Travel Coaches

RJ Batsch grew up in Rootstown, Ohio, a small farm town in Portage County. He now resides in Northfield with his wife, Coach Sarah, and their son Brady, where they recently built their new home. Outside of coaching, RJ enjoys playing and watching soccer, weight lifting, and spending time on fun family activities.

RJ began playing soccer at the age of 5 but also enjoyed track & field and basketball as a child. He credits sports with teaching him valuable life skills like communication, collaboration, and teamwork. Sports also taught him to use failure as motivation to improve in all areas of life.

During high school, RJ co-captained his soccer team, and in his sophomore year, they set the school record for most wins in a season (18) and became the first team in school history to win a District Championship. A personal highlight was beating their rivals, a team coached by Steve Knapp, although injuries unfortunately prevented RJ from continuing to play soccer in college.

RJ’s coaching journey began in 2013 when he coached his nephew's recreational team. He started coaching with Hudson United in 2017 by helping his wife's teams while still in college and has continued coaching ever since. His motivation for coaching stems from his desire to create an environment that focuses on developing technical soccer skills while also teaching life skills that players will carry with them beyond the field. One of his favorite coaching memories was taking the 2006 girls’ team to Columbus in 2017, where they had the opportunity to be on the field for the National Anthem at Mapfre Stadium.

RJ's coaching philosophy is inspired by Johan Cruyff’s famous quote, “Soccer is simple, but it is difficult to play simple.” He focuses on helping young players sharpen their basics and not overcomplicate the game. For the younger ages he coaches, he emphasizes constant repetition of fundamental skills while encouraging players to try new things and learn from their mistakes.

RJ is a passionate soccer fan, supporting both FC Barcelona and Manchester City. He admires Pep Guardiola for continually transforming the game and has a deep appreciation for players like Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, and Yaya Toure, all of whom have played under Guardiola. His current favorite player is Rodri, a defensive midfielder for Manchester City, known for his ability to control the game from the center of the field. RJ frequently attends Columbus Crew games but hopes to one day travel to England for a Manchester Derby.

For young players looking to improve, RJ believes that consistent training, focusing on the basics, and learning from mistakes are key. He encourages players to watch professional games, especially focusing on those who play the same position to observe both good habits and mistakes.

Sarah Batsch grew up in Hudson and began her soccer journey at just 10 years old, playing for the Hudson United Travel Soccer League. Soccer has been a part of her life ever since. Her husband, Coach RJ, also coaches for Hudson United. Coach Sarah typically coaches girls’ teams because she believes it's important for young girls to have a female coach and role model early in their soccer careers, though she occasionally works with boys' teams as well. Sarah and RJ have a young son and they hope he will be a future Hudson United player.

Throughout her childhood, Sarah played club soccer extensively, primarily as a center defender, preferring to protect the goal rather than score on it. In high school, she played for the Lady Explorers for three out of four years, though injuries kept her off the field at times. In college, she stayed active by refereeing co-ed games and playing pick-up soccer. Though spare time is hard to come by these days, she still enjoys playing. For the past 10 years, she has been coaching at Hudson United, and she’s loved every moment, seeing it as the best way to stay connected to the sport without risking injury.

As a visual learner herself, Sarah believes that most kids learn best by seeing concepts in action. During practices and games, she focuses on explaining, showing, and demonstrating skills to keep the players engaged and ensure they understand what's expected. One of her favorite challenges is guiding teams through the transition from 7v7 to 9v9 play. Teaching a new formation can be difficult, but watching the team grasp and execute it correctly is one of the most rewarding aspects of coaching for her.

Sarah and RJ are English Premier League fans, especially of Manchester City. They love watching the team’s matches on weekends and often rearrange their schedule to catch the games. Sarah is particularly impressed by Man City's passing and ability to maintain possession throughout a match. She encourages young players to watch professional or local soccer, as it's a great way to learn the game and see how all players work together on the field as a group.

Dan Bestic grew up in Austintown, Ohio, and attended Fitch High School. Now living in Hudson, Ohio, with his family—his wife Michelle and their children Samuel (11), Vivian (11), Tyler (8), and Nicholas (5)—Dan’s household is deeply connected to soccer, whether it’s coaching, playing, or watching. The family loves outdoor activities like hiking and traveling and are active in many sports. His children attend Seton Catholic School in Hudson.

Dan’s soccer journey began at a young age, playing for his local rec team before advancing to a travel team and eventually a premier team, Sons of Italy. By age 11, he was playing for Cleveland United and later Cleveland F.C. Alongside soccer, Dan enjoyed football, basketball, and track. For him, sports were a way to bond with friends and family, as well as an opportunity to work together toward common goals.

In high school, Dan helped lead his team to two regional finals, though they lost to the eventual state champions both times—St. Ignatius and Strongsville. His team won three consecutive district championships, and Dan earned first-team All-State honors his senior year, as well as being named to the All-District team three years in a row. He went on to play Division I soccer at the University of Dayton for four years, where he earned Verizon All-American honors in his senior year. Dan also made the Olympic Development Program (ODP) state, regional, and national pools in his senior year of high school. He played one additional year of club soccer at Ohio State University.

Dan began coaching soccer while in college and has since coached boys and girls across a wide age range, from 5-year-olds to high school athletes. He holds a USSF National C professional coaching license. His favorite coaching moments are when a team develops such strong chemistry that everyone enjoys practices and games. While winning tournaments is exciting, he finds greater satisfaction in seeing players work hard and put in their best effort.

Dan’s coaching philosophy is straightforward: work hard and do your best at every practice and game. He believes that if players consistently put in the effort, the desired outcomes will follow. As a coach, he emphasizes motivation and positive reinforcement, celebrating small achievements along the way. While he raises his expectations as players grow older, he approaches this with respect and encourages them to think for themselves, make mistakes, and embrace creativity.

As a fan of Manchester City and the Columbus Crew, Dan admires players like Kevin de Bruyne and Luka Modric for their calmness, creativity, and selflessness on the field. He appreciates how they elevate the play of those around them. Some of his favorite soccer experiences include attending a Bayern Munich vs. Lyon Champions League match in Munich, a World Cup match between Switzerland and Romania in the U.S. when he was 13, and several USA vs. Mexico matches.

Dan believes the best thing young players can do to improve their game is to simply play and have fun with a soccer ball every day. Whether it’s juggling, shooting, dribbling, or just playing backyard games, consistent practice is key to growth and enjoyment in the sport.

Mark Bezdek, also known as Coach Bez, grew up in Mayfield, Ohio, where he began his soccer journey at the age of six as part of the first team for the Mayfield Soccer Club. His high school team made it to the state semi-finals, and his teammates were his closest friends growing up. Mark has always cherished the sense of community that soccer brings, a bond that continues today as he regularly plays soccer with a group of Hudson residents, keeping the competitive spirit alive.

Mark is an 8th-grade teacher in South Euclid/Lyndhurst and resides in Hudson with his wife and four children. All of his children have played for Hudson United at some point, with two of them pursuing soccer seriously. Beyond soccer, Mark and his family love to travel, recently completing a mission to visit all 50 U.S. states.

Mark has been coaching soccer for 29 years, splitting his time between coaching boys and girls. He previously coached varsity boys and girls where he teaches but transitioned to Hudson United once his children became involved in the club. He’s been coaching with Hudson United for the past 15 years and currently serves as an assistant coach for the Hudson High School girls' team, in addition to coaching multiple Hudson United teams.

Mark finds great fulfillment in helping young players develop a love for soccer. After years of dedication and hard work, he enjoys seeing the progress of the players he’s coached as they advance to high school and achieve success. He takes great pride in being part of Hudson’s strong youth soccer program, which prepares players for success at the local, club, and high school levels.

Chad Bowman grew up outside Columbus, OH, and graduated from Miami University. After moving around for some time, he and his family settled in Hudson, where they couldn’t be happier. He has been married to his wife, Elizabeth, for 16 years, and they have three children, all involved in the Hudson United Soccer Association (2012, 2014, and 2016 birth years).

Chad grew up playing soccer and continued through high school. Sports played a significant role in his life, with many of his lifelong friends coming from the soccer community. While he chose not to pursue soccer at a smaller college, opting to attend Miami University instead, his soccer friendships remain some of his fondest memories from that time.

Chad began coaching soccer in 2020, though his coaching experience extends further back to 2014 in the corporate world. He thoroughly enjoys watching young players improve, grow a love for soccer, and develop their confidence both as individuals and as athletes. Some of his favorite moments as a coach are seeing kids fall in love with the game.

His coaching philosophy focuses on getting younger players comfortable with the ball at their feet by maximizing touches. He avoids lines for drills to keep players engaged and active. Chad believes in providing a balance of positive reinforcement and constructive feedback to foster development, emphasizing that too much in either direction can hinder growth.

Chad is an avid soccer fan, supporting the Columbus Crew and, though frustrated, being a loyal Tottenham Hotspur fan. His favorite players to watch are midfielders who elevate the players around them, like Toni Kroos and Kevin De Bruyne, appreciating their intelligence, vision, and ability to influence the game.

For young players looking to improve, Chad’s advice is to focus on touches on the ball. He recommends buying a size 1 soccer ball to dribble and juggle at home, as these consistent touches help accelerate skill development at an early age.

Bryan Burrows grew up in Hudson, Ohio, and now resides in Streetsboro with his fiancée, Melissa, a certified veterinarian at the Veterinary Center of Hudson (Dr. Dorner). Together, they enjoy working out and spending quality time with their pets and family.

Bryan was an avid athlete throughout his childhood, participating in soccer, basketball, and baseball. However, soccer eventually became his true passion. His dedication to the sport taught him invaluable lessons in teamwork, discipline, resilience, and goal setting—values that still guide him today as he coaches Hudson United.

During his high school years at Hudson High School, Bryan was a 4-year varsity letterman in soccer, proudly representing his school and competing against local rivals. He also played for Everest Soccer Club (Black) under Coach Dan Zemanski, where his team won five state championships and competed in regional and national tournaments. One of Bryan's standout memories was scoring a hat trick in a 5-1 victory over the National Champion team "Galaxy" during Regionals, an experience that reinforced his belief in the power of teamwork and determination. He continued his soccer career at the University of Akron before an injury led him to refocus on his health and eventually transition into coaching.

Bryan began coaching part-time in 2018 at Everest Soccer Club (now FC Evolution), driven by a desire to stay connected to the game and share his knowledge with younger players. His coaching philosophy emphasizes player development through a possession-based approach inspired by Pep Guardiola. He focuses on technical skills, teamwork, tactical awareness, and fostering a growth mindset, encouraging players to learn from mistakes, enjoy the game, and constantly improve. Bryan believes in creating a positive environment where players feel included and supported, leading by example and using a hands-on approach to help them understand and improve their skills.

As a dedicated soccer fan, Bryan follows teams like FC Barcelona and admires players such as Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldo for their unique abilities. He enjoys watching major tournaments like the Champions League and World Cup, always finding inspiration in the performances of top-level athletes.

Bryan's approach to helping young players improve includes focusing on agility and coordination through fun, simple drills that build balance and footwork. He also teaches tactical concepts like positioning and spatial awareness, encouraging players to keep their heads up and build confidence in their passing and dribbling.

Taylor Flynn is originally from Brimfield, Ohio, and is currently a senior at Kent State University, studying Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology. She enjoys working out, playing sports, and spending time with her family. Taylor’s love for sports began early in her life, and soccer has always held a special place in her heart.

Taylor started playing soccer at age six and was immediately captivated by the game. Coaches played an important role in her development, inspiring her to continually improve. In addition to soccer, she participated in softball, track, and basketball as a child. Sports were a central part of her upbringing and remain a passion to this day.

During high school, Taylor played all four years, primarily as a midfielder and center back. In her senior year, she served as team captain, which was an incredible experience that allowed her to lead and support her teammates. Post-high school, she continues to play soccer in various leagues with friends, keeping her love for the game alive.

Taylor began coaching in her senior year of high school, working with a youth league. Now, she coaches with Hudson United and is also an intern with Field High School’s boys' varsity soccer team. Her favorite coaching moments are when she teaches new concepts, like small formations or soccer terms, and sees the lightbulb moment when it finally clicks for the athletes.

Her coaching philosophy centers around providing meaningful experiences for young athletes to help them develop both their strengths and skills. She believes in making the learning process enjoyable and impactful for every player.

Taylor is a dedicated supporter of the US Women’s National Team (USWNT), and one of her favorite moments was watching them win gold at the Olympics. Her favorite player is Naomi Girma, a standout defensive player whom she admired during her time at Stanford.

When it comes to improving skills, Taylor’s advice to young players is simple: get as many touches on the ball as possible. Whether it's dribbling in the backyard, passing with a family member, or juggling at home, every touch helps refine and advance a player’s skills.

Tina Gaither grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and now resides in Streetsboro, Ohio. Outside of soccer, Tina enjoys traveling, kayaking, snowshoeing, mountain climbing, and spending time with her family.
As a child, Tina was active in basketball and softball, playing multiple sports year-round. Back then, there was less overlap between the seasons of sports like basketball, baseball, hockey, and football, allowing her to enjoy each one fully. Growing up in Pennsylvania, she and her family were avid supporters of Philadelphia teams, watching them during each sports season.
Tina earned a college basketball scholarship, but it was her college roommate who introduced her to soccer. She began playing in the college club and eventually became a referee. After transferring to a smaller college, she made the men’s varsity soccer team, marking a significant accomplishment in her sports career.
Tina's coaching career began in 1999 when a referee from one of her soccer games asked her to coach a U9 girls’ team in Green. Despite not knowing how far Green was from Hudson, she accepted and started her coaching journey. Since then, she has coached for several clubs, primarily at NC Soccer, and joined Hudson United in 2013. Currently, Tina serves as the Director of Coaching at Hudson United and also coaches for the Ohio Olympic Development Program (ODP). One of her favorite coaching memories is from a U10 playoff game, where a young defender, who had scored an own goal, was reassured by the goalie with the words, “It’s ok. We are going to get it back!" The team went on to win that game, a testament to the power of support and teamwork.
Tina’s coaching philosophy emphasizes developing strong team relationships, building confident foot skills, establishing solid defensive shape, and promoting creativity in offense. She believes that kids learn and develop best by fostering a positive team environment, mastering technical skills, and encouraging creative problem-solving on the field.
Tina supports Arsenal in the English Premier League. She became a fan of the club thanks to Thierry Henry, whose unmatched composure and calmness on the ball inspired her. She also admires Arsenal's former manager Arsene Wenger and current manager Mikel Arteta for their creative, attacking style of play.
Tina believes that one of the best things young players can do to improve their game is to spend 10-15 minutes a day working on foot skills or speed touches on their own. She emphasizes that small, consistent efforts can lead to significant improvements on the field.

Anna Green grew up in Stow, Ohio, and is currently a student at Kent State University, where she is majoring in Zoology. She enjoys spending her free time outdoors, with family and friends, and, of course, on the soccer field.

Anna’s love for soccer began at the age of six and has been a constant in her life ever since. While she also played volleyball and participated in track growing up, soccer was her true passion. For Anna, sports were a way to unwind and focus on something she loved, providing both fun and structure. Stepping onto the field always brought her a sense of purpose, whether she was working to improve her skills or helping her teammates achieve their goals.

She continued playing soccer through high school and into college, joining club teams at Kent State University. Even now, Anna finds time to play in adult leagues. Her fondest memories stem from the bonds she built with her teammates, whom she credits for making her soccer experience unforgettable.

Anna began her coaching career about a year ago, motivated by a desire to share her love of the game and help younger players grow. She has enjoyed coaching various sessions, including foot skills, junior academy programs, and travel soccer teams. One of her favorite coaching experiences has been leading her first travel team, where she’s seen players develop both their skills and their enthusiasm for the sport.

Her coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of fun and teamwork. She encourages players to enjoy the game and understand the value of working together as a team. For younger players, she focuses on developing technical skills with plenty of touches on the ball, while fostering a supportive environment with positive reinforcement.

Anna believes that young players can improve by practicing consistently, whether on the field or at home. Watching professional games, working on foot skills, or even playing casually can help them grow both mentally and physically. She sees soccer as a sport of endless learning opportunities and loves helping players discover their potential.

Elliot Grey grew up in Northampton, England, and now resides in Hudson, Ohio, with his wife, Jenny, and their three sons—Bennett, Oliver, and Cameron. Outside of soccer, Elliot enjoys playing golf, watching soccer, and cheering on his kids as they participate in sports.

From an early age, soccer played a central role in Elliot's life. He started playing as soon as he could walk, often with a ball at his feet every chance he got. For Elliot, sports were a source of confidence and joy, providing a space where many of his favorite childhood memories were created.

Elliot’s soccer career began with a standout tenure at his local high school, where he captained the team for five years. He continued as captain of the university team at Liverpool John Moores and earned selection to the British Colleges team. After college, Elliot went on to play professionally and semi-professionally before eventually relocating to the United States.

Elliot’s coaching journey began with Arsenal Soccer Schools after his high school graduation. He also gained valuable experience conducting match analysis for Everton FC’s youth teams. Later, he moved to Illinois, where he spent seven years as Director of Coaching for Coerver Coaching, overseeing programs with over 1,000 players throughout the state.

As a coach, Elliot is passionate about creating a positive learning environment that prioritizes individual development. He emphasizes giving players ample opportunities to get touches on the ball, helping them improve technically, tactically, and physically. His ultimate goal is to instill a strong work ethic in every player and support them in reaching their full potential.

A devoted soccer fan, Elliot supports Everton and the England national team, despite their occasional heartbreaks. His current favorite player is Jude Bellingham, whom he admires for his composure, creativity, and versatility as a modern center midfielder. Elliot encourages young players to emulate such qualities and to focus on both playing and watching the game to improve.

For aspiring players, Elliot believes the best path to improvement is consistent practice and observation. He advocates for players to work on their skills outside of practice, particularly with both feet, and to study professional games to gain insight into tactical strategies and decision-making.

Miguel Gutierrez, affectionately known as Coach Miguel, grew up in Bogotá, Colombia, and now resides in Hudson, Ohio. He is a proud father of five children and a grandfather to one granddaughter. In his free time, Miguel enjoys mowing the lawn, playing ping pong, listening to music, and, of course, playing and coaching soccer—a lifelong passion.

As a child, Miguel loved sports, especially soccer, though he never participated in organized leagues. His games were casual and spirited, often with neighborhood friends or family members. These informal matches instilled in him a deep love for the game and its ability to bring people together.

Miguel graduated from a military high school in Colombia and began his studies at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana before completing his degree in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at Cleveland State University. His career path took him far from Colombia, but soccer remained a constant in his life.

With over 18 years of coaching experience, Miguel has made a significant impact on many young athletes. His favorite coaching memories revolve around witnessing his former players grow into successful adults, many of whom now have careers and families of their own. He takes pride in the role he has played in shaping their lives both on and off the field.

Miguel's coaching philosophy centers on a passing and possession-based style of play. He emphasizes the importance of technique, tactical understanding, work ethic, and mental toughness. He believes in giving players individualized feedback to help them build on their strengths and address areas for growth. His ultimate goal is to develop well-rounded athletes who can think critically and persevere under pressure.

As a soccer fan, Miguel supports América de Cali in Colombia and Liverpool internationally. He also follows teams featuring Colombian players. His enthusiasm for the sport is infectious, inspiring the young athletes he mentors.

Miguel encourages young players to focus on foot skills, develop a true passion for the game, and cultivate resilience. He believes that never giving up—whether it’s on a play, a loose ball, or a season—is essential to success, not just in soccer but in life.

TJ Herrod grew up in Kent, Ohio, where he currently resides. He has one sister who lives in Kansas City, while his parents remain in Kent. TJ shares his home with his dog, Beau, and enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking with his dog, and training for Ironman Triathlons.

TJ has been passionate about soccer for as long as he can remember, with his first team coached by his mother. He also grew up playing hockey and always loved being in the game, valuing sports as an opportunity to spend time with friends and have fun.

As a student-athlete, TJ played soccer at Kent Roosevelt High School before fulfilling his dream of competing at the collegiate level at Walsh University in North Canton. Some of his fondest memories are from his time at Walsh, particularly training with the team and continuing to play the game he loves.

TJ began his coaching career in 2022 with Hudson United, having previously coached for a summer with Kent Parks and Recreation. His coaching philosophy focuses on ensuring players first and foremost enjoy the game while also learning its fundamentals. He believes younger players develop best by playing the game and being exposed to situations that teach key skills such as passing, dribbling, and spacing.

As a soccer fan, TJ enjoys watching the English Premier League on weekends, though he doesn’t support a specific team. He encourages players to improve their skills by spending as much time with the ball as possible and gaining tactical insights by watching high-level soccer matches.

Emma Kennell grew up in a family deeply passionate about soccer, spending her early years playing with her siblings and friends in her neighborhood. When she moved from England to Hudson at age 10, she quickly joined the Hudson recreational soccer league and later the Hudson United Travel team. For Emma, being on soccer teams growing up was about much more than just the sport; it was about the friendships and memories she made with her teammates and coaches. Many of her youth coaches inspired her love for the game and fueled her desire to become a coach herself. Now, she is honored to coach for the very club she once played for.

Emma has been coaching for Hudson United since 2020. Beyond soccer, she has also coached running, speed and agility, and high-intensity interval training. She holds several certifications, including the US Soccer 7v7 and 9v9 Grassroots certifications, the United Soccer Coaches 11v11 Pre-National Diploma, and Goalkeeping Level 1. Additionally, Emma is an ACE-certified group fitness instructor, a Sports Performance Specialist, and a Youth Fitness Specialist. One of her favorite moments as a coach is when former players approach her to share their successes, not just in soccer but in other areas of life as well.

As a coach, especially for U9 players, Emma’s philosophy centers on enjoyment and development. She aims to ensure her players love the game, are excited for practices and matches, and look forward to spending time with their teammates. In her experience, players who are having fun are more likely to dedicate themselves to learning the technical aspects of soccer. As travel soccer introduces a more competitive side to the game, players begin to explore the technical, tactical, physical, and psychological dimensions of the sport. Emma’s goal is to make sure they are enjoying the journey at every step.

When she’s not coaching on the soccer field, Emma enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and three kids, engaging in activities like running, hiking, kayaking, fishing, playing pickleball, and being an active “soccer/football/gymnastics mom.”

Brenton McNulty grew up in Greencastle, PA, a small town just north of the Pennsylvania-Maryland border. He currently resides in Munroe Falls with his wife and two children, aged 8 and 4. As a family, they enjoy spending time outdoors at parks and on trips, as well as relaxing indoors with board games and team-based video games.

Brenton started playing structured soccer at age 4 and continued playing until 19. Sports were his primary way to connect with peers outside of school, and he credits soccer with boosting his confidence and socialization. Growing up, he often played soccer year-round, participating in 3-4 seasons annually.

In high school, Brenton played for his school team and several competitive traveling teams. He competed in outdoor 11v11, indoor 7v7, and summer tournaments in smaller formats like 3v3 or 4v4. One of his favorite memories was during his junior year indoor season when his team went undefeated and didn’t allow a single goal all season. Though illness prevented him from playing in college, he continued competing in MLS Fútbolito tournaments in Washington, D.C., where his team won several tournaments.

Brenton started coaching in 2023 with Hudson United’s Junior Academy Program. Despite being new to coaching, he quickly developed a passion for it. His favorite experience so far has been watching young players grasp concepts and improve their performance during games—it’s like a switch flips, and their hard work begins to show on the field.

Brenton’s coaching philosophy revolves around keeping the game fun, no matter the outcome. He believes there is always something to learn from every game, whether a win or a loss. For him, kids learn best by doing, so he emphasizes the importance of keeping a soccer ball at their feet as much as possible. Growing up, Brenton had a designated “inside” ball that he would dribble everywhere he walked in his house to get more touches and improve his control. His own motivation to improve came from the enjoyment of the game.

As a professional soccer fan, Brenton once held season tickets for the Columbus Crew while living in Columbus and loved the game-day atmosphere. One of his favorite matches was a friendly between the USA and Brazil national teams. These days, life doesn’t allow much time for watching live sports, but he still carries his love for the game.

For young players looking to improve, Brenton recommends getting as many touches on the ball as possible. Having strong footskills makes many other aspects of the game easier, providing a solid foundation for overall development.

Originally from Lima, Peru, Massi Negrillo grew up in Chicago in a close-knit Latin family. After years of visiting Hudson for Thanksgiving, he and his family moved there permanently in 2022, drawn to its peaceful atmosphere, family-oriented community, and passion for sports. Massi and his wife, Kelly, have two sons, Alessio and Cristiano, who both attend Hudson Schools and play soccer.

A lifelong sports and fitness enthusiast, Massi has been immersed in soccer from an early age, experiencing the game at various competitive levels. After graduating from Gordon Tech High School, he was active in youth development programs with the National Soccer League, Metropolitan Football Association, and UIC soccer. Before an injury shortened his playing career, Massi also had brief stints with the Peruvian club Sporting Cristal and the Chicago Fire Reserve.

To stay involved in fitness, Massi pursued a career as a Health Club Consultant and Private Sports Trainer. His responsibilities included opening new gyms, enhancing company performance, and helping clients reach their fitness goals. Massi holds multiple certifications in exercise, sports mechanics, strength and conditioning, and has designed tailored training programs for youth, adults, and professional athletes.

Driven by his passion for sports, Massi has over 20 years of experience coaching soccer, basketball, and boxing across various age groups. In youth soccer, he has coached in several high school feeder programs and different travel clubs across Illinois. Now a Hudson resident, he looks forward to helping young soccer players reach their full potential and compete at a high level.

Jason Peightel has spent most of his life in Northeast Ohio and now resides in Hudson with his wife and their two children, both of whom play for Hudson United. A passionate sports enthusiast, Jason grew up participating in various sports but holds soccer as his favorite, believing it to be the best of all.

Jason began his coaching journey in 2018 when his niece needed a coach for her 3rd–4th grade school soccer team. He found great joy in teaching the players and has continued coaching ever since. He currently holds a National D License from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

As a dedicated fan of FC Bayern Munich, Jason admires retired players Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm for their intelligence and work ethic—qualities he considers essential in great soccer players.

Jason’s coaching philosophy focuses on developing the technical skills of young athletes while enhancing their understanding of the game. He strives to help players grow both on and off the field.

Nathan Prinz grew up just outside of Cincinnati and attended Ohio University (Athens Campus), where he met his wife, Katie. Now residing in Hudson, they have two boys, both of whom began playing in the Hudson United rec soccer program and currently participate in the travel program. In addition to his passion for soccer, Nathan enjoys hiking, skiing, and traveling. He has set a personal goal of visiting all 50 states before turning 50, with only 10 states left to explore.

Nathan has played soccer recreationally his entire life and continues to play twice a week with a group of friends in Hudson. During his childhood, he played soccer in the fall, basketball or swam in the winter, and baseball in the spring. For Nathan, sports were a way to make friends, stay active, and enjoy a bit of healthy competition.

Nathan’s coaching career began when his sons were five years old. He started coaching their rec teams and later joined the travel program when his younger son entered the junior academy. Some of Nathan's most cherished memories include watching his sons and their teammates grow and develop over the years. He fondly remembers a moment when his older son dribbled through several defenders for a perfectly timed goal, and another when his younger son made a powerful solo run from midfield to score a decisive goal.

As a coach, Nathan believes that fostering enjoyment of the game is key for younger players. His philosophy emphasizes getting lots of touches on the ball and developing awareness of the entire field. He encourages unstructured pickup games and backyard play, which he believes are the best ways for kids to improve while having fun.

While Nathan doesn’t always have the time to watch many professional soccer games, he enjoys following the U.S. Men's National Team during the World Cup. His favorite player is Lionel Messi, whose style and talent—especially given his smaller stature—Nathan finds remarkable. Nathan has been fortunate to attend several memorable matches, including an Arsenal game at the Emirates in 2011, World Cup matches in Brazil in 2014, a Brazil vs. Spain friendly at the Bernabeu in 2024, and an unforgettable FC Cincinnati match featuring Messi in 2023. The latter remains one of Nathan’s favorite soccer experiences, shared with his son.

To help young players improve their game, Nathan set up a soccer room in his basement where his kids can practice shooting and passing off the concrete walls. He believes this setup helps them build power, accuracy, and control. Tactically, Nathan teaches his players that passing in any direction can be used to retain possession and shift the game’s flow. He also encourages kids to play multiple sports to develop well-rounded physical and mental skills.

Jordan Renna grew up in Fresno, California, where he attended Fresno State before graduating from UC Davis. His journey across the U.S. took him to places like South Carolina, Alabama, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, before he and his family found their home in Hudson, Ohio in 2013. Jordan has three children, two of whom have played with Hudson United Soccer Association, where he has been actively involved as a coach since 2004, starting his coaching career in Alabama.

Beyond soccer, Jordan is deeply passionate about giving back to the community and helping shape the next generation. His enthusiasm for Hudson United Soccer is evident, as he believes strongly in what the program represents. He focuses on creating an environment where young players can thrive, ensuring they develop both a love for soccer and strong technical skills. Jordan’s coaching philosophy emphasizes four key areas:

1. Players should have fun and love the game of soccer.
2. The training environment should help players achieve their goals and reward their hard work.
3. The team is a unit, and whether they win or lose, they do it together.
4. Proper technique and speed when receiving and distributing the ball are essential.

Interestingly, in 2021, Jordan designed the Hudson United logo. It became a family project when his son Christian suggested adding the iconic clock tower to the design. As a nod to his family's involvement, Jordan set the clock to 5 p.m., the time of Christian’s practice—a detail his wife frequently asked about during that season.

Jordan’s dedication to the sport and the community shines through in every aspect of his coaching and involvement with Hudson United.

…and players remember, there is no smiling

Susan Schaefer lives in the same area where she grew up. Her paternal grandparents owned a farm, which provided ample land for their children to return home and build houses. Susan’s father and his siblings constructed homes around the farm, so she was raised surrounded by her cousins. They often played soccer in the side yard, using trees as makeshift goals, and enjoyed a variety of sports, even creating new ones. As one of two girls in a group of boys, she quickly learned to play tough.

In high school, Susan participated in volleyball, basketball, and track, although soccer wasn’t available until her senior year. Later, she attended Walsh University, where she returned to playing soccer. One of her fondest memories from that time was competing against the one female cousin she grew up with, who attended Mount Union.

Susan’s coaching journey began at NC Soccer, helping a friend with a program called Micro Soccer. As the program expanded to include Super Micro, she pursued coaching licenses to further her knowledge. She also began coaching soccer for the Special Olympics of Summit County. Over the years, she coached various age groups, starting with U10 for Everest, which later became Evolution, and U8 girls before the pandemic. After COVID-19, Susan joined Hudson United’s Junior Academy Program and, by 2022, she was coaching U9 girls.

With over 20 years of coaching experience, Susan believes that young players can improve their game by staying fit and healthy through regular play.

Daniel Sferra was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he grew up until the age of 8. In 1980, his family, which included his parents and two younger brothers, relocated to Akron, Ohio. His younger sister was born in 1980 after the move to the U.S. Daniel now lives in Hudson, Ohio, with his wife Jen, a counselor in Aurora, and their son Kai, who attends Old Trail School (Class of 2030). In addition to coaching and playing soccer, Daniel enjoys watching and studying various sports and playing the guitar.

Growing up in Argentina in the 1970s, soccer dominated Daniel's childhood - there were no other sports (except maybe an occasional game of hide-n-seek). He and his friends played street soccer in a competitive environment where every player had to earn their spot. There were 42 boys between the ages of 5-12 in the 2 blocks that shared his street. And since his street was the one with little traffic, games were always right outside Daniel's door. Kids had to prove themselves to their peers (and the older kids) before they got a chance to play (and they usually had to start in goal). Once kids got a chance to actually play in the field, they had to play well or wouldn’t get picked again. They didn’t play with a leather soccer ball because they didn’t want to scuff it on the cement — so they played with a super-bouncy rubber ball they had to learn to control. Daniel said "you learned everything about the game and about yourself and your buddies through those games".

After moving to the U.S., Daniel developed a love for other sports, particularly baseball and football, and played baseball at Sammis Park in Akron through eighth grade. He also participated in CYO basketball and played football during his freshman year at Archbishop Hoban High School before returning to soccer for his sophomore through senior years.

At John Carroll University, Daniel walked on to the soccer team and started every game for three years. A highlight of his college career was going undefeated during his sophomore season, though a loss to Hiram in the final game prevented the team from making the NCAA Division III Tournament. Following college, Daniel earned a spot with the Canton Invaders of the NPSL after a free-agent tryout and played for them from 1994 to 1995. He cherished the experience of playing alongside talented players, including Marcelo Carrera of the Columbus Crew, and his favorite memory was scoring his only goal against the Cleveland Crunch, broadcast on ESPN2.

Daniel began his coaching career in 1993 as an assistant at his alma mater, Archbishop Hoban. The following year, Doug Swanson, a teammate from the Invaders, encouraged Daniel to coach at Emerald Soccer Club, leading to opportunities with Hudson United and later Internationals SC, where he worked under Sdravko Popovic. Simultaneously, Daniel served as an assistant coach at Walsh Jesuit, where he helped the girls’ team win three state titles and one national title under Dino McIntyre.

Daniel’s coaching philosophy revolves around the idea that soccer should be fun and enjoyable for young players. He believes in helping players learn more about themselves and the game so they can continue to enjoy playing and growing as athletes. His focus is on fostering a love for the sport while developing both individual skills and teamwork.

A passionate soccer fan, Daniel supports the Columbus Crew and enjoys watching Serie A and La Liga matches, particularly teams like AC Milan and FC Barcelona. In Argentina, his favorite team is River Plate. His favorite players include Fernando Redondo for his elegance, Brian McBride for his athleticism, and, of course, Maradona and Messi for their exceptional skills. Over the years, Daniel has attended many memorable games, including several matches in the 1994 World Cup, and with his brother the unforgettable 2006 World Cup Round of 16 match where Maxi Rodríguez scored a stunning volley for Argentina.

For young players looking to improve, Daniel emphasizes the importance of mastering ball control, particularly through juggling and wall exercises, as a strong first touch is what separates good players from the best.

Jerry Shutway grew up in Broadview Heights, where he still lives today. His soccer journey began in 1969, at the age of nine, under the guidance of a coach who had grown up in Europe and became a key role model for Jerry. His first soccer season was challenging, with his team losing every game in blowouts, but thanks to the discipline instilled by his coach, the team steadily improved. By the second season, they started winning games, and by the third, they were defeating the very teams that had initially beaten them. This experience taught Jerry the value of perseverance, commitment, and maintaining composure on the field.

Jerry’s introduction to soccer came in the third grade when a classmate invited him to join a new soccer program in his city. Initially, transportation issues prevented him from joining, but his classmate's father offered to give him a ride to practice, a gesture that changed Jerry’s life. Though he also had talent in baseball, his family’s one-car situation forced him to choose between the two sports, and he chose soccer—a decision that shaped the rest of his life.

At Brecksville High School, Jerry played on a team that was consistently ranked among the top five in the state. His sophomore year saw the team reach the state semi-finals, and in his junior year, they won the state championship. His senior year ended with a second-place finish. After high school, Jerry played three years for the University of Akron before turning professional with the Cleveland Cobras, where he played from 1980 to 1983. Following the folding of the pro league, Jerry continued his soccer career with a local semi-pro team, traveling across the Midwest and competing in various tournaments.

In 1979, when Jerry was just 18, he formed the first girls' soccer team in the Cleveland area to coach his younger sister, a team he led for three years. From 1987 to 1999, Jerry operated his own youth premier club, "Cleveland Elite Soccer Club," managing a staff of eight coaches and 19 teams ranging from U8 to U19. He also coached for the State Olympic Development Program from 1980 to 2006 and has operated a private footskill training program called "The Footskill Factory." After folding his premier club, Jerry became the director of coaching for several local community travel programs in Stow, Broadview Heights, and Brecksville before joining Hudson United in 2021.

Jerry’s coaching philosophy focuses on developing players' problem-solving skills through activities that challenge their speed of play and decision-making under pressure. He encourages creativity and confidence in his players, regardless of their position, and believes that kids learn best from playing games rather than unchallenged line drills. His training environment is designed to be both fun and challenging, with a clear tactical context.

A lifelong fan of FC Barcelona, Jerry's admiration for the club began in the 1970s when Johan Cruyff was playing. He watched as Barcelona evolved into one of the world’s best clubs, admiring players like Leo Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andreas Iniesta, and more recently, Yamine Lamal and Dani Olmo. Cruyff’s "total soccer" philosophy, where all players—including fullbacks and defensive midfielders—are involved in the attack, greatly influenced Jerry's own approach to the game. Other childhood idols included Franz Beckenbauer from Germany and Pele from Brazil.

Jerry firmly believes that kids who play lots of 2v2 or 3v3 "pickup games" in un-coached environments develop into the most creative and talented players. These games not only foster creativity but also create lifelong bonds and some of the most memorable moments in a player’s life.