Meet The Coaches

To many of you, Coach Sarah needs no introduction as we have been blessed to have her as one of our coaches since 2011! Sarah genuinely cares about the children she coaches and thoroughly enjoys teaching them the wonderful game of soccer.

She started playing soccer at the age of 8 and played college soccer at the State University of New York at Geneseo where she received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. After graduation, Sarah continued her education at Meredith College in Raleigh, NC where she received her Elementary Education teaching license and taught fifth grade. She lives in Huntersville and is always on the go trying to keep up with her 3 crazy boys!

Coach Amy started playing soccer when she was 8 yrs old, and continued playing all through high school and then intramurals in college. She still enjoys playing in Charlotte area ladies’ and co-ed leagues.

Not only is Amy a fantastic coach, she is also very driven and believes in the Soccer Shots message.  And because of that, she has added the role of Cabarrus County Sales Manager to her role as Coach!

“I live in Charlotte with my husband and 2 sons, and I have coached both of them in their early years playing recreational soccer. I have also been a substitute teacher in their preschool, and I have held just about every possible PTA position, from President to Book Fair Chair, Finance Chair, Fall Festival Chair, etc.

My job with Soccer Shots is a fantastic mix of two of my favorite things – working with children and playing soccer!”

Coach Emily grew up in Charlotte and started playing soccer when she was 7 years old. After playing competitively through high school and club teams, she’s now channelling her passion for the game by coaching.

She loves coaching and shaping young lives so much, we’ve asked her to help with administrative duties like finding other amazing coaches to provide the best soccer class at each of our locations as well as spreading awareness of our programs through social media. We’re thrilled to have her!

“Soccer has always been a huge part of my life! After graduating from Virginia Tech, God blessed me with two children and it has been an absolute joy sharing the game with them. Through coaching, I love that I can inspire other children and see their growth both on the soccer field and as individuals!”

Coach Hunter was born and raised right here in Charlotte, NC! His soccer career started when he was 3 years old and he played at Belmont Abby College where he recently graduated with a degree in Sports Management.

His responsibilities include not only coaching. He has been promoted to Area Program Manager for Gaston County, where he will oversee all programming in that area.

In his free time, you can find Coach Hunter playing video games, hanging out or kicking a ball around. He can’t wait to coach your kids!

Hi, I’m Danielle but to make it a bit easier, the kiddos call me Coach Dani!

I’m originally from Long Island, NY where I began playing soccer at 5 years old. Throughout my many years of soccer, I have played for youth teams, clubs and schools.

Currently, I have my associate’s degree from my local community college, and summer of 2022 I completed (and passed) my NASM Certified Nutrition Coach program! I am always looking for new ways to help others and I’m super excited I get to have a part in your children’s lives. I can’t wait to meet each and every one of you! 🙂

A Virginia native, Coach Ja’Land attended Radford University and graduated with a B.S. in Exercise Science and Health Education. He works full time as an Elementary Physical Education Teacher in Cabarrus County and part time for Soccer Shots. He’s got tons of energy and we’re happy to have him as one of our coaches!

In his free time (which he has little of now that he’s a new dad!), he loves to play basketball and travel with family. “Working with children is my greatest passion and I look forward to meeting and coaching your child.”

Coach Ashley has been playing soccer for over 30 years and continues to play in tournaments and recreational leagues. She has been coaching youth soccer for six years and loves having fun with the kids while supporting their growth. When she is not on the soccer field she can be found spending time outdoors with her son, caring for her animals, kayaking, or volunteering in the community.

Coach Chris has been playing soccer most of his life!  He is highly experienced in working with children through substitute teaching, tutoring, and being a former camp counselor.

“I am passionate about creating an environment where children can have fun playing soccer while learning along the way. I am full of energy and super excited for the new season, so you can be sure I will be able to keep up with your little ones and give them an amazing experience!”

Born and raised in North Carolina, Coach Janae grew up active in many sports including soccer, volleyball, dance, and basketball. Janae is a student at CPCC getting her Associates degree, and she plans to pursue a BA in architecture at UNCC.

“Almost all of my free time is spent playing with my five dogs (and keeping my soccer balls out of popping distance). My personal motto is perseverance and it’s my goal to provide every child with a positive experience that both parent and child will look forward to!”

Coach Hayley was born in California but grew up in North Carolina and has played soccer since she was six years old. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and spent some time in New York City and Germany before moving to Charlotte in 2019.

“My favorite coaches growing up were the ones who didn’t shy away from having fun. It’s made me a firm believer in laughing while learning, and I can’t wait to share that joy with the next generation of soccer players!”

“I first began playing soccer at age 6 and quickly fell in love with the sport. I was fortunate enough to play collegiately during my time at Carolina University where I graduated with a degree in Health and Physical Education. I have learned many valuable life skills and lessons through soccer and I look forward to coaching and helping others to learn and grow through the game that I love.”

Coach Helena was born and raised in North Carolina. “I first had experience with soccer when I was 7 years old and I really loved the skills and community that came with it. I also really enjoy spending time with kids and hopefully influencing them to become great people in the future. I am currently a student at Mitchell Community College to help me get into a Dental Hygienist Program and my future career goal is to become a Pediatric Dentist.”

“My name is Anna and I started playing soccer when I was 4 years old. I graduated from Erskine College with a degree in Sports Management. I have a passion for teaching others the joy of playing soccer. I like to have fun and can’t wait to coach a new generation of soccer stars!”

My name is Kaylee, but the kids call me Coach Kay! I’m the oldest of 7 kids so I’m used to a little chaos in my life, which helps when you coach young children! 😁

I am originally from South Florida where I started playing soccer when I was 6 years old. I am so excited to be able to find such an amazing job doing what I love. I’m super excited to be a part of the Soccer Shots family and can’t wait to start working with all the kiddos!

Hi there! My name is Abigail, but I go by Coach Abby.

I grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and have been playing soccer since I was 10 years old. I graduated with a B.A. in English and Elementary Education. When I’m not coaching soccer, I am a first grade teacher in Cabarrus County Schools! Being with kids and helping them grow is what I love to do!

My name is Sutton, and I have played soccer since I was 7. My dad coached when I was younger, so I grew up surrounded by the game. I played for my school and on club teams through high school. I am currently enrolled at Davidson College where I study chemistry, but I found myself really missing soccer. I am very excited to get to work with your kids and to share my love of the game with the next generation of players!

Hello Soccer Shots families! My name is Zach and I’m studying business at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I am very involved with my church and have a huge passion for developing young children into great people and better soccer players. I have played soccer for 15 years and coached a few of my younger cousins’ teams and am excited to coach your children this coming season!