the US Youth Soccer South Atlantic EDP Conference, with his teams being recognized as some of the strongest in Maryland. A high energy coach, his players feed off his energy at training sessions and games. Tom currently holds his USSF D license and is working on his USSF C license.
Danny Samimi
Clarkstown SC
29 years old
Danny began his coaching career following his graduation from the University of Delaware in 2013. Returning to the club he grew up playing for, Danny is President of Clarkstown SC. Since returning to the club, Danny has enhanced the club and has made it one of the premier clubs in New York. Danny has won three State Championships with the 2007 Girls, one with the 2006 girls and one with the 2005 Boys. Danny has also won the ESPN Disney Tournament with the 2002 Girls. In addition to his role with Clarkstown, Danny is the Head Coach of the Albertus Magnus HS Girls Varsity Team where he has won two League titles and one Section & Regional Championship, holding a record of 57-12-9. Danny holds his USSF C License and United Soccer Coaches 11v11 Formations and Systems of Play License.
Andrew Santos
FC Copa Academy
27 years old
A former collegiate standout at Manhattan College, Andrew was named team MVP his senior year. As a youth player, Andrew played at FC Copa Academy and is now the Director of Operations and Director of Futsal. As head coach for the FC Copa Academy 2007 and 2010 boys, Andrew demonstrates tremendous care for his players and pride in the Academy. Andrew has led a number of FC Copa teams to State Cup placements as Semi and Finalists and led the club’s Futsal Academy to a large number of state cup winners and finalists as well as regional placements in 2020. Andrew holds his USSF D license and is currently working on his C license.
Joseph Schmid
Wall SC
28 years old
After a stellar career at Division 1 program Monmouth University, where he was an All Region performer, Joseph joined the staff at Wall SC’s Elite program. Joseph currently coaches four teams in the club, and has a proven track record of bringing teams into the top flight of EDP. Joseph’s extraordinary tactical knowledge shows in his teams with their style of play that catches the eye of opposing coaches. The former youth national team player currently holds his USSF C License.
Stuart Sharples
Steel United NJ
27 years old
Since arriving from England, Stuart has climbed the ranks in the coaching world. Stuart is the Director of Coaching for Steel United NJ, and coaches the 04’ Boys, 07’ Girls and 11’ Boys. In addition to his role with Steel United, Stuart is founder of Total Soccer Education, an online platform focusing on team training, goalkeeper training, fitness and nutrition. Stuart holds a UEFA B license and FA level one talent Identification.
Boomer Steigelman
Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals
26 years old
A former collegiate standout and captain at Cabrini College, Boomer coaches the 2011, 2007 and 2002 boys. Coaching some of the top teams in the state for the Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals, Boomer is one of the up and coming coaches in Pennsylvania. After working with St Joseph’s University men’s program in the fall of 2019,he was named head coach of Rosemont College Women’s program in January 2020 at only 26 years old. Boomer holds a USSF C license.
Brian Thomsen
Next Level Soccer Academy
29 years old
A former collegiate player at Stockton University, Brian is now the Technical Director and Director of Coaching of NLSA. Brian coaches the 2004 Girls, 2009 girls, and the 2008 girls who he has led to the US Youth Soccer Mid Atlantic EDP Conference. In his role with the club, Brian oversees all internal and external training programs to enhance the Club’s player development model. In addition to his role with NLSA, Brian is the director of WXFC and is a trainer with the NJYS ODP Program. Brian holds a USSF C license.
Madison Tiernan
PDA
24 years old
A former collegiate star with Rutgers University, and current Sky Blue player who was drafted 24th in the NWSL draft, Madison is coaching with PDA, one of the premier girls programs in the country. Madison works with the teams in Zone 1, and has been a great role model for the players as they aspire to follow in her footsteps. In addition to her coaching role with PDA, Madison is the Director of Player Development at Rutgers University where the team advanced to the 2019 Division 1 NCAA Tournament.
Tyler Wilhelm
Pipeline SC
25 years old
Joining one of the top clubs in the nation in 2017, Tyler is the head coach of the 2006 boys Black and Red team. In his few short years with the club, Tyler has led the 2006 Black team to the MSYSA Presidents Cup championship, and also to the US Youth Soccer Eastern Region Presidents Cup championship. In addition to his role with Pipeline SC, Tyler is the varsity coach and program director at Friends School of Baltimore. Tyler holds a USSF D license.
Kenie Wright
Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals SC
22 years old
A former standout at Division 1 program Rutgers University and current member of Sky Blue, Kenie is now a part of the staff for Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals SC. Kenie is coaching the 2010 girls, widely regarded as one of the top up and coming teams in all of Pennsylvania. Kenie’s energy has inspired her team to reach new heights as they get ready to move from 7v7 to 9v9. In addition to her role with Ukrainian Nationals, she is an assistant coach for her high school alma mater Lenape in Mount Laurel, NJ.
Kelsey Yam
New York Surf SC
28 years old
A former collegiate standout at Skidmore College where she was team captain, All Conference and All region, Kelsey is now coach at New York Surf. Kelsey coaches the 2005 and 2004 Girls, who were champions of the 2019 EDP Cup Fall Showcase. Kelsey has also made a name for herself in the college ranks, where she was head coach of Clarkson University, and was named Conference Coach of the Year in 2017 before being named an assistant coach at Division 1 program Hofstra University. Kelsey also interned with the Soccer Without Borders program in the summer of 2012 in Uganda, helping to raise money for underprivileged kids worldwide while coaching soccer and teaching classes to children and young adults aged 5-to-20.
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