EDP Soccer honors 30 Promising Young Coaches for 2024

EDP Soccer has announced its list of 30 Promising Young Coaches for 2024. Each of the coaches are under the age of 30 and represent clubs that compete in EDP Soccer Leagues.

Nominations for the list are made by club directors, and each coach selected is recognized for their hard work, dedication, and ability to develop players and teams.

“EDP Soccer continues to be impressed by the young coaches within our leagues,” said Jen Marcella, Executive Director of EDP Soccer Leagues. “Our member clubs continue to develop not only great teams, but fantastic coaches. We look forward to working with each of them this upcoming Spring season, and are thrilled to have them as part of the EDP Family.”

See below for the full list of 2024 EDP Soccer Promising Young Coaches:

Bridgette Alexander – Huntingdon Valley Athletic Association
26 Years Old

Bridgette was a standout player during her youth career, who went on to have a fantastic collegiate career for Division 1 program University of Hartford. In high school, she amassed 292 career points, including a school-record 112 goals, and was also an all-league basketball player. After college, she began her coaching career as an assistant coach for Rosemont College. Now coaching with Huntingdon Valley Athletic Association, she is giving back to the club she grew up playing for, and even played for their 23U team. As a coach in the club, she won an EPYSA State Cup in 2022, and has become a true role model for the players to look up to.

Benhur Attar – STA Mount Olive
29 Years Old

Benhur, a native of Turkey, has been instrumental in growing STA Mount Olives girls side from the grassroots level. Beginning in the club’s recreation program, he has worked his way into the travel program building the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 teams. He has his USSF D license, and is currently working on his C license.

Owen Baillargeon – AC Connecticut
22 Years Old

Owen played collegiate soccer at Western Connecticut State University before coming back to his childhood club to coach. He holds his USSF D License, and is now the Camps & Clinics Director for the club. He is currently coaching the 8U Boys and 13U Girls teams, and has won several league and tournament championships in his short time as a coach.

Thriston Briscoe – UST FC
23 Years Old

Thriston played Division 1 college soccer for St Francis Brooklyn, and also in USL League 2 for FA Euro New York. A former youth National Team player for Jamaica, he also went on trial for SD Seravezza Calcio in Italy. Now working with UST FC, he is able to use his experience as a player to relate to the younger generation he coaches, and is quickly becoming one of the top young coaches on Long Island.

Angela Carcella – FC Revolution
24 Years Old

Angela played college soccer at Elizabethtown College, and played club soccer for FC Revolution, who she returned to coach for. She graduated college Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Early Childhood Education, and her experience as a third-grade teacher helps her on the field. She is the head coach of the club’s 11U Girls team, and is also the assistant on the club’s 17U girls team. Additionally, she is a lead staff member for the club’s INSTASKILLS and BIG Kick Soccer Camp programs.

Lauren Coletti – Monmouth United
26 Years Old

Lauren was a college soccer player at Rowan University, and is now the Girls Foundation Director for MDS and Monmouth United. Under her guidance, the club’s girls side has rapidly improved, and she is coaching the 2014, 2012, 2010 and 2008 Girls. Her commitment to developing players with fun and passion does not go unnoticed, allowing her to be successful at each milestone during her coaching career.

Stijn De Feyter – NJ Premier FC
24 Years Old

KStijn played for the youth team of KV Mechelen of the Belgium Pro League, and holds a UEFA B License. Since joining NJ Premier FC, he has made a huge impact with every team he has coached. With the 2007 Boys, he won several tournaments including EDP Cup, and took over the 2012 Orange team, bringing them from the bottom of the table to second place in their EDP League division. He has excellent communications and rapport with parents and kids, and kids really love playing for him.

Jose Escandon – Kearny Thistle United
23 Years Old

Jose had a storied playing career growing up, and was named NJ.com Player of the Year in 2018. Playing for Kearny HS and NY Red Bulls Academy, he won the 2017 HS State Championship, and would go on to play Division 1 soccer for NJIT. Coaching for his hometown, he is an incredible role model, and one the players aspire to be like. Off the field, he is also a talented singer having won numerous competitions in the US and Ecuador, and competed in the Spanish version of The Voice “La Voz Kids.”

Maddi Ferrara – Coppermine SC
29 Years Old

Maddi played Division 1 soccer for UMBC. Prior to UMBC, she was First Team All-JUCO and All-Region Team at Harford Community College. She is now the Girls Youth Director at Coppermine, one of the top girls programs in Maryland. Coaching the 2016 and 2015 Girls teams, she is helping develop top young players in the state. Her dedication, hard work, and passion for the game has made her one of the up-and-coming young female coaches in the region. She has also coached high school soccer, basketball, and softball.

Christian Henry – Cedar Stars Academy Hudson Valley
28 Years Old

Christian had a tremendous playing career, playing for both Lehigh Valley United and New York SC before playing overseas. He joined Cedar Stars in 2020, working his way up to be the club director. With the club, he has won several championships, including ENY Challenge Cup Champions (2013 Boys); USYS North Atlantic Conference Premier I Champions (2005 Boys); and USYS Regional Showcase NE Champions (2007 Boys). He currently holds his USSF C License, and is working towards his B License.

Jess Johnson – Middletown SC
24 Years Old

Jess had an extremely impressive college career, winning four consecutive MAAC regular season and Tournament Championships for Division 1 Monmouth University. She won Conference Player of the Year, and also the school’s Bill Boylan Award for a student-athlete that demonstrates traits of leadership, sportsmanship, and athletic ability. Jess has used these traits in her young coaching career, becoming an exemplary role model for the players she coaches. Working with Soccer Specific Training for Middletown SC, she has received great feedback from each team she has worked with. Also a member of the US Futsal National Team, she supported Futsal for All, an inclusive futsal program for children and adults with developmental delays.

Jake Kemery – Next Level Soccer Academy
26 Years Old

Jake played college soccer for Penn State Abington where he made a significant impact on and off the field. He played in 71 games in which he started in 67 for a total of 5,734 minutes putting him in the Penn State Abington record books for games played. He started with NLSA in the 2022/2023 season and was quickly promoted internally to Player Development Director. Moving to the Girls side full time, his teams have flourished, and he is coaching the 2009 Girls USYS, 2009 Girls EDP, and 2015 Girls. He holds a USSF C License, United Soccer Coaches Sports Psychology & Individual Mental Skills, and United Soccer Coaches Futsal Level 1 Diploma.

Michael Lescano – FC Copa Academy
26 Years Old

Michael played four years of college soccer at Stockton University as a goalkeeper. He then joined the school’s coaching staff before joining FC Copa Academy. He currently coaches four teams for the club with the G2014, G2013, B2007 Black, and B2007 Red, and has made a positive impact with each of them. He has a true enthusiasm to educate his players and works well with players of all ages. His passion for teaching the game to his players is second to none and has a can-do attitude, always looking to improve himself so he can better guide his players and his teams.

Katie Marr – Freedom Soccer Club
27 Years Old

Katie has a successful playing career, including playing professionally for Baltimore Blast, and for McDaniel College, where she twice was the team’s leading goal-scorer and reached the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. She would then coach at McDaniel College where the program made it to the Centennial Conference playoffs and ECAC tournament. At Freedom Soccer Club, she has coached the 2009G Crush to first place in EDP League Fall 2022, third place in EDP League 2021, and several top tournament performances. She holds her USSF D License.

Lucas Marques – The Football Academy of NJ
24 Years Old

Lucas, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil played college soccer at East Stroudsburg, where he was named ALL-PSAC East First Team in 2021, and made ESPN Sportscenter Top 10 Plays. Since joining the Football Academy of NJ, he has assisted with most of the teams at the club and has become a key member of staff. His enthusiasm, passion, and ability to educate players has made a big impact on the teams he coaches. He holds a USSF D License, and coaches the 2016 Boys Gold, and 2009 Girls Black.

Alley Maurer – Match Fit Academy Shore
28 Years Old

Alley played college soccer for Hartwick College, and won two State Cups with Match Fit Academy in 2013 and 2014. The former goalkeeper began coaching after college, and worked with Old Bridge SC before joining Match Fit Academy. Within the club, she coaches both the Boys and Girls 2014 Blue teams. Earning her USSF C License in 2023, she is known for her organization, communication, leadership, focus, and dedication.

William Mayorga – World Class Premier
20 Years Old

William began coaching at just 16 years old, beginning with SJR Elite Training. William is now with World Class Premier, coaching the 2015 Boys Blue and 2014 Boys Orange team. He has experience with players at all levels, and always leads by example. He has a great ability to connect with his players, and has a great future as a coach.

Daniel Medina – PSG Academy Florida
29 Years Old

Daniel was raised in Bogota, Colombia, and played for the Millonarios FC U20 team before moving to Florida to play college soccer. Holding his USSF C License, and his teams are regular participants in the EDP Florida Playoffs which feature the top teams in the state. Coaching U12 Mbappe and U14 Asensio, he recently won the inaugural EDP Florida Spring Kickoff. His passion, patience, and love for the game resonates with all his players, and he has been successful at each of his coaching stops. He has also been a coach with USL2 side FC Miami City.

Yusuf Mikaheel – Park Slope United
29 Years Old

Yusuf was born in Nigeria, where he played for Namo FC, and then also played professionally in Greece before joining New Amsterdam FC. He currently coaches the São Paulo 2013 and Corinthians 2015 teams at PSU, and Brooklyn United Academy National 2012. A very technically-gifted player, and an astute observer, he has helped his players dramatically and rapidly improve their awareness of the game, technical ability, and intensity.

Loren Pardoe – Soccer Association of Columbia
25 Years Old

Loren was a two-sport athlete in college, playing both soccer and lacrosse at Notre Dame of Maryland University. A two-year captain in college, her leadership has carried over to the world of coaching, and she is the epitome of quiet leadership. She has excellent communication with both the parents and players for a young coach, and is very passionate about developing her players. She currently coaches the Girls 2010 United Blue team.

Derek Parker – Cheshire SC United
26 Years Old

Derek played college soccer for Division 1 program Quinnipiac University, where he was twice named MAAC All-Academic Team. During his youth career, he won three CJSA State Championships, and also a High School State Championship. Working with the Girls 2014 and Girls 2015 teams, he is becoming one of the top developers of youth players on the girls side in Connecticut. His communication, technical skill set, commitment to development, and character-building are some of his top qualities as a coach.

Sophia Portalatin – Silver Lake Soccer Academy
24 Years Old

Sophia was a goalkeeper for SUNY Oswego in college, and returned to hometown Staten Island where she coaches the Silver Lake SA 2013 Force. She led the team to a second place finish in their first EDP League season, and has guided the team to many top tournament performances. She is an amazing role model to the girls and brings great knowledge of the game. Her passion to teach has yielded successful results for her team.

Kirk Robinson – FC Delco
23 Years Old

Kirk played collegiate soccer for Washington College. He currently has a USSF D License working towards his C License, and coaches the FC Delco 2013 Boys White and FC Delco 2013 Boys Gold. He has led the team to several tournament championships, and won 2023 EDP Small-Sided Coach of the Year for Pennsylvania. He is highly energetic, a student of the game, and has a true knack for connecting with players and motivating them.

Pol Sabaté Alcón – TSJ FC Virginia
28 Years Old

Pol, originally from Spain, has been a top coach for TSJ FC Virginia. He has won the VYSA State Cup this Fall with TSJFCV United North 2006B Yellow, and has also won VYSA Presidents Cup. He has his team at the top of the National League South Atlantic Conference, as well as several top finishes at some of their latest tournaments. He does a tremendous job of ensuring there are boundaries between players and coaches while maintaining open communications. He is able to motivate the team in a positive manner, and his intelligence and understanding of the game provide a solid foundation for his teams.

AJ Schroettner – Western Lehigh United Soccer Club
26 Years Old

AJ has been part of the Lehigh Valley Soccer landscape since his youth career, and played college soccer at nearby DeSales University where he played nine out of 11 positions during his four-year career. In addition to coaching with WLUSC, he also is the coach for the Freedom High School Varsity team. A real student of the game, AJ has numerous licenses and certifications. Currently coaching the club’s 2010 team, he helped them to win their EDP League Division in the Spring, and has guided his teams to top performances at many of the most prestigious tournaments on the east coast.

Joseph Sefoi – Next Level Soccer
28 Years Old

Joseph played college soccer for Baltimore County Catonsville and Lincoln Memorial University, and plays for the Baltimore Blast in the MASL. Now coaching NLS Ajax 2008 NL, he has won EDP Leagues and several tournaments since he began coaching. Holding his USSF D License, he is very detail-oriented and always positive with his players. He also has a background and expertise in strength and conditioning.

Parker Solowey – Cohansey Soccer Club
24 Years Old

Parker played college soccer for William Patterson and Rutgers Camden, and played youth soccer for the highly-successful Washington United Blackjacks in EDP. The Director of Youth Development at the club, he coaches the Navy 2012 Boys, Premier White 2011 Boys, and Premier Navy 2010 Boys. Holding a USSF D License, he recently won the EDP Spring Classic and EDP Fall Kickoff. He has an excellent knowledge of the game, is very hardworking, and is a great motivator for his players.

Joseph Stock – Philadelphia Soccer Club
26 Years Old

Joseph played college soccer at Holy Family, where he was selected to the CACC All-Academic team, and started every game during his Junior and Senior years. A nominee for the EDP Boys Small-Sided Coach of the Year, his 2013B Madrid team had a 16-2-2 record this Fall. He is a player-oriented coach, who is very encouraging, motivational, and one of the most dedicated young coaches in the state.

Jonathan Warner – FC Berna Legacy
29 Years Old

Jonathan is a native of England, where he played for the Walsall FC Academy. He holds English FA Level 1, FA Level 2, Goalkeeping, and Futsal licenses, and coaches the 2015 Girls Black, and 2011 Legacy Boys Gold. He has won many tournament championships with the club, and also won the EDP League Division. He is enthusiastic, a strong communicator, and likable coach, making him a great role model for youth players. He demands high standards, but is able to do so in a way that motivates young players.

Meredith Webber – Yardley Makefield Soccer
25 Years Old

Meredith had a decorated playing career, playing Division 1 soccer at UMBC, and winning an USYS National Champion with YMS Xplosion. Returning to coach for her childhood club, she is the head coach for the 2011 Girls YMS Flames. In her first role as a youth coach, she has demonstrated an ability to connect, inspire, and enthuse. Her tactical and technical abilities coupled with her lifestyle, make her a valuable role model for the girls in the club. She is just beginning her coaching education journey with the Celtic FC Mentor Program through the club’s partnership with the professional Scottish club.