East Location Staff

Grew up in Naperville, Ill. and currently resides in Chicago, Ill… Graduated from the University of Dayton in 2015 with a degree in Sport Management and a minor in Business Administration… Gained experiences after college with the University of Dayton’s Sports Information Department, the United States Hockey League Office, and the Chicago Steel (USHL)… Hired by the Columbus Crew SC as a Ticket Sales Representative prior to joining Eclipse Select in 2017… Played for Chicago Magic and Chicago Fire Jr. Academies while in High School… Varsity soccer athlete at Neuqua Valley High School from 2009-2010… Currently in graduate school at Olivet Nazarene University for a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
There was an exciting brand new position opening with the club. I already had a built-up relationship with many of the current staff and I would be working back where I grew up with the top youth teams in the state and one of the best clubs in the country was a great opportunity for me.

What do you like the most about coaching?
Having the ability to share my experiences and everything I learned from the many great coaches I developed under. Taking those experiences and lessons I learned and putting it forward to the next generation of players. Then, seeing them grasp the concepts and enjoy the process as much as I did when I was their age is unparalleled.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
Players should join Eclipse because of the tremendous competitive environment the club creates for its players. This results in exponential development. Eclipse is constantly developing the top talent in the area and giving every opportunity for players to obtain the exposure they need to play at the next level.

Grew up in Bolingbrook, Ill. and currently resides in Downers Grove, Ill… Youth career consisted of playing club soccer at Sports Club, which was the pioneering group of that organization that turned into the Chicago Magic… Played Division I soccer at the University of Illinois-Chicago… Joined Eclipse Select in 1998… Currently holds a USSF B coaching license.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
Rory Dames and Mike Nesci had the same vision for youth development as I did and we believed we could make this imprint on youth soccer in the Chicago area.

What do you like the most about coaching?
Helping kids reach their potential and learn to work hard and push through barriers to get to their goals

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
It is one of only a handful of options in which players can play at any level, including the highest level in the nation. Most other options cannot provide the best players the opportunities that we can. Players can actually be part of a program that has a proven pathway to the highest level of soccer if they have the desire and commitment to get there. It’s not for everyone, but everyone has the opportunity.

Grew up in Homer Township, Ill. and currently resides in Naperville, Ill… Final four Appearance as Coach of the Red Star Reserve Women’s team… Development of multiple Professional players… Coached three State Cup Championship teams… IYSA Coach Educator… IYSA Olympic Development Program Coach… Coached in six different countries… Joined Eclipse Select in 2005… Currently holds a USSF A coaching license.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
To be involved with the best players in the state of Illinois.

What do you like the most about coaching?
Having a positive impact on young people lives and to help them accomplish their goals and dreams by treating players with respect, expecting results, loving what we do and who we work with, trusting them, guiding them and providing them with the tools to succeed without smothering their creativity, or personality.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
To improve as a player you need to play and train with players that make you better. Iron sharpens iron. Our environment includes like-minded players that all want to become the best at soccer and will challenge each other every day to reach that goal.

Grew up in Barzilovica, Serbia and currently resides in La Grange, Ill… Currently the Goalkeeping Coach for the Chicago Red Stars… Most recently came from the University of Iowa where he was the Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach… University of Louisville Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach where goalkeeper Taylor Bucklin earned All-ACC honors in 2015… Region III Olympic Development Goalkeeper Coach… US Soccer Goalkeeper Coach with the US U23 WNT Training Camps… Columbus State University Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach winning two conference championships, two NCAA tournament appearances, and an Elite 8 appearance in 2014… CFC Red Star Girls Director of Coaching and Academy Director of Coaching…NGSA Rapids Director of Goalkeeping… Georgia Olympic Development Program Staff Member… Emmanuel College Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach… Atlanta Silverbacks (USL W-League) Assitant and Goalkeeper Coach… Last Defense Goalkeeper Academy Staff Member… ZFK LASK (FC Red Star Belgrade) Assistant and Goalkeeper Women’s Coach… Currently holds a UEFA B and USSF C coaching licenses… Has an NSCAA Goalkeeping Level 1 and 2 diploma… Is an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
I was recruited by Rory Dames and company to assist him with coaching duties for the Chicago Red Stars along with heading the Goalkeeping program for Eclipse and it was not an opportunity I could pass up.

What do you like the most about coaching?
The process of player development and seeing players from where they start and assisting them to achieve where they want to be.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
It is a tremendous platform for all players to come, get better, and showcase their talents and abilities with the opportunity to play at the next level.

Grew up in Dublin, Ireland… Joined Eclipse Select in 2007… Played in college with College of DuPage winning an NJCAA National title in 1993 before playing with Marycrest University and captaining the side to two conference titles… Coached with the Chicago Fire Development Academy for a few years before coming back to coach at the ECNL level in 2016.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
Because it is the best girl’s soccer club in Illinois.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
Because it is the best girls club in Illinois both in terms of its successes at a team level and in terms of creating a competitive environment for top players to excel and reach their top potential.

Grew up in Darien, Ill… An All-Sectional, All-State, All-American Midwest senior year at Hinsdale South H.S… Holds the career all-time goal scoring record… Played Division I soccer at DePaul University 1991-1993… Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Team at Hinsdale South H.S. from 1999-2008… Staff Coach at Darien Dynamo in 2008 and moved on to United Soccer Academy… Joined Eclipse Select in 2017… Currently holds a USSF National D License

Why did you Join Eclipse?
I wanted to join a bigger club that has the highest expectations out of their players. Eclipse has all different levels to coach that allows players of different abilities to learn and develop. Eclipse has a competitive spirit that drives its players to improve and be the best they can be and I wanted to be a part of that environment.

What do you like the most about coaching?
I absolutely love the teaching aspect of coaching. It is great to see young players develop and improve under your tutelage.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
The Eclipse Select Soccer Club pushes its players to get the most out of their ability and talent. The coaching is excellent at all the levels of the club both boys and girls. We have teams at all different levels that allow players to feel comfortable and develop soccer skills to their fullest potential.

Grew up in Orland Park, Ill. and currently resides in Aurora, Ill… Played Division I soccer at Bradley University where he was captain of the team… Involved and directly coached a number of National Championships in the USYS, ECNL, WAGS, and Disney Showcase in 20 years at the club… Currently holds a USSF D coaching license… Joined Eclipse in 2001.

Most recently won the 2020-21 ECNL National Championship at the U-18/19 age group.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
I joined Eclipse to consolidate the top talent in the Chicagoland area with the vision to have consistent success at the state, regional, and National level in a variety of competitions.

What do you like the most about coaching?
The opportunity to affect people’s lives through the game of soccer.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
Eclipse is a proven pathway to individual development and team success.