I always dreamt of being a professional soccer player.  Even though I came up short on that dream, I am so incredibly grateful for all that the game has given to me.  Hard work, determination and loads of good fortune allowed me to win State Championships with Chicago Sockers FC, achieve All Conference Academic and Athletic honors as a 4 year starter and 2 year captain at NCAA Division I Universities, as well as have the opportunity to compete and start for 2 seasons with Indiana Invaders FC of the United Soccer Leagues Professional Development League (now known as USL League Two).  

 

Although I was fortunate enough to achieve a decent level of play and compete with and against players that would go on to play in professional leagues all over the world, start for national teams, and play in World Cups; I was heartbroken when my peers moved on to bigger pursuits and my dream ended.  All of a sudden, I had to accept that I just wasn’t good enough.  The teams and agents never called back.  Although I kept chasing my dream, it had ended.

 

Enjoying the game proved difficult for years.  I mostly stayed away from it instead spending more time focusing on aspects of my life that got put on the back burner during my full time pursuit of the professional player dream.  Eventually, during this sabbatical from the game, the disappointment and pain began to dissipate.  I was able to discover a healthier balance to my life and ever so slowly, I began to rediscover my love and passion for the game.  Not only did I rediscover my love for the game, I also began to perceive the game in a different way, more mature and cerebral.  I began having fun playing soccer as opposed to just working hard at it.  All that the game had taught somehow began to permeate into my day to day life.  All of a sudden my life was full of so much goodness.  I was capable of thinking of much more than just myself and my individual endeavors.  Now, as the owner & founder of Balance Soccer LLC, a soccer education and training operation based out of Portland, OR, I empower players through education, encouragement and fun.

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More than just foot skills

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Oregon ODP Head Coach.  

 

Oregon Youth Soccer Regional Training Center Director

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Indiana ODP Assistant Coach

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Wabash College Assistant Coach, semi pro coach.  

guiding players and families through the soccer maze here in Soccer City USA.

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Portland Timers ODP Head Coach

Portland Timbers RTC Director

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What is my story?  Story with clarity.  guts of what I'm about.  Boil it all down.

Teacher.  Educator.  Guide.  Accountability partner.  Not a coach.  Not in this role. Encourager. Guide.  

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Balance, strength, stability

A players guide to injury prevention and recovery reduction

 

You can’t mess up here.  This is a place for you to try and try again.  If you mess up who cares.  That is what you’re here for.  It takes a certain type of courage to be willing to struggle.  Safe place.  Laugh at your mistakes and move on. ./

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