Meet The Coaches

Coach Cassie grew up in Oakdale, MN and currently resides in Woodbury, MN with her family (husband, two daughters & dog). She started playing soccer at the young age and continued to play all the way through college. She played collegiate soccer at Minnesota State University, Mankato and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. She then moved out to Michigan and earned her Master’s in Sports Administration and was the Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach for the Central Michigan University Women’s Soccer Team for four seasons. Cassie has a real passion for working with youth and loves being able to positively impact their growth and development and of course, having the opportunity to share her passion for soccer!

Coach Cheryl grew up in North St Paul, MN and currently lives in Woodbury, MN with her husband and two girls. Sports have always played a large role in her life from childhood through college. Cheryl has previously coached pole vaulting, and swimming, and joins us after spending the last few years as the director of a local swim school. She loves working with small children and finds joy in their imagination and creativity. When she isn’t at Soccer Shots, she loves to travel as much as possible, and spends a lot of time driving her girls to their various activities

Coach Sean was born and raised in East Sussex, United Kingdom. He started playing soccer from a very young age and it rapidly became his bread and butter. He played for club teams and attended a couple of academies throughout his academic years. Sean’s real journey and passion for coaching came when he captained a club for 5 years then moved into player/ coaching mode. He moved to the United States in 2014 and got hooked on coaching youth soccer. Sean is currently a licensed coach who is still eager to learn more. Coaching America’s future soccer players is the best job in the world and he feels as though he has so much to give back to the sport!

Coach Jenna was born and raised in Minnesota. She started playing soccer at 13 and has loved it ever since. She has experience working with youth in Minnesota, Japan, and the United Kingdom. During her time at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, she designed a research project on football being used to battle social exclusion in the UK. She worked with organizations for that project that used football to reduce homelessness and youth crime. Soccer and development quickly became a passion which lead her to become a coach for Soccer Shots. She hopes to use soccer to inspire future generations.

Coach Valentina grew up in the capital city in Colombia, she has loved sports since she was 2 years old and played soccer in high school. She also graduated with a degree in business administration in 2022. Currently she’s working in Minnesota through an international program.  She is very motivated and loves working with kids!

Coach Maddie grew up in Highland Park, IL playing soccer and team sports for 12 years. She studied Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota and currently lives near downtown Minneapolis. Maddie has previously enjoyed working with infants through kindergarten in early childcare centers for 6 years.
Maddie’s favorite things outside of coaching are dancing, watching movies, reading books, and doing puzzles!

Coach Anna was raised Reedsburg, Wisconsin and currently lives in Golden Valley, MN. Sports have always been a significant part of her life as she grew up playing soccer, tennis, volleyball, basketball and running cross country. She played basketball at Messiah University before transferring to Bethel her junior year where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in K-12 Physical Education. Since graduating Anna has continued pursuing her passion of teaching and coaching youth. She loves to spend time with her family, travel, exercise, and be outside as much possible.

Coach Heder has played soccer since he was 8 years old. He has been playing soccer in his dad’s soccer team where they have won countless league championships. Coach Heder has also played High School Varsity for the Richfield Spartans. He is eager to keep learning and moving up in coaching to eventually reach college or professional coaching. In his free time you can find him, camping, fishing, hiking, paddle boarding, playing soccer, or at a lot of restaurants checking out their special dish.

Bridget graduated from the University of Wisconsin- River Falls in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Minor in Early Childhood Education. She was a 4K teacher in Hudson, WI, and was a part-time Soccer Shots coach for 5 years before becoming a Training Coordinator with Soccer Shots. Bridget played soccer throughout her childhood and into college and is thrilled to be sharing her knowledge of the game with children today (and with her son as he grows)! She has been playing soccer since she could walk and hasn’t stopped since.

Ian grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota and played all kinds of sports throughout his childhood – namely tennis and soccer to name a couple. Fantasy football, the NFL Draft, and playing board games are just a few of his main hobbies. Ian went to North Central University in Minneapolis for Youth Development and has worked in various youth programming, including a few different non-profit organizations. He also has coached many different sports, but primarily tennis and soccer. Ian is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Recreation, Parks, and Sport Management online at Frostburg State University, looking to continue his career with youth and sports!

Coach Caroline grew up in Minneapolis and played soccer from the time she could walk until she was 18 years old. Caroline has lived and played soccer all over, in places such as China, Thailand and Singapore! Caroline worked as an executive chef in Southern California but has changed paths and works with kids and plants! She spends her time skiing or swimming her with dog depending on the season, playing her bass, going bowling, and tending to her indoor and outdoor gardens.

Josh grew up in the Twin Cities area and enjoyed sports, primarily basketball and distance running. He began coaching basketball through the Minneapolis parks in 2008, and then coached basketball, ultimate frisbee, and cross country at the International School of Minnesota for 11 years while working as an aide and administrator.  He has played rec league soccer for the past six years, and plays pickup basketball whenever possible! Josh has a B.A. in geography from the University of Minnesota and is interested in gardening, food systems, and sustainable agriculture

Coach Megan grew up in Bloomington and played soccer since age 8. She played varsity soccer for Bloomington Kennedy and was named to the all conference and all state team as a senior. She also played for an U19 women’s traveling team while in Minnesota. She lived in Texas for 20 years where she raised 2 children who graduated from college and now have fulfilling careers. In Texas, Megan taught preschool, was a summer day camp instructor, volunteered as a youth soccer coach and was an assistant coach for an U14 club team. She also took a coaches training course and holds a D coaching license. She has played soccer through her adulthood. In her free time, she likes to watch youth soccer, lacrosse, and football as well as all college and professional sports. She is happy to be back “home” to be with her friends and family.

Coach Malte grew up in the Ruhr region of Germany, right between the big Bundesliga clubs Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04, where soccer is life! He has been playing club soccer since he was 3 years old. After going to school and starting work as a social worker, soccer remained a huge part of his life: he has also coached teams and goalkeepers of various age groups in both Germany and the US. He moved to the Twin Cities in early 2020 and is excited to bring his passion for soccer to a new generation of kids through Soccer Shots, emphasizing both a love of the sport and of sportsmanship.

Coach Sydney was born in Stillwater, Minnesota and has been playing soccer since she was 14. She was the keeper for her team and enjoys the community and support that came with soccer. She studied psychology at Century College with a special interest in childhood development. She loves working with kids, and having five younger siblings showed just how much unlimited energy they have to play!

Coach Amanda grew up in McCall, Idaho before going to college in Madison, Wisconsin for kinesiology and then massage therapy school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She grew up playing soccer from the early age of 5 and also transitioned into other sports throughout her early childhood. Cross country running and cross country skiing were among her favorites! Coach Amanda also coaches Girls on the run along with volunteer coaching her children. Her family leads a very active lifestyle.

Coach Hannah was born and raised in Minnesota and played soccer from a child all through high school. She graduated from UW-River Falls with a Sport and Exercise Science degree.

Hannah loves being active and being around children! She is a full time preschool teacher as well and a Soccer Shots coach. Hannah is really looking forward to getting back to the game she loves so much and growing with all of the children as they learn soccer!

Coach Emily was born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota. She grew up playing soccer from age 6 and also transitioned into other sports like Track & Field and Cross Country. Coach Emily moved to Missouri for college and graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia with her Masters in Accountancy in 2018. She missed Minnesota so much she decided to move back after she graduated! Coach Emily now lives in Crystal with her dog, Olive, and loves hiking, kayaking, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Emily is very excited to share her passion for learning with her new friends in Soccer Shots!

Coach Patrick has been playing soccer since he was a little kid, running around picking
dandelions and maybe kicking the ball every now and again. He kept playing soccer all
the way up through high school and has continued to follow the professional game,
particularly the local teams like the Loons, the Crows and the Aurora. Patrick is a
recent graduate of The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, graduating with a theatre
major and a biology minor (crazy combination I know). He is excited to continue his
soccer journey as a coach and to combine his love of the sport with his passion for acting and just being silly!

Coach Kari grew up in Savage MN and played soccer from ages 3 – 22. She played at Gustavus Adolphus College and graduated with a bio chemistry and molecular biology degree. Kari is currently working in a research lab at the University of Minnesota.

Along with working in the lab, she has worked with children for 3 years. She is very excited to share her excitement for soccer and introduce kids to the sport in a fun and positive way!

Coach Tiago grew up in Brazil playing soccer in a local soccer team in a small town during high school. In 2011 Tiago went to college and graduated with a B.S in Education with a major in Physical Education. After college, he worked as athletic trainer and coached soccer at a Flamengo’s Soccer Franchise.

When Coach Meghanlee was 3 years old she experienced frustration for the very first
time because she missed out on preschool soccer. Her parents made sure to sign her up
for the next season of soccer. Ever since then she has been on the field protecting her
goalie. After high school she did some coaching for a variety of clubs all different ages.
Last year she had to take a short break for she had her 3rd child, but now she is back
and excited to coach the same age group she was when she first fell in love with the game.

Coach Phong grew up in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. In his spare time, coach Phong enjoys watching movies and playing video games. Fun fact about coach Phong, he was in a short film shown on the big screen

Coach Krystal grew up in Farmington, MN. She loved playing just about any sport, but
ended up focusing solely on hockey in high school and college. Krystal says there is a
reason hockey players warm up by playing soccer, it’s actually more fun. All jokes
aside, taking any sport too serious can lead to burn out, which is why she’s thrilled to
be getting back to the game of soccer. Soccer is one of the best sports in the world,
especially in that it is so inclusive. It can be played anywhere at anytime by anyone or
skill level. While obtaining her health and physical education (k-12) teaching degree she
also coached hockey for former teams and training programs. She has worked with kids
for over ten years and is currently working towards her masters in clinical mental
health. She is excited to be given the opportunity to allow every child she works with to be seen, heard, and loved.

Coach Amber grew up in North Central Wisconsin and currently resides in Hudson, WI. She started playing soccer at a young age and continued to play through high school. Amber is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a bachelors degree in Human Services Leadership. She has always been interested in working in the education industry, Elementary Education, and has extensive history of working in childcare’s, schools, autism centers, and mental health facilities with roles as assistant aides and registered behavioral technician. Amber has always had a passion for working with the youth and loves being able to positively impact their growth and development. In her downtime, she enjoys being with friends, hiking, being on the water especially in the summer, and staying active by exploring the Hudson/twin cities attractions.

Coach Jeff grew up in Fergus Falls, MN, but has lived in the Twin Cities for the past 5 years. He’s played soccer since the age of 4, competitively up until college. Aside from soccer, he also refs and plays hockey, does theater professionally, and enjoys hanging out with his dog Aspen.

Coach Hayden grew up in St. Michael, Minnesota where he played soccer for 10 years. Hayden’s nickname throughout the season was Coach Hayden! Hayden used to coach recreational soccer for his local area. He is excited to teach kids the fundamentals of soccer and build meaningful relationships with the kids he coaches!!

Coach Nathaniel has played soccer his entire life. Saying he has a lot of passion and love for the game is an understatement. He has a 4 year old who likes to play soccer but does not enjoy it much when it comes to watching it on the TV. He has always wanted to coach soccer and he is incredibly excited to inspire the same love and passion for the beautiful game in the kids he will be coaching!

Coach Zach grew up in Stillwater and enjoyed participating in many different sports. Senior year of high school at St. Croix Preparatory, he was a member of both varsity soccer as well as basketball. He is currently on the basketball team at Bethel University.

Coach Gabe is originally from Superior Wisconsin, where he was a member of the Superior Spartan Soccer Program, and Gitchi Gummi Soccer Club. Gabe is currently enrolled at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, working towards an associates in economics. Some hobbies include, playing soccer, fishing, being outside and time with family and friends.

Coach Cormac grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota and currently plays soccer for Vlora FC. He graduated from Jefferson in 2021 and currently attends Normandale Community College.  Cormac has a deep-rooted passion for personal development, which is why he is excited to be a coach for Soccer Shots.

Coach Zoey was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada where she played competitive soccer when she was 8 years old. She played Division 1 soccer at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in business advertising and after got her MBA in finance and management at the University of Kansas. Zoey currently works at Be The Match helping facilitate blood stem cell transplants to patients battling blood diseases. Zoey lives in the Twin Cities area with her husband and 3 cats. Zoey is excited to share her love with soccer and have the most fun possible!

Coach Emily grew up in Eau Claire Wisconsin and played soccer from ages 4-19. She worked for a soccer program at Parks and Recreation in Eau claire as a soccer instructor. A year later Coach Emily became the soccer program planner and ran the program through the summer.
Emily is currently attending the University of Wisconsin River Falls and studying Health and Physical education.
Her favorite color is blue and she loves to be outside. She is super excited to share the love and passion she has with soccer with the kids enrolled in our programs!

Coach Namit was born and brought up in India. He immigrated to the United States in 2019. He speaks four languages English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. He grew up playing soccer and is a licensed realtor and skydiver.

Coach Timothy grew up in Plymouth, MN and played soccer for over 12 years.  There isn’t a sport that Timothy has not spent time playing. He spent his time in college playing football at Bethel University and will graduate with a degree in Psychology with certificates as well.  Timothy has a wife and two boys, ages 13 and 10.  Timothy has coached in many sports and continues to coach kids in other programs.  He can’t wait to introduce and educate the kids he works with in a positive and exciting way!

Coach Joe grew up in Cambridge Minnesota and played soccer from ages 10-18, started track and field in high-school, and continues to run in college. Throughout college he coached track and field at summer camps as well. He went to Saint John’s University (MN) where he got his B.A. in psychology and is working towards a Graduate degree in School counseling at University of Wisconsin River Falls in Wisconsin.

Coach Amber grew up in Saint Paul MN and played soccer in elementary-high school. She recently started playing again for fun in college and is currently attending the University of Minnesota. She works at a radiology clinic part time and in her free time enjoys the outdoors, traveling, trying new food and music.

Coach Tara lives in Apple Valley, MN with her husband and fur baby Lilly! She played soccer at Crown College and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication. In addition to working for Soccer Shots, she has a full-time job in healthcare. When Tara isn’t working she enjoys doing CrossFit and being active. She is very excited to share her excitement for Soccer and introduce kids to the sport in a fun and positive way!

Coach Islendy grew up in Richfield MN and enjoyed sports, especially soccer and volleyball. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Sport Management degree. She has worked with children from 2 months- 5 years old and she is very excited to introduce soccer to youth and impact them in a positive way.

Coach Josie grew up in Andover Minnesota and played soccer for fifteen years. She has been teaching preschool for the last 4 years, and she is working on getting her bachelors degree in early childhood education and a minor in special education. She is so excited to teach kids all about soccer and have lots of fun!

Coach Natalie lives in West St. Paul with her two young daughters and husband. She loves getting outside to play soccer with her girls, doing photography, and reading books! She taught Kindergarten for 4 years before coming to coach the next generation of soccer super stars and is so excited to teach them about the sport she loves.

Raised in a musical home, with a background of caregiving for all ages and abilities for 15+ years, and passport stamps and stories from her time as a volunteer missionary, Coach Madeline is bringing her passion for kids and soccer to the field!

Coach Katie grew up in the Twin Cities and played soccer from ages 5 – 18. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire with a Kinesiology/Exercise Science degree. She also minored and completed a practicum coaching soccer for Eau Claire United. Katie is currently back to school at the University of St. Catherine and will graduate with an Occupational Therapy Assistant degree in December 2023. She is excited to begin coaching and sharing her love of soccer with the kids!

Coach Stanley is a senior at North central University, with an undergraduate degree in “Sports Management” and striving for a masters in “Strategic Leadership.” He has been playing soccer for 9 years now and he looking forward to pass on some knowledge to the children he will coach.

Coach Ani grew up in Eagan MN and played soccer from ages 5-8. She also played softball and volleyball since the age of 6. She taught dance to groups of 2-6 year olds for 2 seasons of dance and had been a dancer herself for 10+ years! She is very excited to share her experience and enthusiasm with the lucky kids who get to be involved with Soccer Shots!

Coach Annie grew up in Milwaukee, WI. She loved playing soccer as a kid! She has lots of experience working with kids-from teaching English in Mexico while nannying. She currently lives in St. Paul with her husband and very energetic rescue dog. When she’s not at Soccer Shots, she’s busy helping people buy and sell houses.

Coach Ethan grew up in Madison, WI, where he fell in love with sports – primarily soccer – at a young age. He continued his passion for the game throughout high school and eventually at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities where he graduated with a degree in professional journalism. As well working as a sports reporter covering high school sports in the Twin Cities, Ethan enjoys staying active through sports like soccer and basketball and learning how to teach others. He also finds time to make music and go to live music shows around the Twin Cities.

Coach Emma grew up in the twin cities area and has always had a thing for sports! Throughout elementary and middle school she played soccer, volleyball, cheer, t-ball, gymnastics, and dance. She really got to try it all while also getting to help her younger sister. She now lives in her apartment in Dinkytown and is working with soccer shots till she starts school to be an aesthetician!

Coach Kelly grew up in Savage, MN and played soccer from a young age up until college. She graduated from NDSU with a degree is both Child Development and Radiologic Sciences. Kelly works for Twins Cities Orthopedics as an Imaging Technologist as well as at a daycare as a licensed preschool teacher. Kelly loves being around kids and can’t wait to combine two of her passions at Soccer Shots.

Coach Grace grew up in White Bear MN. She has her bachelors degree in Exercise Science and is currently getting her Doctoral degree to become an Occupational Therapist. She grew up playing multiple sports throughout her life, and is excited to coach and help children grow!

Coach Meg grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota. She played soccer from age 3-18. She attended Minnesota State University, Mankato where she studied biomedical sciences. Meg now works as a lab manager at the University of Minnesota studying neuron development. Meg is excited to share her love of soccer with your kids!