Central 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.

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.

Coach Soren, a Rutgers University graduate with double majors in Computer Engineering and Computer Science, brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative flair to the Soccer Shots team. Beyond his impressive coding skills, Soren has a passion for theater and enjoys spending time playing games with his seven younger cousins and siblings. Soren's coaching philosophy revolves around encouragement and creativity, fostering a collaborative spirit on Soccer Island. His patience extends to beginners and seasoned players alike, making him adept at handling the diverse challenges of coaching. Offering valuable advice, Soren shares his approach to engaging children: "Whenever a child is uninvolved, I recognize what they are doing. I let them know I understand knocking the cones down is fun, and I know it's fun to run around. I also say, 'I have a lot of fun things planned too, but if we keep doing this, we won't have enough time to do the rest of the fun stuff I wanted to share with you. Do you want to play soccer with me?' Rather than forcing them to play, I eagerly welcome them back to Soccer Island!" Reflecting on his role at Soccer Shots, Soren expresses a deep connection to the learning experience of children: "Coaching kids brings nuance to my weekly schedule. I love being a part of a child's learning experience, encouraging them when they fail, being there when they are nervous, and appreciating their hard work when they are down on themselves for messing up. In the end, I am proud and humbled by them." His commitment to the holistic development of each child shines through in his coaching philosophy and approach.

Coach Christian, a Hillsborough native, has been a multi-sport athlete throughout his life. His early years playing soccer were spent with the Hillsborough travel soccer club, laying the foundation for his deep connection to the sport. Beyond coaching for Soccer Shots, Christian has a passion for music and plays in a band, showcasing his creative and musical side. Despite his busy schedule, he always makes time for sports and values spending quality time with his family. His advice to parents of struggling Soccer Shots players emphasizes active participation and positive encouragement: "Join them and add into the fun; it will help boost their mood and help them want to do better. Your smile and encouragement go a long way for them." Christian's motivation for working with Soccer Shots stems from a long-standing desire to contribute to the happiness and enjoyment of children in sports. Having witnessed the positive impact Soccer Shots has on children, he is excited to continue his passion for soccer while creating a positive and enjoyable experience for young players. Christian's dedication to fostering a fun and supportive environment makes him a valuable asset to the Soccer Shots team.

Juan, a native of New Jersey, brings a rich background in soccer and a diverse range of sports experiences. Born and raised in a family with Spanish roots, soccer played a significant role in Juan's upbringing, alongside his participation in basketball, tennis, and track. Outside of his involvement in youth sports, Juan enjoys exploring new places, listening to music, and spending quality time with friends. His educational journey includes earning a high school diploma and a Bachelor's degree in Sport Marketing. Juan has also obtained four ISSA personal training certifications. Juan resides with his parents and doesn't have any siblings, with the rest of his family residing in Spain. His advice to parents of struggling Soccer Shots players emphasizes the importance of fun and exploration in sports: "Do not worry, not every sport is for everyone, but if they can have the most fun possible while learning soccer, they may be more inclined to liking soccer or realizing their favorite sport is something else." Juan's motivation for working with Soccer Shots lies in his belief that helping kids learn soccer and develop coordination for sports is a meaningful and fulfilling endeavor. He finds the job to be more meaningful than many others, and his commitment to contributing to the growth and enjoyment of young athletes makes him a valuable member of the Soccer Shots team.

Moise, born in Haiti and raised in America, brings a wealth of experience in youth education and a deep love for working with young children. As a preschool teacher for 20 years, Moise is dedicated to helping children be the best they can be. His favorite activities and hobbies include a love for all sports, reflecting his passion for physical activity and child development. Moise graduated high school and pursued a four-year education at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Despite being married, he does not have children of his own. His advice to parents of struggling Soccer Shots players emphasizes perseverance and a positive mindset: "Keep working on it and stay positive; it will happen when you least expect." Moise's motivation for working with Soccer Shots is rooted in his love for children and witnessing their growth and enjoyment in a positive environment. His commitment to fostering a fun and thriving experience for young athletes makes him a valuable member of the Soccer Shots team.

Jordyn, a New Jersey native, has a rich background in youth sports and brings a diverse range of experiences to Soccer Shots. Growing up, Jordyn started playing Township soccer at the age of three, later transitioning to different clubs, including Jersey Knights and concluding her club sport career with PDA. During her college years at Rutgers University, she played for Raritan Valley and the Rutgers Women's Club Soccer team after transferring to Rutgers. Apart from her involvement in sports, Jordyn enjoys running, biking, and fishing. She is also an AFROTC Cadet at Detachment 485 and a member of Arnold Air Society at Rutgers. Currently studying Labor Relations at Rutgers University, Jordyn values both her academic pursuits and her dedication to sports and extracurricular activities. Jordyn's family includes a younger brother and an older sister. Her older sister was a previous coach with Soccer Shots, and her younger brother is a current coach for the organization. Both siblings attend college in Virginia. Her advice to parents of struggling Soccer Shots players emphasizes the importance of the journey, with a reminder that the Soccer Shots staff is there to support both the child and the parent. Jordyn is always open to conversations if needed. Jordyn's motivation for working with Soccer Shots is driven by her continuous learning experience from coaching. She finds something special about watching kids progress not only as soccer players but also as leaders. Her commitment to the growth and development of young athletes makes her a valuable member of the Soccer Shots team.

Lauren, a native of Robbinsville, NJ, has been contributing to youth sports through Soccer Shots since the fall of '22. Her favorite activities and hobbies include playing soccer, attending sporting events, and enjoying TV shows and movies. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Law, & Society, and she further pursued her education with a Master's in Criminal Justice. Living with her parents, two brothers, and sister, Lauren has a family connection to Soccer Shots as her sister is also involved with the organization. Lauren's advice to parents of struggling Soccer Shots players is encouraging, emphasizing the importance of perseverance: "Keep coming back each week and trying your best." Her motivation for working with Soccer Shots is rooted in her love for the game of soccer and the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of young individuals. Lauren's commitment to staying immersed in soccer and contributing to youth development makes her a valuable member of the Soccer Shots team.

Ivanna, a native of North Brunswick, NJ, brings 2.5 years of coaching experience to Soccer Shots. Her favorite activities and hobbies include socializing with friends, going to the gym, spending time with family, watching sports, and enjoying the outdoors. Ivanna is a proud graduate of Rutgers University, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health. Family-oriented, Ivanna enjoys weekend trips, sports games, and holidays with her family. Offering advice to parents of struggling Soccer Shots players, Ivanna encourages them to have fun and trust the coaching process. She emphasizes the magical experience of learning new skills and engaging in themed activities on Soccer Island. Her motivation for working with Soccer Shots is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on children and families, providing them with the best possible soccer experience. Ivanna's commitment to creating a positive and engaging environment for young players highlights her valuable contribution to the Soccer Shots team.

Rowan, a Bridgewater, NJ native, brings a background of volunteering as an assistant coach for youth soccer camps during high school to Soccer Shots. Her favorite activities and hobbies include playing soccer, skiing, and enjoying music. Currently a student at RVCC after graduating from Voorhees High School in 2023, Rowan is pursuing her academic journey. As for family, Rowan has both an older and a younger brother. Offering advice to parents of struggling Soccer Shots players, Rowan encourages pushing through challenging moments as it can lead to a newfound love for the sport. Rowan's motivation for working with Soccer Shots stems from his own experience as a 3-year-old in a similar program, where she looked up to his coach as a role model. Now, she aims to be that positive influence and role model for the young participants in Soccer Shots.

A product of Morgantown, WV, Matt brings a wealth of soccer experience to Soccer Shots, having played the sport passionately from the tender age of 4 through high school. Beyond the soccer field, Matt finds joy in music, video games, and movies, showcasing a diverse range of interests. He holds a Master's of Arts degree from Drew University, highlighting his commitment to continuous learning. Matt is a family-oriented individual, enjoying the presence of his two siblings and a large extended family. For parents with struggling Soccer Shots players, Matt reassures them that Soccer Shots is all about fun. He emphasizes that the coaching team is dedicated to ensuring that the skills learned are as enjoyable as possible for every child. Motivated by the opportunity to revisit a sport he loved growing up, Matt chose to work with Soccer Shots to impart the same joy he experienced playing soccer to a new generation. His commitment to creating a positive and enjoyable learning environment aligns seamlessly with the core values of Soccer Shots.

Originally born in the US and raised in Lebanon, Robert contributes a year of experience in youth sports to the Soccer Shots team. His favorite activities and hobbies include playing soccer and tennis, showcasing his passion for sports and outdoor activities. Currently a student at Rutgers University, Robert is dedicated to both his education and sharing his love for soccer. In his family life, Robert has two younger sisters, fostering a sense of connection and camaraderie. For parents dealing with struggling Soccer Shots players, Robert's advice is simple yet powerful: always encourage the player and reassure them that they can overcome challenges. Robert's motivation for working with Soccer Shots stems from his enjoyment of teaching kids the basics of soccer, fostering their development into better players. His commitment to imparting fundamental skills aligns with the Soccer Shots mission of making soccer a positive and enriching experience for every child.

Hailing originally from Honduras but raised in Elizabeth, NJ, Hector brings a wealth of experience in youth soccer to Soccer Shots. His journey in sports began at the age of 8, where he immersed himself in competitive youth soccer. Currently, Hector continues his soccer journey at the college level while also dedicating time to coaching. Beyond the field, Hector finds joy in building Legos and honing his soccer skills through training sessions. Academically, Hector is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, building a foundation for his future career. In his family life, Hector is part of a tight-knit family with married parents and four siblings, fostering a sense of unity and support. For parents navigating the challenges of a struggling Soccer Shots player, Hector emphasizes the importance of allowing the child to discover their passion independently, witnessing their growth and development firsthand. Hector's decision to work with Soccer Shots stems from his desire to impart his love for soccer to the next generation. Through coaching, he sees an opportunity to give back to the sport that has enriched his life and shaped his journey.

Nolan, originally from Montclair, NJ, brings a rich background in youth sports to Soccer Shots. From a young age, Nolan immersed himself in competitive soccer and tennis, laying the foundation for his passion for sports. Additionally, his summers were spent imparting his knowledge and love for tennis to young campers at a local tennis camp. Outside of sports, Nolan finds fulfillment in volunteering, readily seeking out opportunities to give back to his community. At Rutgers-New Brunswick University, he continues to pursue his academic interests, focusing on Finance. In his bustling family of six, Nolan cherishes the bonds with his older brother, younger brother, and younger sister, alongside their beloved pit bull mix. Offering guidance to parents navigating their child's soccer journey, Nolan emphasizes the importance of resilience and maintaining a positive outlook, especially amidst challenges. He underscores the essence of fun and enjoyment in the developmental process. Nolan's decision to join Soccer Shots stems from its family-oriented ethos and commitment to fostering positivity through an engaging and enjoyable soccer experience. Through his role, Nolan looks forward to contributing to a nurturing environment where children can thrive and develop a love for the game.

Hailing from Titusville, NJ, CJ brings 15 years of soccer experience to Soccer Shots, ranging from recreational to academy levels. A versatile player in defense and midfield, CJ had the honor of captaining his team and learning under top coaches in New Jersey. Beyond the field, CJ finds joy in culinary pursuits and tickling the ivories of a piano. He treasures family walks in the woods alongside his parents, older brother and sister, and faithful dog Saaya. Having graduated from George School high school, CJ now embarks on his sophomore journey at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Offering guidance to parents of aspiring soccer players, CJ underscores the importance of patience and consistency in skill development. He advocates for providing children with the space and time to enjoy the game while emphasizing the significance of regular practice. Motivated by a passion for coaching, CJ sees Soccer Shots as the perfect platform to share his knowledge while gaining fresh perspectives on the beautiful game. He looks forward to contributing to the growth and development of young players in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Daniel, hailing from Accra, Ghana, brings his passion for soccer from his high school years to his coaching role. Outside of coaching, Daniel finds joy in the thrill of snowboarding, the excitement of go-karting, and the immersive world of video games. Currently pursuing Aerospace Engineering at Rutgers University, Daniel navigates the complexities of his studies with dedication. With two siblings, Daniel offers valuable advice to parents, emphasizing the power of positive reinforcement and allowing children to find joy in sports at their own pace. Motivated by his love for soccer, Daniel is eager to share his knowledge and passion as a coach at Soccer Shots.

Lauren, born and raised in Brownville, NY, has a rich background in youth sports. She played soccer throughout her life, culminating in collegiate competition at the Division 1 level at NJIT. Outside of sports, Lauren finds joy in reading, listening to podcasts and music, going to the beach, working out, and baking sourdough bread on weekends. She holds a BA in Biology and a minor in Chemistry from NJIT, along with an MS in Nutrition and Dietetics from Drexel University. With a family consisting of two older sisters and a younger brother, Lauren understands the dynamics of family life. Her advice for parents of struggling Soccer Shots players is simple yet profound: let the player progress at their own pace, emphasizing that showing up and trying their best are the most important factors. Lauren's passion for working with children and her belief in the value of teamwork led her to join Soccer Shots. She aims to help younger generations learn essential skills while having fun outdoors, fostering a love for sports and teamwork.

Joseph, originally from Collegeville, PA, brings a wealth of experience in youth sports to Soccer Shots. His background includes NCAA D1/D2 Baseball and high school soccer. Outside of sports, Joseph enjoys lifting weights and playing pickup basketball. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and comes from a close-knit family, with his parents, Joseph and Deborah, and his sister Samantha. Offering valuable advice to parents of struggling Soccer Shots players, Joseph emphasizes the importance of perseverance, noting that everything takes time to develop. Joseph's motivation for working with Soccer Shots stems from his own love for soccer, which has provided him with cherished memories. He is passionate about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of being part of a fun and meaningful soccer team.

Amelia, a native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, brings a wealth of experience in youth sports to Soccer Shots. Having played sports throughout her life and now assisting in teaching her nephews and niece, she understands the importance of nurturing young athletes. Outside of sports, Amelia enjoys spending time with loved ones and exploring new cuisines. Whether it's going for hikes or relaxing at the beach, she appreciates the simple joys of life. While her formal education extends to high school, Amelia's real passion lies in sharing her love for soccer with children. With parents Richard and Olivia, and older sisters Siobhan and Christa, family plays an integral role in her life. Offering advice to parents, Amelia emphasizes the importance of encouragement and perseverance. She believes that positive reinforcement and continued effort are key to success in youth sports. For Amelia, working with Soccer Shots is a dream come true. Combining her love for soccer with the opportunity to connect with children, she finds joy in teaching and being a kid alongside them.