ECNL Girls Staff

Dave Lovercheck returned to the club after coaching the Eclipse Select Developmental Academy U16/17’s in the 2017-18 season. Dave heads the Girls Program for the West location in the Naperville and Aurora area. Dave is a USSF A-licensed coach who previously was the Technical Director at Team Chicago and previously the Head Coach of the U17 Girls Elite Residential Program at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Minnesota.

Dave played collegiately at Hunter College, CUNY and earned his Bachelor in Science in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from the University of San Francisco and has his Master’s Degree in Soccer Coaching from Ohio University a very prestigious coaching degree run in conjunction with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Prior to his stint at Shattuck-St. Mary’s Dave spent five successful years as Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at San Jose State University (DI). At San Jose State, Dave served as Recruiting Coordinator and NCAA Compliance Coordinator as well as Video Analyst and helped the team to two Western Athletic Conference championships.

While in the Bay Area, Dave also served as Assistant Coach & Head Equipment Manager for the FC Gold Pride, which won the Women’s Professional Soccer league title, and as head coach of the MVLA Pride U14 and U15 teams, which he led to the ECNL National Championship game in 2013 and a 3rd place finish in the National League. He also served as Boys Varsity Head Coach at Henry M. Gunn H.S. in Palo Alto, CA.

Dave started his coaching career in New York City where he served nine years as a Staff Coach and Camp Director for Downtown United Soccer Club in Manhattan, and two seasons as the Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach at Borough of Manhattan Community College.

Dave is married to Jennifer who is a Chicagoland native. Jen is an illustrator who works in children’s books and has several titles published. Dave and Jen are the proud parents of daughter Emily.

Grew up and currently resides in Libertyville, Ill… Attended Libertyville High School and was a three-time All-Conference and a three-time All-Area player, as well as a two-time All-Sectional player… Lead Libertyville to a state championship in 2001 while garnering offensive MVP honors… Played soccer for Eclipse for eight years winning four state cup championships and two regional championships… Two-time national finalist and two-time national champion with the Eclipse U23’s… Played Division I college soccer at Southeast Missouri State University and graduated in 2007… Won one regular-season championship and two tournament championships advancing to the NCAA tournament in 2006 and 2007… Led the team in goals and points as a freshman and sophomore and was also named player of the week once… Four-time Academic All-Conference selection and captain of the team her senior year… Graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and is a Sports Clinical Specialist… Currently holds a USSF E coaching license.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
I grew up playing for the club and giving back and coaching for the club that you played for is rewarding.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
The tradition and track record of the club for developing elite teams and players.

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 and currently resides in Northbrook, Ill… Joined Eclipse Select in 2019… Currently holds a USSF A license, an NSCAA Premier Diploma, and a Youth National License.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
I joined Eclipse for many reasons, but foremost was the opportunity to work with great leaders and coaches. The only way to advance as a coach is to be pushed by your peers and Eclipse has some of the best youth coaches.

What do you like the most about coaching?
I like working with athletes to achieve team and individual goals. When the team succeeds the player succeeds. Being a part of a player accomplishing their goals is highly satisfying and makes it all worthwhile.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
If a player is looking to take his/her game to the next level or compete in high-level soccer leagues then Eclipse is the place. Eclipse’s challenging and demanding environment builds elite soccer players.

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.

Grew up in Saint Charles, Ill… Assistant Coach – Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Illinois-Chicago 2014-2018 Serving as the goalkeeper coach… Coached two-time Horizon League Goalkeeper of the Year Kelly Fritz, who has also placed on the All-Horizon League First Team twice… Took UIC to a program-best 1.59 GAA in 2017 while securing 18 total shutouts… Played Division I soccer at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee career ranking second in all-time minutes played, wins and shutouts… Her 27 career shutouts also rank second in Horizon League history… Named Co-Defensive Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year in 2011… Participated in four NCAA tournaments, winning the Horizon League regular season all four seasons… Played three seasons with the Chicago Red Stars from 2010-2012… 2007,2008 USYS Region II Champions, 2009 USYS National Finalist… Listed as the top goalkeeper in the Chicago area by the Chicago Sun-Times … Eclipse Select was twice the No. 1 team in the nation and was No. 3 in 2008… Currently holds an NSCAA Goalkeeping Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Advanced National Goalkeeper Diplomas as well as a USSF D coaching license.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
Eclipse is home for me. Being an alum, I was eager to get back into the club environment and give back what the club gave me. Being able to start up the North site is exciting and I am looking forward to seeing it grow.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
If you want a club that is passionate about the game of soccer and being a family, Eclipse is the right place for you. Not only are the players developed as players, but also as young adults. Being recognized as a top club in the US, college exposure is high for the players.