Meet The Coaches

Coach Steffan was born in Knoxville, TN and started playing soccer at the age of 5. He played all the way through high school and was fortunate enough to win a 3A state championship at Peak to Peak charter school in Lafayette, CO. After serving in the U.S. Army and receiving The Purple Heart Award in combat, he decided to pursue an associate’s degree in Audio Engineering at SAE Institute Nashville. During school he found a love and passion for coaching by helping a fellow classmate coach a team of U12 kiddos at the YMCA. Since that day he has gained his U.S. Soccer grassroots license and worked in club, middle school, and high school soccer. With over a decade of coaching experience and 7 seasons as a Soccer Shots coach, he is ready to transition to his new role behind the scenes where he believes he can have the same positive impact on the youth! Coach Steffan is also a proud father of 2 girls who love to accompany him on Soccer Island as his assistant coaches.

Coach’s Favorite Things

Favorite Color: Army Green

Favorite Snack: Cheez-its

Favorite Superhero: Batman

Favorite Skill: Pull-back

Favorite Character Word: Respect! (We Treat Others the Right Way)

Marisol is a life-long resident of North Georgia. She has over eight years of childcare experience and teaches poetry, too! When she’s not cheering for her students on soccer island, she can likely be found asking for rhymes and playing board games with her family and friends.

Coach’s Favorite Things

Favorite Color(s): Forest Green and Pumpkin Orange

Favorite Food: Burritos

Favorite Animal: Fox

Favorite Skill: Big Kicks

Favorite Character Word: Confidence! (I Can Do It!)

Coach Emily is originally from New Jersey, but after moving to Georgia to attend undergrad at Emory, she hasn’t left! Emily is currently a graduate student in the kinesiology department at UGA, specializing in coach education and adapted physical education/physical activity. As a former college soccer player, Coach Emily knows that soccer is a great activity for developing life skills such as teamwork, confidence, and courage. Soccer Shots emphasizes the importance of learning these lessons, which is why Emily loves coaching for this program! In her free time, Emily loves taking her kayak out for a paddle and going on long hikes with her family and their rescue dog, Shea.

Hi! I am coach Olav and I am originally from Venezuela. I moved to Roswell, Ga when I was 9 and have lived in Georgia ever since. Although I am new to coaching I bring 10+ years of playing experience, playing for local clubs such as Roswell Santos and my high school Centennial Knights. Many of my favorite memories growing involve the game of soccer. Whether it was my coaches, my teammates, or simply having fun playing; I am excited to have the opportunity to have the same potential impact on the kids!

Hi! Peyton is a dedicated coach who is originally from the
Atlanta and Gwinnett area. Having played soccer as a child, and having years of experience working with children, Peyton will teach your child the skills they’ll need to succeed on or off
the field.