Twin Cities, MN

Dan, a native of Minnesota, has been around soccer all his life. He grew up playing premier level soccer through high school and was a starter for NCAA DIII Hamline University. Dan holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration. He has been coaching youth soccer for several years and has been involved with youth groups focusing on the development of our up and coming generations. Dan operates the business with his wife, Anna, who also grew up in Minnesota playing soccer. She holds a bachelor’s in English, and a master’s in business, with additional graduate coursework in early childhood education. Together Dan and Anna endeavor to deliver an outstanding program that leaves a lasting positive impression on every child it serves. Soccer Shots has touched the lives of thousands of children across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin, providing them with lifelong skills on and off the field. Dan and Anna reside in western Wisconsin with their children.

Coach Cassie grew up in Oakdale, MN and currently resides in Woodbury, MN with her family (husband, two daughters & dog). She started playing soccer at the young age and continued to play all the way through college. She played collegiate soccer at Minnesota State University, Mankato and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science. She then moved out to Michigan and earned her Master's in Sports Administration and was the Assistant Women's Soccer Coach for the Central Michigan University Women's Soccer Team, for four seasons. Minnesota was always home for her, so she decided to move back here which led her to Soccer Shots! Cassie has a real passion for working with youth and loves being able to positively impact their growth and development and of course, having the opportunity to share her passion for soccer!

Coach Sean was born and raised in East Sussex, United Kingdom. He started playing soccer (football) from a very young age and it rapidly became his life's passion He played for club teams and attended a couple of academies throughout his academic years. Sean's real journey and passion for coaching came when he captained a club for 5 years then moved into the player/ coaching role. He moved to the United States in 2014 and got hooked on coaching youth soccer full time! Sean is a licensed coach, a 7 year member of the Soccer Shots Leadership team, former Director of Coaching, and current Director of Development here at Soccer Shots Twin Cities.

Coach Heder has played soccer since he was 8 years old. He has been playing soccer in his dad’s soccer team where they have won countless league championships. Coach Heder has also played High School Varsity for the Richfield Spartans. He is eager to keep learning and moving up in coaching to eventually reach college or professional coaching. In his free time you can find him, camping, fishing, hiking, paddle boarding, playing soccer, or at a lot of restaurants checking out their special dish.

Coach Jake grew up in Georgia, Iowa, and now lives in Saint Paul and has been a soccer player for more than 20 years! He played soccer at the University of Northern Iowa where he studied Kinesiology with a minor in Coaching. Jake has worked in youth development for 8 years and Ioves to bring excitement and fun to his sessions! When he isn’t coaching, Coach Jake loves to hang out with his wife (Sarah) and dog (Gail), play video games, cook, and travel!

Coach Jenna was born and raised in Minnesota. She started playing soccer at 13 and has loved it ever since. She has experience working with youth in Minnesota, Japan, and the United Kingdom. During her time at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, she designed a research project on football being used to battle social exclusion in the UK. She worked with organizations for that project that used football to reduce homelessness and youth crime. Soccer and development quickly became a passion which lead her to Soccer Shots. She hopes to use soccer to inspire future generations.

Coach Valentina grew up in the capital city of Colombia. She has loved sports since she was 2 years old, and played soccer in high school. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 2022. Currently she is working in Minnesota through and international program. She is very motivated and loves working with kids.

Coach Maddie grew up in Highland Park, IL playing soccer and team sports for 12 years. She studied Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota and currently lives near downtown Minneapolis. Maddie has previously enjoyed working with infants through kindergarten in early childcare centers for 6 years. Coach Maddie’s favorite things outside of coaching are dancing, watching movies, reading books, and doing puzzles!

Coach Marie grew up in Stillwater, MN and now lives there with her husband and three children. Soccer has always been an important part of her life from the time she was a toddler, through high school, college, and up at the W-League level. Her favorite memories are playing with her dog in the backyard and staying at the field so long with her dad that they had to turn the headlights on for a few extra minutes! She studied Sociology, Coaching, and Supervisory Management which led her to working at a non-profit before switching to a school setting where she also coached at the varsity level for 13+ years, ran youth summer camps, and was the director of an internaitonal dormitory. She has a passion for youth, coaching, and mentoring! Coach Marie loves spending time with her family camping, hiking fishing, playing games, cooking, and going on day adventures!

Grew up in Northern Nevada and now lives in MN with her family. Started playing soccer as a young kid and played through her time in the military. After the military, studied Sports and Health Science and later Public Health. After college she taught high school science in Colorado and Minnesota. She enjoys outdoor activities with her family and throwing a little pottery.

Coach Gerson grew up in Willmar, MN and played soccer from the ages of 10-23. He played at Anoka Ramsey Community College for 2 years, then transferred to St. Cloud State, where he helped start the first D2 men’s soccer program in Minnesota. He graduated with a sports management degree along with an exercise science and athletic coaching minor. He has been coaching for 7+ years and is super excited to introduce kids to the sport in a fun and positive way.

Coach Josh grew up in the Twin Cities area and enjoyed sports, primarily basketball and distance running. He began coaching basketball through the Minneapolis parks in 2008, and then coached basketball, ultimate frisbee, and cross country at the International School of Minnesota for 11 years while working as an aide and administrator. He has played rec league soccer for the past six years, and plays pickup basketball whenever possible! Josh has a B.A. in geography from the University of Minnesota and is interested in gardening, food systems, and sustainable agriculture

Coach Bridget graduated from UW- River Falls in 2020 with a BA in Elementary Education and minor in Early Childhood Education. She taught preschool and has coached at Soccer Shots TC since 2017. She loves spending time with her family, pets, and enjoys cooking and baking. Her favorite program to coach is the Mini and her favorite color is blue.

Coach Megan grew up in Bloomington and played soccer since age 8. She played varsity soccer for Bloomington Kennedy and was named to the all conference and all state team as a senior. She also played for an U19 women’s traveling team while in Minnesota. She lived in Texas for 20 years where she raised 2 children who graduated from college and now have fulfilling careers. In Texas, Megan taught preschool, was a summer day camp instructor, volunteered as a youth soccer coach and was an assistant coach for an U14 club team. She also took a coaches training course and holds a D coaching license. She has played soccer through her adulthood. In her free time, she likes to watch youth soccer, lacrosse, and football as well as all college and professional sports. She is happy to be back “home” to be with her friends and family.

Coach Amanda grew up in McCall, Idaho before going to college in Madison, Wisconsin for kinesiology and then massage therapy school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She grew up playing soccer from the early age of 5 and also transitioned into other sports throughout her early childhood. Cross country running and cross country skiing were among her favorites! Coach Amanda also coaches Girls on the run along with volunteer coaching her children. Her family leads a very active lifestyle.

Coach Hannah was born and raised in Minnesota and played soccer from a child all through high school. She graduated from UW-River Falls with a Sport and Exercise Science degree. Hannah loves being active and being around children! She is a full time preschool teacher as well and a Soccer Shots coach. Hannah is really looking forward to getting back to the game she loves so much and growing with all of the children as they learn soccer!

Coach Kari grew up in Savage MN and played soccer from ages 3 - 22. She played at Gustavus Adolphus College and graduated with a bio chemistry and molecular biology degree. Kari is currently working in a research lab at the University of Minnesota. Along with working in the lab, she has worked with children for 3 years. She is very excited to share her excitement for soccer and introduce kids to the sport in a fun and positive way!

Coach Sydney was born in Stillwater, Minnesota and has been playing soccer since she was 14. She was the keeper for her team and enjoys the community and support that came with soccer. She studied psychology at Century College with a special interest in childhood development. She loves working with kids, and having five younger siblings showed just how much unlimited energy they have to play! She likes to knit, cross stitch, and take walks in nature to relax. She is super excited to help kid learn how to navigate friendships and themselves through the fun game of soccer!

When Coach Meghanlee was 3 years old she experienced frustration for the very first time because she missed out on preschool soccer. Her parents made sure to sign her up for the next season of soccer. Ever since then she has been on the field protecting her goalie. After high school she did some coaching for a variety of clubs all different ages. Last year she had to take a short break for she had her 3rd child, but now she is back and excited to coach the same age group she was when she first fell in love with the game.

Coach Patrick has been playing soccer since he was a little kid, running around picking dandelions and maybe kicking the ball every now and again. He kept playing soccer all the way up through high school and has continued to follow the professional game, particularly the local teams like the Loons, the Crows and the Aurora. Patrick is a recent graduate of The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, graduating with a theatre major and a biology minor (crazy combination I know). He is excited to continue his soccer journey as a coach and to combine his love of the sport with his passion for acting and just being silly!

Coach Jeff grew up in Fergus Falls, MN, but has lived in the Twin Cities for the past 5 years. He's played soccer since the age of 4, competitively up until college. Aside from soccer, he also refs and plays hockey, does theater professionally, and enjoys hanging out with his dog Aspen.

Coach Islendy grew up in Richfield, MN and enjoyed sports, especially soccer and volleyball. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Sports Management degree. She has worked with children from 2 months-5 years and is excited to introduce soccer to youth and impact them I a positive way.

Coach Josie grew up in Andover Minnesota and played soccer for fifteen years. She has been teaching preschool for the last 4 years, and is working on getting her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a minor in special education. She is so excited teach kids all about soccer and have lots of fun.

Coach Natalie lives in West St. Paul with her two young daughters and husband. She loves getting outside to play soccer with her girls, doing photography, and reading books! She taught Kindergarten for 4 years before coming to coach the next generation of soccer super stars and is so excited to teach them about the sports she loves.

Coach Nathaniel has played soccer his entire life. Saying he has a lot of passion and love for the game is an understatement. He has a 4 year old who likes to play soccer, but does not enjoy it much when it comes to watching it on TV. He has always wanted to coach soccer and he is incredibly excited to inspire the same love and passion for the beautiful game in the kids he will be coaching!

Coach Tara lives in Apple Valley, MN with her husband and fur baby Lilly! She played soccer at Crown College and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. In addition to working for Soccer Shots, she has a full-time job in healthcare. When Tara isn't working she enjoys doing CrossFit and being active. She is very excited to share her excitement for Soccer and introduce kids to the sport in a fun and positive way!

Coach Ethan grew up in Madison, WI where he fell in love with sports –primarily soccer- at a young age. He continued his passion for the fame throughout high school and eventually at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities where he graduated with a degree in professional journalism. As well as working as a sports reporter covering high school sports in the Twin Cities, Ethan enjoys staying active through sports like soccer and basketball and learning how to teach others. He also finds time for music and oes to live music shows around the Twin Cities.

Coach Emma grew up in the Twin Cities area and has always had a thing for sports! Throughout elementary and middle school she played soccer, volleyball, cheer, t-ball, gymnastics, and dance. She really got to try it all while also getting to help her younger sister. She now lives in Dinkytown and is working with Soccer Shots until she starts school to be an aesthetician.

Coach Kennedy grew up in Plymouth, MN and played several sports from a young age, primarily volleyball in high school. They currently attend the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, majoring in chemistry. They have worked with children for over 6 years, as a Girl Scout camp counselor and ski instructor. They are excited to share their love of sports and movement with others!

Coach Brenden grew up in Bloomington, MN and played soccer starting from the age of 3 and still playing soccer currently to this day in recreational. He had coached a season with a freshman boys soccer team. He graduated in Exercise Science from Normandale College. He is currently working on getting his certification in Personal Training.

Coach Lucas grew up in South Dakota and played soccer since he was 3! Lucas played soccer at Bethel University for 4 years and is in his last semester of college. He is graduating with a degree in Business with an emphasis in finance and a Spanish minor! In the past 3 summers Lucas has taught kids ages 3+ how to swim! Lucas loves the game of soccer and is excited to be able to coach it and some of the great things we learn with it!

Coach Spencer grew up in St. Louis Park MN and has played soccer from 3-23 and will continue to play soccer for as long as possible. He played at Augsburg University and is pursuing a degree in Psychology. Spencer has coached soccer for the past 6 years and has coached ages 4-18. He is excited to use his experience and love for soccer to help kids enjoy and love soccer as much as him.

Coach Allysa grew up in Minneapolis and spent most of her childhood playing soccer. She attended college in Duluth and studied Media Studies and Production. During college she worked in sports broadcast and now currently works as a Photojournalist. She enjoys hiking, camping, reading, and of course playing and watching soccer! She is very excited to be a new Soccer Shots Coach!

Maggie grew up in the twin cities area. She started playing soccer at a young age but took a break for figure skating. She came back to soccer in high school and since then has been passionate about the sport. Maggie started coaching sports in 2019 and has made it her goal to show youth the importance of being active. She is currently a marketing communications major at UW-River Falls. Her future plans are to continue coaching and also go into sports social media marketing.

Coach Joe is born and raised in River Falls, WI. He grew up playing soccer, basketball, and baseball! Joe has coached basketball as well. He graduate from Stout with a business degree, but but found a new passion with teaching and now goes to UWRF!

Coach Allie grew up in Hastings MN and played soccer from ages 3-17. She is currently a nanny and has been working with kids for the last 3.5 years. She has worked with infants through as old as 10! She will be attending school for accounting at Normandale. She loves working with kids as she is the second oldest of 14 cousins! She is exited to share positivity and teamwork with children through soccer!

Coach Vince grew up in Afton Minnesota playing soccer throughout his childhood. He studied International Relations at Augsburg University and has always enjoyed learning about different places and cultures in the world. Coach is an avid sports fan who supports all of the Minnesota teams. He enjoys fashion and exploring nature in his free time. Soccer has always played an important role in his life and he is excited to grow the beautiful game.

Coach Micah grew up in Eden Prairie, MN and played soccer from ages 3-18 for Minnesota Thunder Academy and Eden Prairie High School. Micah is currently enrolled in the University of Minnesota and is working towards earning his degree in Chemical Engineering. He likes to spend his time skiing, playing the guitar, and learning new cooking recipes.

Coach Lindsey grew up playing soccer in Northern California and played for 16 years. She is currently an EMT and finishing her bachelor’s of nursing degree. Lindsey has enjoyed working with little ones since she was a little one herself, but has done so professionally for 10 years! Outside of soccer, Coach Lindsey loves to go hiking, camping, hunting and swimming (anything outdoors really).

Amy grew up in South Bend, Indiana, and has enjoyed playing soccer from a young age into high school. Her professional journey has been dedicated to serving middle and high school students as a youth minister. Amy is committed to supporting the holistic development of young people through her passion for creating positive and enriching environments and experiences for them. Recognizing the importance of instilling kindness and acceptance in young children, Amy is excited to join Soccer Shots and contribute to fostering these values at an early age. Amy’s interests also include a love and concern for animal rescue and wildlife conservation.

Coach Heyven grew up in Lino Lakes, MN and played travelng soccer for 9 years. She is planning to study business management next year. Coach Heyven comes from a bit family with four siblings and has worked with children through babysitting and being a camp counselor. Her favorite things to do outside of coaching include: baking, watching tv, going for drives, and reading books!

Coach Emily grew up in Chandler, AZ where she played soccer for 16 years. She is a current student at the University of Minnesota studying product design. She was formerly a soccer coach of special-needs youth for 5 years. When Coach Emily is not on the field she enjoys painting, fashion design, and baking.

Coach Alex grew up in the Twin Cities Area playing soccer for 20+ years. He studied Psychology at the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth Minnesota, where he also played and was a captain of the men’s soccer team. Alex has tons of past experience working with young children as a youth soccer coach over the last 7 years. Coach Alex’s favorite things outside of soccer include building legos, watching movies/tv shows, video games, and trying new restaurants!

Coach Nathan is from River Falls WI. He played soccer in middle and high school. Outside of soccer Nathan works on the family farm. He enjoys volunteering and helping the community however he can. He loves to have fun and being outdoors!

Coach Chloe grew up in Shakopee, MN and played soccer for 11 years. She is currently studying biology at the University of Minnesota and does research in pediatric genetics. Coach Chloe’s favorite things outside of coaching are video games, baking, reading, and sleeping.

Coach Becca grew up in Portland, OR playing soccer through HS. She went to Northland College where she played soccer and basketball. Since graduation she has worked coaching soccer to kids 2 and up. Her favorite thing about coaching is seeing kids build confidence by learning new skills. Outside of coaching Becca likes to go on walks, play soccer and support the USWNT.

Coach Jess grew up playing a variety of sports, but soccer has always been her favorite. She started playing soccer at age 7, continuing to play for her high school and for a club team. Coach Jess graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Child, Adult, and Family Services. From her time working at a summer camp and various after-school programs, Coach Jess has grown in her knowledge and passion for making a difference in the lives of children. As a Soccer Shots coach, she loves teaching the weekly character words, while sharing her love for soccer. In her free time, Coach Jess loves to write poetry and go on walks with her husband and son. She published her first poetry book in 2019 with plans to publish another book in the near future.