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)

Coach Marisol is a life-long North Georgian and the eldest of 7. She teaches Poetry and Literature and loves writing in her free time. She has coached 6 seasons and has enjoyed every minute of it! Marisol is currently transitioning into the Administrative role at Soccer Shots but Soccer Island is near to her heart, so she can still be found waiting there, ready to fight supervillains and build robots with all her Soccer 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 Manny, originally from Ghana,  has played soccer his whole life. He has been working with Soccer Shots for 5 years in Chattanooga, Tennessee and is excited to continue doing so in North Georgia. Manny’s favorite thing about the job is the opportunity to inspire kids with his love of soccer. When he’s not coaching,playing, or watching soccer, Coach Manny can often be found dancing!

Coach’s Favorite Things!

Favorite Color: Black

Favorite Food: Steak

Favorite Snack: Fruit Snacks

Favorite Animal: Dogs

Favorite Soccer Skill: Passing And Trapping

Favorite Character Word: Leadership (We Set Good Examples!)

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!

Coach Carson grew up in Tryon, North Carolina where he played club and high school soccer and went on to play soccer one year at Occidental College before transferring to Millsaps College where he captained the men’s soccer program. Carson graduated with a degree in religious studies and philosophy from Millsaps College in 2022. Carson brings his experience from coaching youth soccer with the Los Angeles YMCA, interim assistant coach at Millsaps College, and youth soccer in his hometown. He also has experience working with kids through his time as a summer day camp counselor and time as a youth ministry intern!

Coach’s Favorites: 

Color: Navy 

Snack: Goldfish 

Skill: Pullback 

Character word:  Determination! (we never give up)