CSA COACH BIOS
Our bios will continue to be updated as info becomes available!
Luis Arrieta
Arrieta played college soccer for Belmont Abbey College where he earned numerous accomplishments including South East Player of the Year, CVAC Player of the year and was a two-time 1st team all conference.
Jacob Coggins
Prior to CSA, Coggins was Director of Coaching for Matthews Soccer Club. As a player, Coggins played professional for the Raleigh Railhawks and Charlotte Eagles. Within the Eagles organization, Coggins also coached in Ethiopia for 7 years.
Ben Cook
Cook comes to CSA from Charlotte Soccer Club. An English native, Cook played soccer for Newport FC as well as coaching for the University of Portsmouth. Cook came to America working with Challenger Sports and has had experience coaching in Atlanta, GA prior to his move to Charlotte Soccer Club.
John Cullen
Cullen, a native of London, England, has coached Catawba College for the past 8 years, winning a pair of South Atlantic Conference championships and taking the Indians to four NCAA Division 2 Regionals and 2 regional finals. Accomplishments include, Cullen is head coach of UNC Charlotte. Cullen served as director of coaching at the Charlotte Soccer Club form 1992-2001. In 2001, Cullen began working with the North Carolina Olympic Development program and joined the US Region III ODP staff in 2006. For three years Cullen was the executive director of soccer with the FC Carolina Alliance in Concorde, NC before joining SCSA now Charlotte Soccer Academy.
Rob Dalton
Dalton comes to Charlotte Soccer Academy with an impressive playing and coaching career. A native of England, Dalton played professionally for Manchester City, Coventry City, Stockport County and Macclesfield Town of England as well as Trollhatten IF of Sweden. After a career in the semi professional ranks in England Dalton concentrated on coaching working as an assistant coach of the Cayman Islands National team and were the director of the youth program for the Islands too. Most recently Dalton was the Director of Operations and Director of coaching for Charlotte United Football Club. Dalton is a State ODP coach as well as an NSCAA State tutor. Dalton currently owns all top coaching licenses with his UEFA ‘A’, NSCAA Premier and USSF ‘A’.
Stuart Draper
Draper, a native of England, comes to CSA with over 10 years of coaching experience most recently working with Matthews Soccer Club. A current coach for Porter Ridge High School, Draper currently holds his NSCAA National Diploma.
Dan Efenecy
As a coach, Effenecy has 15 years coaching experience and currently holds his NSCAA Regional and Advanced regional certificates as well as his USSF ‘E’ License.
Heather Frelin
Frelin comes to CSA with 19 years of coaching experience. She has experience at the regional ODP, State ODP, and Division 1 college and club levels. Prior to joining CSA, Frelin was in Houston, Texas as an assistant Competitive Director and Academy Director. Frelin currently holds a USSF A license and a USSF National Youth License. Frelin is also involved in coaching education with the USSF.
Scott Ginn
Ginn has been a college soccer coach for the last 18 years. His college resume includes Division I, II and NAIA levels. Ginn currently holds his USSF A license and the NSCAA Advanced National License. Ginn is currently the assistant Women’s soccer coach at Belmont Abbey College.
Erik Gunderson
Gunderson was a player at Carthage High School in NY, where he returned to coach after playing at Jefferson Community College and Houghton College. While coaching at Carthage, Gunderson won 3-time Coach of the Year honors and sent many players on to play in college. Gunderson is a member of NSCAA Section III Soccer Coaches Committee.
Jeremy Gunn
Gunn was the men’s college coach at Fort Lewis where he won a Division 2 National Championship. Accomplishments include being Men’s coach at UNC Charlotte. In 2005 Gunn was the NSCAA Division 2 National Coach of the year. Gunn is fully qualified with the English FA and is currently a coach for the CSA US Development Academy.
Meanu Kayea
Kayea returns to CSA where he has worked around the club system over a 12 year span. A former player at GCC in NY and also Judson College in Illinois, Kayea then played professionally for the Charlotte Eagles. Kayea is a former director for 2xsalt sports ministry and has worked for many clubs around the Charlotte area in his 12 year coaching career.
Kevin Langan
Langan is currently an assistant coach with the Charlotte 49ers soccer program after spending four years as the head boys’ coach of the Classics Elite Soccer Academy in San Antonio, Texas. He also coached Classics Elite Soccer Academy U-18 United States Soccer Federation Academy in 2008.
As a collegiate player, Langan was a standout player for the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas for 2004-05 seasons. He captained them to a #1 national ranking and the NCAA Division II Elite Eight in 2004. In his two seasons at Incarnate Word, he was named Regional Defensive Player of the year, Student Athlete of the year and the International Graduate Student of the Year.
The Jersey, United Kingdom native also represented Great Britain at two World University Games; in 2001 in Beijing, China and then captaining the team in Daegu, South Korea in 2003. He was also selected to play for the England National Futsal Team on a tour of Portugal in 2003. In his native England, Langan played professionally with Bristol City for 6 seasons, making his league and cup debut as an 18 year old. He was a member of the team that won promotion to the Championship in 1998. Langan currently holds a USSF B license.
Bill Laurie
Laurie has had 5 years coaching experience with Charlotte Soccer Academy as well as experience with Charlotte Catholic girls and boys varsity teams. Laurie currently holds his NSCAA Advanced Regional License.
Lauren Lopez
Lopez was a 4 year starter at UNC Greensboro women’s soccer program where she was a standout player. As a player, Lopez won many accolades that include NCSAA/Adidas Scholar All-American, All Southern Conference first team, and All State and All Region team’s as well as being finalist for National Lowes Senior Class Award for women’s soccer in 2010.
Mike Mullowney
Mullowney comes to CSA with an excellent playing and coaching background. As a player Mullowney played for North Carolina State University from 1989 to 1992, being captain his final season. In 1990, his wolfpack won the ACC championship. In 1990 Mullowney was part of the NCAA Division 1 Semi Finalists and in 1991 and 1992 was part of the NCAA Division 1 Quarter Finalists. After graduating from college, Mullowney played for the Raleigh Flyers, a professional USISL team in 1993 and 1994. Mullowney started his coaching as an assistant coach for NCSU in from 1993 to 1995 also becoming the Assistant Director for the NC State Soccer School. After the college work, Mullowney has coached at the club level for CASL and more recently spending the last 2 years with South Charlotte Soccer Association.
Luke Patterson
Patterson comes to CSA from Lake Norman Soccer Club where he was Director of Coaching for the girls from 2005 to 2007. As a player, Patterson was a 4 year starter at Lees-McRae University. Patterson currently holds his NSCAA National Diploma.
Bob Pierce
Pierce brings to the club 15 years of coaching experience with Matthews Soccer Club, Cabarrus Soccer Association and FCCA. Pierce also has worked with different Middle Schools and High Schools. Pierce currently holds his USSF ‘C’ License.
Cassie Pigza
Pigza comes to Charlotte Soccer Academy with a good playing and coaching experience. Pigza attended UNC Chapel Hill, where she played on the 1983 National Championship team. She has been a teacher and head coach at the Middle school, Jr. High and Varsity High School levels in South Fla. Pigza was a staff coach for South Florida Select Soccer Programs and helped with the Florida ODP. After Florida, Pigza was in charge of Coaching education and training and ran her own soccer camps at Tupelo, MS Parks and Rec. Locally, Pigza has coached at Charlotte Soccer Club and South Charlotte Soccer ages U-8 to U-16 for the past 6 years and currently holds a USSF National "C" License.
Meghan Polovick
Polovick played collegiate soccer at Denison University where she was captain her junior and senior year. Polovick has also coached for Creative Player Summer camps since 1998.
Ashley Rex
Rex is a regular coach for the U9/U10 Academy. Rex played four years with UNCC and also had professional playing experience with the Carolina Dynamo.
Rex currently holds her USSF ‘E’ and ‘D’ Licenses and is also a NC ODP Assistant coach.
Tiffany (Tisdale) Rice
Rice is a graduate of Ohio State University, where she was a four-year player won numerous honors and awards. She played for both the Charlotte Speed and Charlotte Lady Eagles for a total of 9 years. During that time, Rice coached numerous Charlotte youth teams; several NC ODP teams; and was an assistant coach of the Davidson women’s team. Rice is currently an assistant coach with the Charlotte Lady Eagles and holds an NSCAA National Diploma.
Ashu Saxena
Saxena comes to CSA with an excellent soccer coaching background. Prior to moving to Charlotte, Saxena coached in Virginia for Braddock Road Youth Soccer Club and also Chantily Soccer Club where they finished 3rd in the national championships in 2006. Individual honors for Saxena include USOC National Development Coach of the year and USYSA National Girls coach of the year as well as contributing to soccer books, articles and DVD’s. Saxena currently holds his NSCAA Premier, GK 1 and 2 licenses as well as his Director of Coaching Diplomas.
Mitch Sanford
Sanford is a native of High Point, NC. After an impressive high school career, Sanford attended Messiah College where he was a two-time National Champion (’99 & ’03). Sanford began his coaching career with Goucher College before moving to Charlotte and taking up his post with the Charlotte Eagles. Sanford is also a high school coach with Charlotte Latin School and holds his NSCAA Regional Diploma.
Carmelo Sapia
Sapia comes to CSA with playing experience at various levels in England. As a coach, he has been able to coach across the world with opportunities in England, Australia and the USA. Sapia has worked at all ages from grass roots to the academy level and most recently was part of the A.C. Milan coaching staff in conjunction with the Football Development Australia and working with coaches from Fulham FC, England. Sapia currently holds his English FA level 1 and 2 licenses.
Franklyn Scott
Scott’s experience as a soccer coach has spanned for a period of 11 years coaching both boys and girls at the high school varsity level as we as the club level in Minnesota. Scott currently holds his USSF ‘D’ and ‘C’ licenses.
Danny Sellers
Sellers has been coaching girls’ soccer in the Charlotte area for over 10 years. Sellers began his coaching career as a recreation coach for AYSO Region 605. In 2003 he joined North Mecklenburg Youth Soccer Association (NMYSA), where he coached at the Challenge level for two and one half years. In 2005, Sellers coached a team to win the State Cup Challenge Championship. In the fall of 2005, he joined Futbol Club Carolina Alliance (FCCA). At FCCA, Sellers coached multiple girls’ teams at all levels including: Classic B, Classic A and Premier. In 2006, he coached a team to win the NC State Presidents Cup Championship. Sellers also coached the girls’ soccer team at Harris Road Middle School for two years, winning the county Championship in 2006 and again in 2007. Sellers has several AYSO youth coaching certifications and has completed the Safe Haven Coach course. In addition, he has completed the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) “E” and “D” license.
Mark Silke
Born and raised in Ireland, Silke has been either playing or coaching soccer for more than 25 years. Silke began his coaching career while playing soccer in High School and then continued to be the player/coach for his College. In 1997 Silke moved to Tampa FL, where he coached youth soccer for New Tampa Soccer Association as well as becoming the head coach for Benito Middle School. While coaching in Tampa he took his NTSA team to the semi-finals of Region C two years running and went undefeated in the Middle School league. Silke and his family moved to Charlotte in 1999 and he was one of the first coaches for the newly formed SCSA. Among many of Silke’s successes include State Cup finalist in 2001 and semi-finalist in 2000. Silke holds an E NYCSA state license.
Michael Spangler
Aside from his duties on the club side, Spangler also has experience coaching at the School level working with both boys and girls at Charlotte Country Day.
Kristopher Steele
Steele comes to Charlotte Soccer Academy from Charlotte Soccer Club. Steele currently holds his USSF ‘E’ License.
Kevin Summers
Summers has 22 years playing experience as well as 11 years coaching experience working with players aged from 2 years old to adult semi-pro. Summers has worked 6 years in America including New York, Connecticut and now 4 years in Charlotte. Summers currently holds his UEFA Level 1 and 2 licenses.
Brook Thebeau
Thebeau joins the staff at Charlotte Soccer Academy having worked previously with North Meck Soccer Club. As a player, Thebeau was a standout at Ole Miss where the team won the SEC West Championship giving them a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Currently Thebeau holds the USSF ‘E’ License.
Juan Vazquez
Vazquez a former Semi-Professional player in Mexico and California joins the CSA Cabarrus coaching staff. As a coach, Vazquez has experience coaching club soccer in California with Celtic Soccer Club and also coaching around Charlotte before joining CSA. Vazquez currently holds his USSF ‘D’ and ‘C’ Licenses.
Brent Walbridge
Aside from his club responsibilities, Walbridge is the assistant coach for Hickory Ridge High School.
Edmund Walker
Walker comes to Charlotte Soccer Academy from Charlotte Soccer Club. Prior to coaching, Walker was a 4 year starter at Xavier University and also team captain. After college, Walker started his coaching career in Cincinnati working with all age groups and became head coach for the Cincinnati Cheetahs, a professional USL-W league team. While coaching at Charlotte Soccer Club, Walker has also worked at the Coerver Soccer Schools.
Kara Walker
Walker comes to CSA with an excellent playing and coaching career. Walker was a player at the University of Cincinnati. After her college days, Walker played in the USISL for the Cincinnati Cheetahs and then the Chicago Cobras. Her coaching career started with the Cincinnati Classics Soccer and the last 2 years was coach for Charlotte Soccer Club.
Jeff Walters
Walters brings a 15 year coaching resume to the CSA staff. A former goalkeeper as a player, Walters has experience in High School and at club. In 2007 Walters and his High School team were the 2AA State Champions and in 2010 he was the NCISAA Region Coach of the Year for High School. Walters currently holds his USSF E and D licenses as well as the NSCAA National Diploma.
Neil Wlodyka
Wlodyka comes to Charlotte Soccer Academy after previously coaching with Mecklenburg Union Soccer Club. Wlodyka was a college player at Appalachian State University where he earned MVP honors his senior year. After graduation, he continued to play in Amateur leagues before his coaching career started in 2001. Wlodyka currently holds his USSF ‘E’ license.
Bob Wood
Wood comes to Charlotte Soccer Academy working with SCSA for the past 4 years. Wood’s club coaching experience takes him from Gastonia to Atlanta and now currently in Charlotte. Wood’s been experienced in coaching challenge and also classic players.
