Coach Zach graduated from Belhaven University in Jackson, MS and has a long history with sports. While growing up, his dad was a Physical Education teacher at a private school in Florida. He spent every summer and every day after school in the gym or on the field playing. This leads him to have a healthy active lifestyle as an adult. He believes that having a positive first impression with sports can make a huge difference in a child’s life. Zach’s mission is to provide that for every child in Soccer Shots New Orleans.

Originally from West Hartford, CT, Coach Kevin studied Movement & Sports Studies with a minor in Athletic Coaching at Springfield College in Springfield, MA. Kevin first came to New Orleans shortly after Hurricane Katrina on multiple occasions to help rebuild homes damaged by the storm. It was during this time that he decided to make New Orleans his home. Before joining the Soccer Shots team, he was a Sports & Games Director for an overnight summer camp, a Program Coordinator for a national non-profit, and a Camp Director for a day camp specifically for children with behavioral challenges. Kevin spends his free time playing a variety of sports as well as creating and listening to music. As Executive Director, Kevin is responsible for leading the Coaching admin team to maintain the highest possible quality of programming. He is passionately committed to developing positive behaviors in young children and providing a healthy introduction to sports.

Coach Taylor grew up in Raceland, LA and graduated from the University of New Orleans with a Bachelors of Arts in English and French. She is passionate about coaching youth soccer because her childhood coaches forever impacted her life and have given her an appreciation for the sport. When Taylor is off the soccer field, she enjoys playing guitar, drums, piano, and working on her photography.

Coach Mitchell grew up in Shreveport, LA, and completed his undergraduate in History at Louisiana Tech University. Coach Mitchell has a long-held passion for soccer, and being able to teach kids concrete values for life through soccer is something he loves. He is currently completing a Masters of Divinity at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and hopes to one day lead a local church. He is so grateful for this opportunity to serve his community through Soccer Shots, and hopes that the kids under his coaching grow in love for the game and themselves.

Coach Andrew grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and is currently attending Tulane University. He is majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology on the pre-med track. Andrew has a deep love for the game of soccer as he has played competitively his whole life. He currently plays for the Tulane Men’s Club Soccer team. Andrew loves playing with kids, helping them build confidence, and teaching them life lessons. He wants to make a lasting positive impact in the New Orleans community.

Coach Crystal was born and raised in Harvey, Louisiana and currently attends Xavier University of Louisiana as an undergraduate student. She aspires to become a Pediatric Pharmacist in the future. When Crystal is not coaching, she can be found reading, painting, or writing poetry. The privilege of helping children develop their soccer skills while also being able to witness their growth is truly a gift to her. Seeing her students’ faces beam with joy during sessions is the highlight of her day.

I grew up in New Mexico, and at the age of five I fell in love with the game of soccer. I played all throughout middle school and high school. After graduating high school I moved to Los Angeles for 2 1/2 years to be a full time volunteer at a non profit organization. There I found my passion to assist the youth and after moving to New Orleans in 2021, I could not be more happy connecting with the youth by teaching the sport that I loved. It is an honor to help the next generation build confidence in themselves. When away from the soccer field you can catch me taking classes for my undergraduate degree in psychology, cooking, and writing short stories.

Coach Kaalan is from Los Angeles, CA, and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Real Estate. He also minors in Spanish and Management. He comes from a big family so he has always been around/loved to work with kids. He understands how beneficial team sports can be in shaping kid’s confidence and how their individual efforts give them a sense of pride. He hopes to leave a positive impact on all of the kids he coaches and the city of New Orleans itself.

Coach Libby attends De La Salle High School, as well as the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts for creative writing. She played soccer all throughout her childhood and loved it. Now, she is passionate about coaching because she wants kids to have a wonderful soccer experience, much like she did, and she wants to make a positive impact in their lives.