ECNL Girls Staff

Rory Dames has led Eclipse Select to many accomplishments over the past ten years, including being recognized as the top girl’s soccer club in the nation by Soccer America in 2007 and 2008, as well as by NationalSoccerRanking.com in 2007. Over the years, Dames has led the club to 11 national championships, eight national finals, eleven regional championships, 17 UYSA MRL championships and 41 Illinois State Cup championships.

Dames took over in 1996 when the club consisted of three teams and today boasts over 50 male and female teams with more than 750 players ranging from ages 8-19.

Rory Dames has been at the helm of the Red Stars since 2011, after leading them to two league finals and a USASA’s National Women’s Cup triumph in 2012. Dames has guided the team to playoff contention seven times and is looking to capture the title in 2021.

Born and raised in Chicagoland, the Red Stars Head Coach played his high school soccer at St. Viator in Arlington Heights until graduating in 1991. Next, he went on to star for St. Louis University, winning several conference championships and making an appearance in the NCAA Final Four. Dames then joined the Rockford Raptors for one professional season.

After his college career, Dames went on to coach not only Eclipse Select but also his high school alma mater. He would serve as Varsity Girls Head Coach at St. Viator for eight seasons (1997-2005) and guide his teams to seven conference championships and seven regional titles. Dames made five trips to the Elite Eight during his tenure at St. Viator, winning three state championships.

The man in charge of the Red Stars continues his work at the youth level, having turned Eclipse Select into one of the best-known and most respected girls clubs in the nation. He also serves as the ID2 National Girls Director. Dames currently resides in Antioch, Illinois.

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 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 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.