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 will be entering his tenth season at the helm of the Red Stars, after leading them to two league finals and a USASA’s National Women’s Cup triumph in 2012. The past five seasons Dames has guided the team to playoff contention and is looking to capture the title in 2020.

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 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.

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 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, the Chicago Steel (USHL) and 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 starter at Neuqua Valley from 2009-2010.

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 East Aurora, Ill. and currently resides in Aurora, Ill… Played Division I soccer at Northern Illinois University… Graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (NIU) and an MBA (Keller Graduate School)… Super Y League Champions (2016 and 2017)… Boys NPL Finalist (2016)… Danone Nations Cup Champion USA (2016)… NPL 1 League Champions 2004 & 2005 Boys… State Champion 2019… State Runner Up 2019… Two US Club Regional Champion 2019… US Club National Cup Champion 2019… US Club Regional Champion 2019… US Club National Cup Finalist 2019… ENPL National Finalist 2019… 2019 ECNL Midwest U15 Conference Champions… Currently holds USSF E and D licenses… Joined Eclipse Select in 2017.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
It was the inaugural season of the Boys ECNL platform. I was offered the opportunity to run the West Location and coach in the Boys ECNL.

What do you like the most about coaching?
I love helping develop young athletes to reach their full potential and becoming great people along the way. Through work ethic, discipline, dedication, resiliency, persistence, and respect we work together to bring out the best in each other. It is a continuous cycle of self-motivation to share the passion of the game.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
No other club will have the passion to develop kids as we do, no one else will put in the long hours to achieve it, and we share the commitment that the family makes.

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 Morton Grove, Ill. and currently resides in Wheeling, Ill… Niles West High School (Goalkeeper 1993-1995)… Indiana University Head Women’s Club Soccer Coach (1999-2000)… Niles West High School (2000-2002)… Glenbrook South High School (Head Varsity Girls Soccer Coach 2006-2018)… Head Varsity Boys Soccer Coach (2014-2016), Staff Coach FC United Soccer Club (2011-2018)… Glenbrook South High School (Business Education Teacher 2006-present), Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association (Executive Board Member – Public Relations Director 2012-present)… IHSA Soccer and Basketball Referee (1996-present)… Joined Eclipse Select in 2019… Currently holds a NSCAA National Coaching Diploma, NSCAA National Goalkeeping Coaching Diploma and a USSF National D coaching license.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
To be with a competitive soccer club filled with passionate players and coaches for a common goal to inspire, to teach, and engage in building a foundation. Keeping an open-mind to learn from others in working on my craft as a coach while working with other professionals and players invested in the game.

What do you like the most about coaching?
Teaching life lessons. As a high school teacher, it is in my fabric to educate, provide a themed curriculum, and be selfless in giving my very best for the game I love. When you see players improve in front of your eyes, nothing is better. Through leadership, professionalism, work ethic, and listening skills aside from just playing the game itself… all are key attributes on what makes a successful player now while being a key asset for someone else later.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
Eclipse provides a platform rich in tradition that speaks for itself. An environment challenging the player to be their best while enriching them in a competitive cauldron both in training and matches. The development towards mental, physical, technical, and tactical disciplines is truly second-to-none. Coaching and teaching is a people-first industry. Eclipse accomplishes that by focusing on the player first, not by words, but through action.

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 Orland Park, Ill. and currently resides in Lockport, Ill… High School All-American (1994)… High School All-Midwest (1994)… High School All-State (1994)… High School State Champions (1993)… Six-time State Cup Champions… ODP State Team from 1991-1994… ODP Regional Team in 1993 and 1994… National Team ODP Pool in 1994… Played Division I soccer at Bowling Green State University… Freshman All-Conference Newcomer Team… First Team All-MAC… First Team All-Ohio… Coached six State Cup Champions and two USYS Region II Finalists… Currently holds a USSF C coaching license

Why did you Join Eclipse?
Love the competitive culture of the club and ECNL

What do you like the most about coaching?
Helping players achieve their goals. Also, I enjoy the competition of the Elite Clubs National League.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
It’s one of the top girls’ clubs in the country. Any player who strives to be the best, play with the best and compete against the best, this is the club for them.

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 Aurora, Ill. and currently resides in Yorkville, Ill… With his brother Cleo, he has had a hand in developing all team accomplishments developing the West Location teams to compete at a regional and national level…Spent 12 Years of Developing Elite Soccer Players; Numerous League, State, Regional and National titles… Currently holds a USSF D coaching license… Joined Eclipse Select in 2017.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
I appreciate the existing girl’s program and wanted to be a part of growing an elite boys program.

What do you like the most about coaching?
The most rewarding part of coaching, is player growth, not only on the field but off the field as well. I consider players to be part of my family, I want them to succeed in life and in soccer. It is an honor to help influence today’s youth through soccer.

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 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.