Coach Abe

Role: Junior Kickers Coach 

Education: Senior at Rock Bridge High School 

Soccer Background: I’ve played soccer since I was a young kid, and it has been a big part of my life ever since. I played with the Sporting Kansas City Academy team, was a four-year varsity player in high school, and competed with Synergy. Currently, I’m continuing to play with Sporting Columbia. 

Favorite Soccer Memory: One of my favorite soccer memories is scoring a goal during the GA Cup tournament. The excitement of that moment and the celebration with my teammates made it unforgettable. That goal helped us win the tournament, a moment I’ll never forget. 

Why I Love Coaching: Growing up, I had good coaches who taught me valuable skills and showed me a deep love for the game. Coaching gives me the opportunity to use my passion and knowledge about the game to inspire the next generation of players. Seeing the joy, smile, and confidence soccer brings to young kids is one of my favorite parts of coaching. 

Favorite Part of Coaching Junior Kickers: My favorite part of coaching Junior Kickers is watching the kids grow and improve over time. Seeing their passion for the game and their smiles as they kick balls and improve their skills makes it all enjoyable for me. 

Fun Fact About Me: I’m from Ethiopia and have four younger brother

Coach Joya 

Role: Junior Kickers Coach

Education: Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Dietetics from the American University of Beirut. Master’s of Education-Athletic Administration from Central Methodist University.

Soccer Background: I started my journey playing with boys’s teams until I was 12 years old. I played futsal with my school’s team until I graduated. I played with Zouk Mosbeh U17, then U19, and finally the Seniors team. Then the club became Eleven Football Pro and I played for their U19 and Senior team. I got called up for the U18 Lebanese National Team. Then I played for the U19 National Team; and finally currently for the Lebanese Women’s National Team. I played for the Central Methodist Women’s Varsity team. I played three seasons in the WPSL for: the Iowa Raptors, San Francisco Nighthawks, and finally for the Missouri Reign. I coached in Lebanon in the Coerver program, then coached in San Francisco for Super Soccer Stars. I currently coach the 2016 boys' white team at Rush and Junior Kickers.

Favorite Soccer Memory: playing for my National team and being the first generation to advance to the second round of the U19 Asians qualifications.

Why You Love Coaching: I love interacting with kids and seeing them grow and develop their skills as human beings and soccer players.

Favorite Part about Coaching Junior Kickers: Playing with the kids, seeing them enjoy the game and grow to love soccer and most importantly enjoy it.

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a big Star Wars fan.

Favorite Quote or Motto: "Diamonds are made under pressure."

Coach Lily 

Role: Junior Kickers Coach 

Education: Freshman at the University of Missouri 

Soccer Background: I’ve played soccer since I was four years old and I coach soccer in my hometown.

Favorite Soccer Memory: Traveling to Arizona with my team for a tournament 

Why You Love Coaching: Being able to encourage kids to love soccer and seeing how excited they are to learn.

Favorite Part about Coaching Junior Kickers: Since I’m not actively playing soccer, it lets me keep a little piece of something I loved for so long and show the kids they can also love it.

Coach Valentina

Role: Junior Kickers Coach

Education: Bachelor’s in psychology, Master's in Community Counseling from Missouri Valley College.

Soccer Background: I began my soccer career at the age of 10, playing exclusively with boys. For three years, I was part of my city’s national team and later competed at the semi-professional level in Colombia, where I earned recognition as the top scorer in several major tournaments. I was also a member of a professional team in Colombia before earning a full scholarship to play collegiate soccer in the United States at Missouri Valley College. During my five years at MVC, I competed in the NAIA National Tournament twice and was honored as an All-Conference player and Attacking Player of the Year. Additionally, I played in the USL-W semi-professional league in Florida and am currently in discussions with Missouri Reign, a semi-professional team.

Favorite Soccer Memory: Playing on a muddy, rainy day and falling down on my face and being all covered in mud.

Why You Love Coaching:  I love coaching because you are impacting the life of those kids in more than just soccer. Being part of the kids' routine as a mentor is compensation to my soul and just giving them the best of me as a coach and person fills up my purpose in life. Of course in the future some of them might decide to go professional and one day they might remember you.

Favorite Part about Coaching Junior Kickers: Seeing them enjoy and parents' engagement with their kids is awesome as well. Group sports such as soccer seem to bring the beat out of every person and take them out of the routine during the week.

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am obsessed with avocados.

Favorite Quote or Motto: "Whatever you think you are is true, decide what kind of thoughts you let into your mind because they will guide your actions and your emotions.”