South Jersey, NJ

Anthony & Alison Morici are the Owner Operators of Soccer Shots Ocean (2012), Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem (2018), Morris (2022) and Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer, Middlesex (2023) counties. Anthony and Alison are Jersey raised, Nyack College sweethearts (New York) who married in 1996. They moved to Ocean County in 1999. Together they have four sons: Soren (23) a Rutgers University grad, beloved Soccer Shots coach, with a full time career in Computer Engineering in Arlington Virginia. Levi (21) is a student at Montclair State University attaining a BFA in Technical Theater and pursing Lighting and Set Design. Hudson (19) is a student at Gordon College, on the North Shore of Massachusetts studying Kinesiology. Maximo (15) is a Sophmore at Barnegat High School, and after 12 years of playing soccer switched to American football after saying “Dad, I just want to hit people!” Max was playing middle linebacker before now solely focusing his talents on Volleyball and was part of the first Soccer Shots class in Ocean County.

Coach Chelsie, a proud graduate from Crystal River, FL, has a diverse background shaped by experiences all over. With an impressive 22-year soccer journey, she also excelled in track and field and basketball during her high school years. Beyond sports, Chelsie's favorite pastimes include exercising, quality family time, and a deep love for all things Disney. Her academic pursuits led her to study Elementary Education and Criminal Justice at the University of North Florida. Chelsie is not only dedicated to her professional life but also finds joy and fulfillment in her role as a mother to Peyton and a happily married wife to her husband Louis. Chelsie's coaching philosophy centers on encouragement and perseverance, as reflected in her best advice: "Continue to encourage them to show up each week and put forth 100% effort so they will learn to love the game. At first, they may be unsure; it's important to support them & stick the season out, they'll learn to love it." When asked about her motivation for working with Soccer Shots, Chelsie shares, "I love soccer, and I enjoy watching children and their passion within sports." Her commitment to instilling a love for the game and fostering children's enthusiasm shines through in her coaching approach. Chelsie's diverse background, coupled with her love for soccer, makes her a valuable asset to the Soccer Shots team.

Coach Amy, a valued member of the Soccer Shots team since April 2016, has a rich background rooted in New Jersey. Born in Edison, she later moved to Ocean County during high school. Amy pursued her education at Stockton State College, earning a BA in Psychology and a BA in Elementary Education. Her academic journey included a transformative semester abroad in Australia. As the proud mother of her beautiful son, Kaiden, Amy finds joy in shared experiences. Their shared interests include beach outings, attending various festivals, relishing outdoor activities, and spending quality time with family, friends, and their cat, Sonic. Amy's approach to coaching and parenting is grounded in being present and believing in the constant growth of children. Her best advice reflects this philosophy: "Children are constantly learning and changing, so I believe it is important to always be present even in the smallest of moments. Believe in them and encourage them always." When asked about her motivation for working with Soccer Shots, Amy emphasizes the sense of community and the opportunity to make a positive impact on children's lives: "I love the people I work with and being able to impact children's lives." Her commitment to creating a positive and nurturing environment shines through in her role as a Soccer Shots coach.

Coach Ryan has been immersed in sports since his early years, dabbling in baseball, football, basketball, and, notably, soccer from the age of 5. His passion for organized soccer has been a constant throughout his life. Beyond the field, Ryan enjoys activities such as mountain biking and basketball, and he actively participates in multiple soccer leagues. A 2016 graduate of Point Boro, Ryan relocated to Tampa, FL, where he pursued his goal of obtaining a Florida Real Estate License while concurrently studying for a BA. He cherishes his close-knit family, comprised of four brothers, a loving father, mother, and step-father, for which he is immensely grateful. Coach Ryan's guiding principle is grounded in empathy and understanding, as reflected in his best advice: "You are not alone! It is not peculiar or uncommon for a child to not be fully engaged or struggling. Don't question whether or not Soccer Shots is for them; consult a coach, and we will do our best to resolve any situation at home." When asked about his commitment to Soccer Shots, Ryan shares a personal connection: "I work with Soccer Shots because I was once that age learning as well and have progressed not only my skills but also my character and life so much over the years in this game. To pass that along to a younger generation in hopes they take it and run with it, as I did, is something special to me."

Sue Fraim, originally from Livingston, NJ, and raised in Middletown, NJ, made Barnegat her home with her husband and young family in 2005. She has a diverse range of interests, finding joy both at the beach and in the mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Sue is an avid baseball fan, particularly passionate about the New York Yankees. In her free time, she indulges in cooking and crafting. Following high school, Sue pursued business school with a focus on Hotel and Restaurant Management. Her well-rounded background contributes to her engaging and dynamic approach to coaching. Sue's advice to parents of struggling Soccer Shots players reflects her understanding of each child's uniqueness: "Every child is different, each has their own unique personality. Embrace those characters and traits and always be positive and encouraging. They learn from you and want you to be proud of them no matter how they may struggle. If you have fun, they will have fun, and they will remember that at the end of the day." Expressing her love for impacting children's lives and witnessing their individual personalities shine in soccer sessions, Sue reflects on her joy in working with Soccer Shots: "I love being part of being able to impact a child's life and watching a child bring their own personalities into the soccer sessions. I love who I get to work with at Soccer Shots!" Her enthusiasm for her role as a coach and the positive impact she can make on young players is evident in her approach and passion for the game.

Tom, hailing from South Jersey, brings a wealth of experience in youth sports to Soccer Shots. As a dedicated parent, he coached his children in various sports throughout their upbringing, instilling in them a love for soccer, baseball, basketball, and softball. Beyond sports, Tom finds joy in family gatherings, beach outings, and supporting Philadelphia sports teams. He also enjoys attending concerts and embracing outdoor adventures, living life to the fullest. Tom's educational journey led him to Wesley College in Delaware, where he excelled as a three-year starter on their soccer team. In terms of family, Tom shares a loving bond with his wife Kristi, with whom he has a son named Jax. Together, they blend their families, including five more children: Austin, Skylar, Gage, Conner, and Camryn. Offering advice to parents of struggling Soccer Shots players, Tom emphasizes the importance of consistency and maintaining a positive attitude. He understands that children often mirror their parents' demeanor, making positivity a key ingredient in fostering a supportive environment. Tom's motivation for joining Soccer Shots stems from his desire to spread joy and positivity to children through their shared love of soccer. As a coach, he aims to be a positive influence, guiding young players toward growth and success both on and off the field.

Coach Allie, originally born in Galloway and raised in Smithville, NJ, brings a diverse background and a love for sports and the outdoors to her role at Soccer Shots. She attended Atlantic Cape Community College, focusing on culinary arts, and later participated in Walt Disney's College program. Growing up, Allie was actively involved in track & field and soccer. Her wide range of hobbies reflects her love for exploration and creativity, including activities like exploring nature, cooking, skating, beach outings, paddle boarding, tending to animals, drawing, and floating in the ocean. Her advice to parents of struggling Soccer Shots players is grounded in positivity: "Soak in their environment. Even on cloudy days, rainbows show up. The kids will have fun and grow." Allie's motivation for working with Soccer Shots is rooted in the belief that the program provides a fun way for children to learn additional social skills. She takes joy in being a catalyst for children to be active and embraces the opportunity to contribute to their overall growth and development. Allie's vibrant personality and diverse interests make her a valuable asset to the Soccer Shots team.

Coach Stephanie, originally from Lancaster, PA, brings a wealth of sports experience to Soccer Shots, having participated in soccer, basketball, tennis, and coaching for NJTL (Tennis) for eight years. Her favorite activities encompass a range of physical and leisure pursuits, including running, working out, rowing, reading, and enjoying the beach. As a passionate sports fan, Stephanie cheers for University of Delaware Football, the Eagles, Ravens, and Duke Basketball. Stephanie holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Delaware and a Master of Education in Therapeutic Recreation from Temple University. Grateful for her wonderful family, including her parents Rick and Debbie, her dog Emmie, and many cousins, aunts, and uncles, Stephanie is deeply connected to her support network. Her best advice to parents centers on the importance of a positive and enjoyable experience for children: "Always smile. Encourage your child to just have fun. They are learning social and play skills through soccer. If your child finishes the session with a smile on their face, it was a success. As long as your child tries their best and had fun, they did their job, and you should be proud of them!" Stephanie's motivation for working with Soccer Shots is grounded in her desire to promote social skills and learning through soccer. Witnessing the joy on children's faces and helping them have fun are the driving forces behind her commitment to supporting young athletes. Stephanie's dedication to creating positive experiences and fostering children's development makes her an invaluable member of the Soccer Shots team.

Coach Giovanna, a Cape May, New Jersey native, brings a diverse sports background to Soccer Shots. Starting youth sports at a young age, she played soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, developing a well-rounded foundation in athletics. Beyond coaching, Giovanna's favorite activities showcase her creativity and love for sports, including skateboarding, photography, drawing, and playing soccer. Her educational journey includes graduating from Middle Township High School and obtaining her Associates Business degree from Atlantic Cape Community College. Her advice to parents of struggling Soccer Shots players emphasizes patience and encouragement: "My best advice to a parent with a struggling soccer shots player is to have patience with the child's development as all players develop at different paces. Keep the motivation and encouragement going." Giovanna's motivation for working with Soccer Shots is rooted in her desire to help motivate kids to have fun with soccer. Her commitment to creating a positive and enjoyable experience for young players shines through in her coaching philosophy. Giovanna's diverse interests and passion for motivating children make her a valuable asset to the Soccer Shots team.

Kenley, a proud New Jersey native, brings her passion for sports and dedication to children's well-being to her role at Soccer Shots. Having played soccer herself, Kenley understands the value of sports in fostering physical and emotional growth in children. Outside of sports, Kenley enjoys staying active through activities like walking, running, and spending quality time with her beloved dogs. Her commitment to family and friends underscores her nurturing nature. Kenley holds both a high school diploma and a degree in Radiologic Technology, reflecting her diverse skill set and commitment to continuous learning. With a close-knit family that includes her parents, two sisters, three dogs, and a guinea pig, Kenley values the importance of strong familial bonds and support systems. For parents supporting a struggling Soccer Shots player, Kenley offers words of encouragement: perseverance is key. Encouraging children to keep trying and never give up can lead to eventual success and personal growth. Kenley's decision to work for Soccer Shots stems from the company's genuine commitment to children's happiness and well-being. By creating a positive and enjoyable environment for young athletes, Kenley hopes to inspire a lifelong love for sports in children and contribute to their overall development and happiness.

Jaquan, from Millville, New Jersey, is dedicated to making a positive impact on young athletes. With experience instructing and supervising youth during various events, he finds joy in watching kids grow and develop through sports. Jaquan’s favorite pastimes include running, working out, playing guitar, and enjoying the serenity of the shore, no matter the time or day. A proud graduate of Millville High School, he credits his two fantastic parents and three older siblings for shaping him into the person he is today. He also cherishes his nieces and nephews. For parents of struggling Soccer Shots players, Jaquan offers this encouragement: *Sometimes the best things in life are worth waiting for. Never giving up brings satisfaction and pride in achieving something special.* Jaquan works for Soccer Shots because of his passion for soccer and his love for seeing children learn valuable growth and developmental skills while enjoying the game.

Michelle from Pennsville, NJ, brings her enthusiasm and love for sports to the Soccer Shots team. Having played various sports as a child and coached soccer for the past year, she’s passionate about sharing the joy and lessons of the game with young players. Michelle enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She graduated high school in 2001 and is currently furthering her education at Salem Community College. At home, she shares life with her fiancé, her 20-year-old daughter, her 2-year-old son, and two beloved cats. For parents of struggling Soccer Shots players, Michelle advises: *Patience is key—keep encouraging them to keep going!* Michelle’s journey with Soccer Shots began when she enrolled her son in the program and fell in love with its values and approach. She now channels that enthusiasm into her coaching, helping young players grow and thrive.

Meet Kasib from New Jersey, a Stockton University student majoring in Biology and an active member of the Honors Program. Kasib has a passion for volunteering and giving back to his community. Though he doesn’t have extensive experience in youth sports, he assists with the Ventnor Volleyball Association, where he plays and mentors younger players with helpful tips and encouragement. Kasib loves spending time rock climbing, playing volleyball year-round, and hanging out with friends. Growing up in a family of six, including his parents, three younger siblings, and grandmother, he takes pride in his family’s journey and values. His parents emigrated from Pakistan to America, where Kasib has lived since second grade. For parents of struggling Soccer Shots players, Kasib emphasizes patience and leading by example: *Kids learn from what they see. Establishing boundaries and offering consistent guidance can help them grow positively in public and around peers.* Kasib works for Soccer Shots because of his love for soccer and his enthusiasm for working with children. He sees this as a unique opportunity to introduce young players to the sport he cherishes while teaching valuable life lessons that will stay with them as they grow.

Meet Emily from Franklinville, New Jersey! A passionate athlete and community enthusiast, Emily played 10 years of youth soccer and 7 years of youth basketball, forming the foundation for her love of sports. Currently, Emily is pursuing her undergraduate degree in Communications at Stockton University while staying actively involved in her sorority and enjoying hobbies like working out, watching Philly sports, and spending time with friends. Emily comes from a close-knit family. Her parents, Terrance and Rhonda, have been happily married for 25 years, and she has two supportive older siblings, Cara and Colin. For parents of struggling Soccer Shots players, Emily shares this encouragement: *Soccer Shots offers children a fantastic opportunity to learn early soccer skills while developing essential life skills.* Emily works for Soccer Shots to create a positive impact on youth, blending her passion for soccer with the chance to teach valuable life values in a fun and engaging environment.

Meet Mariano, originally from Caldas, Colombia! With a diverse background in sports including soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming, and pickleball, Mariano brings a well-rounded approach to his coaching. When he's not coaching, Mariano enjoys reading and exercising, keeping active both mentally and physically. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and is passionate about making a positive impact through his work. Though his family is based in Colombia, Mariano lives in the USA with his wife and niece. For parents of struggling Soccer Shots players, Mariano encourages: *Accompany and support your child so they believe in themselves.* He works for Soccer Shots because he sees it as an activity with meaning and purpose, allowing him to contribute to children's growth both in sports and in life.

Andrew, a Ridgewood, NJ native, brings his lifelong love for soccer and coaching to his role at Soccer Shots. Growing up immersed in soccer, Andrew played the sport throughout his life and even assisted his father in coaching his sister's team. His coaching experience extends beyond the soccer field, as he also coaches older kids in competitive e-sports, showcasing his diverse range of skills and interests. Outside of sports, Andrew finds joy in spending time with friends and exploring his fascination with aquariums and fish, a hobby he has cherished since childhood. After graduating from Ridgewood High School, Andrew pursued his passion for marine science at Ocean County College. Family is a central part of Andrew's life, with his mother and sister being his closest immediate relatives. Offering advice to parents of struggling Soccer Shots players, Andrew emphasizes the importance of parental involvement outside of Soccer Shots sessions. He believes that spending quality time with the player outside of organized sessions can further enhance their skills and enjoyment of the game. Andrew's decision to work for Soccer Shots stems from his deep passion for soccer and his desire to share his knowledge and love for the sport with younger generations. He finds fulfillment in teaching young people the fundamentals of soccer and witnessing their growth and development on the field.

Meet Taylor from Salem, NJ (Lower Alloways Creek)! Taylor’s sports journey started at the young age of 3 with soccer, continuing through college and evolving into a coaching role. Her athletic background also includes softball through college, elementary basketball, and high school swimming. Taylor’s favorite activities and hobbies include sports, crafting, spending time with dogs, and reading. She earned her LPN and RN degrees from SCC and completed her BSN at Liberty University. Her family includes her parents, three brothers, and five dogs—clearly a household filled with energy and love! Her advice for parents of struggling Soccer Shots players: *Take each practice as a fresh start. Identify challenges like fear, anxiety, or boredom, and communicate with the coach for guidance. Small rewards and encouragement go a long way in overcoming obstacles!* Why does Taylor work for Soccer Shots? *This role allows her to return to the sport she loves most after her local club closed, giving her the chance to share her passion with the next generation.*