Meet The Coaches

Coach Mike joined the Soccer Shots team in March 2013. Mike  was born and raised in Atlantic County, NJ. Growing up he enjoyed playing soccer, baseball and wrestling. He is also FIFA certified and spent 10 years as a referee for recreation soccer. Mike graduated from Rutgers University in 2009, He also worked as a youth minister in New Brunswick. He is the proud father of his son named Kaiden. Coach Mike is as exciting and engaging as it gets at Soccer Shots. In his free time Mike loves to skateboard and surf and you can find him riding the waves and almost always having an epic day.

BEST ADVICE: “Relax. take a breath. Your child is in the midst of positive  play. With each session, your child will naturally become more comfortable in their new environment. Keep in mind that you, your child and your coach are all here primarily for your child to experience fun, fun and more fun. Everything else is sidelined.”

WHY DO YOU WORK FOR SOCCER SHOTS?: “I love inspiring children and helping develop character in their formative years.”

Coach Allison was born & raised in Atascadero, California.
“Ever since I was a young girl, soccer has been the driving force behind my passion and determination. For over 13 years, I have immersed myself in the world of soccer, primarily through competitive club soccer. I started soccer playing in a AYSO league, then moved up to an All-Star league, and eventually found myself playing for a very competitive club team in San Luis Obispo, Ca called SLO Storm. From the very beginning, there was an undeniable spark within me that ignited a deep love for the beautiful game. Soccer became more than just a sport; it became an integral part of my identity, shaping my character and teaching me invaluable life lessons. Now, as I reflect on my years of experience and growth in the sport, I feel a deep desire to share this love and knowledge with others. My dream is to ignite the same spark in young children that I felt as a girl. I want to inspire and guide them, helping them discover the joy and fulfillment that soccer can bring to their lives. Whether it’s through coaching or mentoring, I am determined to give back to the sport that has given me so much. Soccer is more than just a game; it has the power to shape futures and create lasting connections. My love for soccer since my early days has taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and the importance of chasing one’s dreams. Now, I am eager to pass on these valuable lessons to the next generation of soccer enthusiasts and to contribute to the growth and development of the sport that has given me boundless happiness and fulfillment throughout my life.”

When Allison isn’t coaching, her favorite things to do include the likes of yoga, working out, heading to the beach, and even hiking! As you can tell, really anything that allows her to soak up the sun of the great outdoors makes Allison happy. She also likes to go to concerts, sports games, and Broadway shows. She is currently enrolled at Stockton University!

Best Advice or encouragement for a parent of a struggling Soccer Shots player:
Motivating your child can be quite challenging, but I want to assure you that you are not alone in this journey and I am willing to help in any way that I can. Encouraging kids to get into the game of soccer requires patience, understanding, and a gentle approach if they are more shy. It is my goal to introduce soccer in a fun and playful manner. I plan to lead by example and show my genuine enthusiasm for soccer. Your excitement can be contagious and may spark their curiosity about the sport. Emphasize the opportunity to make new friends and be part of a team. Team camaraderie and shared experiences can make soccer more enjoyable and meaningful for your child. Lastly, remember that it’s okay for kids to explore various interests and activities before finding the one that truly resonates with them. Be patient and supportive, and allow your child the time and space to discover their passions at their own pace.

Why do you work for Soccer Shots:
I work for Soccer Shots as a coach because I wholeheartedly believe in the company’s mission to ignite the passion for soccer in children. Soccer has been an immense and transformative part of my life, and I want to share that same spark with young aspiring players.Seeing how much joy, confidence, and valuable life skills soccer brought into my own life, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to inspire and mentor the next generation of players. Soccer Shots’ motivating and child-centric approach aligns perfectly with my own vision of nurturing young minds through the beautiful game.

Coach Allie was born in Galloway but grew up in Smithville, NJ. She attended Atlantic Cape Community College where she studied culinary arts and then participated in Walt Disneys College program! She grew up playing track & field and soccer. Some of her hobbies include exploring nature, cooking, skating, the beach, paddle boarding, tending to animals, drawing, and floating in the ocean!

Best Advice or encouragement for a parent of a struggling Soccer Shots player: Soak in their environment. Even on cloudy days, rainbows show up. The kids will have fun and grow.

Why do you work for Soccer Shots: I work for Soccer Shots because it teaches kids a fun way to learn additional social skills. I love being the reason why kids can be active!

Coach Stephanie was born and raised in Lancaster, PA. Stephanie has experience in soccer, basketball, tennis and coaching for NJTL (Tennis) for 8 years. Some of her favorite activities include running, working out, rowing, reading and going to the beach. She is a big sports fan, University of Delaware Football, Eagles, Ravens and Duke Basketball! She has her Bachelors Degree from the University of Delaware and her Masters of Education in Therapeutic Recreation from Temple University. She has a wonderful family she is very grateful for Rick (Dad) and Debbie(Mom), Emmie the dog and many wonderful Cousins, Aunts and Uncles

BEST ADVICE: ” Always Smile. Encourage your child to just have fun. They are learning social and play skills through soccer. If your child finishes the session with a smile on their face, it was a success. As long as your child tries their best and had fun, they did their job and you should be proud of them!”

WHY DO YOU WORK FOR SOCCER SHOTS?: “I would like to help promote social skills and learning through soccer. Seeing smiling faces on kiddos is the best thing in the world ! Helping children be their best and have fun is priceless.”

Coach Chelsie graduated from Crystal River, FL but has lived all over. She grew up playing soccer for 22 years she also ran track and field and played basketball in high school. Chelsie’s favorite hobbies are exercising, spending time with family and she loves Disney. She studied Elementary Education and Criminal Justice at the University of North Florida. She is a mother to Peyton and is happily married to her husband Louis.

BEST ADVICE: “Continue to encourage them to show up each week and put forth 100% effort so they will learn to love the gam. at first they may be unsure and it’s important to support them sticking the season out, they’ll learn to love it.”

WHY DO YOU WORK FOR SOCCER SHOTS?: “I love soccer and I enjoy watching children and their passion within sports.”

Irvin grew up around Margate & Atlantic City, he has been playing soccer since his youth right around these areas! Some of his side hobbies include being an avid supporter of the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer and Cruz Azul F.C. in Liga MX.

Irving graduated from Stockton University in  2015 with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and in 2022 with an M.A. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies! His family is from Oaxaca, Mexico, but as mentioned  Irvin grew up in New Jersey with his two younger brothers, Cristian and Manny.

Best Advice or encouragement for a parent of a struggling Soccer Shots player:
Be patient and, most importantly, have fun. The best quote I have read is by legendary Dutch soccer player, Ruud Guillit “You only stop learning when you quit.”

Why do you work for Soccer Shots:
I wanted to make difference in my community. I truly believe the skills developed playing soccer can change lives and the world.

Coach Giovanna was born & raised in Cape May, New Jersey. She started youth sports at a young age playing soccer, basketball, & lacrosse.

When Giovanna isn’t coaching, her favorite activities include skateboarding, photography, drawing, & playing soccer! She graduated from Middle Township Highschool then went to Atlantic Cape Community College for her Associates Business degree!

Best Advice or encouragement for a parent of a struggling Soccer Shots player: My best advice to a parent with a struggling soccer shots player is to have patience with the childs development as all players develop at different paces. Keep the motivation and encouragement going.

Why do you work for Soccer Shots:
I work for soccer shots so I can help motivate kids to have fun with soccer.

Born and raised in:Mullica Hill, NJ

Experience in youth sports: Volunteered as a street hockey couch and taught children with special needs to ride bikes prior to working for Soccer Shots in Newark, DE this spring.

Favorite activities and hobbies: Golf, hockey, and spending time with friends and family.

Best Advice or encouragement for a parent of a struggling Soccer Shots player: Positive encouragement and patience are important while teaching the activities.

Why do you work for Soccer Shots: It feels very rewarding to have a positive influence on a kids daily life.