Meet the Team

OWNER

When I started Soccer Buddies, I wanted my own young children to play soccer without the pressure of competitive leagues. I saw a need in the market for a non-competitive, fun way of teaching soccer. Having a passion for child development and soccer made it easy to decide to build a business around it! I absolutely love what I do and how it positively impacts the lives of children and our community. I also really enjoy working with such amazing coaches on my team. FUN is our middle name, both on and off the soccer field. When you bring your child to a class, you will see what I mean!

DIRECTOR

Hi everyone, my name is Chrysoula! I am the Director of Michigan Soccer Buddies! I graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelors of science in Early Childhood Development and Learning and played on the Club Soccer team there. I have played soccer my whole life, I absolutely love the game and teaching it! In my spare time you can probably find me on the soccer field or traveling somewhere with beautiful scenery! I hope to see you on the field!

ENROLLMENT & FAMILY SUCCESS COORDINATOR

Hi, I'm Megan! I am excited to be part of the Soccer Buddies staff! I grew up in Grand Rapids and still reside here with my family. When I am not working, you can find me with my husband, son, and our two dogs - Lemon the Golden Retriever and Hattie the Bernese Mountain Dog! I love spending time outside, enjoying all that Michigan has to offer in every season. I look forward to talking with you!

Location: Grand Rapids

Hello players and parents! My name is Hope! When I am not coaching I am teaching 1st grade, hiking, or cooking new recipes or playing soccer! I can’t wait to see you on the field! 

Location: Holland & Hudsonville

Hey there, my name is Carlie! I am a recent GVSU graduate and plan to continue my education as a pediatric occupational therapist! I love to spend time outdoors traveling, exploring, and playing soccer. I played soccer for 10+ years, and I now love being a coach! I can’t wait to teach your future soccer players! 

Location: Muskegon 

Hey all, Coach Neil here. I moved to Michigan from Scotland and you will probably find me on my bike, cuddling my dog or out on my lawn with a ruler checking on my grass in my spare time. I’m excited to be a part of Soccer Buddies after taking a short break from coaching after spending nearly all of my 20s somewhere close to a soccer (football!) field. Growing up, I always loved watching sport and as I grew older I began to love participating in it more and more. I believe there are a lot of important life lessons and skills that can be taught and learnt in a sporting environment. I like to pride myself in my people skills, player care and forward thinking ability.  I consider being involved in sport an essential part of my life now. I’m looking forward to showing you all why it’s so amazing! 

Location: Schoolcraft/Portage

Hi! I’m Coach Rachel. I’m so excited to be a part of Soccer Buddies! I’ve played soccer my entire life, including at the college and professional levels, and I’ve been coaching for the past few years. Soccer has always been a huge passion of mine, and I can’t wait to share that love with little kids.
My goal is to create a fun, loving, and supportive environment where kids can learn, grow, and build confidence—while having a blast on the field. I believe in being an active, encouraging coach and helping each child discover their own love for the game.
I’m so excited to watch these kids grow and develop, and I can’t wait to see everyone out on the soccer field!

Hi all, my name is Carly! I played soccer when I was younger and am excited to be back at it again coaching at Soccer Buddies! My goal is to create a love of soccer and a passion for being active by teaching essential skills and sportsmanship. When I'm not on the field you can find me playing games with my friends and family, painting, reading, or somewhere outside. I love dogs, sharks, comedies, and games, so you know our future soccer stars will have fun! Can't wait to see you out there! 

Hi! I am one of the many coaches we have at soccer buddies. I love being outdoors, being active and trying new things. Like many of my colleagues I have a love for soccer as well as encouraging and uplifting the future generations to make adifference!

Hey, my name is Regan! I am currently a senior at Jenison High School. I have been coaching with the Soccer Buddies staff for 3 years now. I have been playing soccer for 5 years and I am so excited to show my love for the game and help others learn more about soccer! When I am not in school or playing soccer I love to be with my friends and family, and trying new things!

Hi! My name is Kate! I am so excited to be a part of Soccer Buddies staff, I have always had a passion for childcare and helping others. My goal here is to be a loving member of the staff who can always be there to help whenever you need me. I am also looking forward to sharpening my teaching skills! When I’m not on the field I am babysitting, tutoring, volunteering at child care organization, or being with my family. I love being silly, working with kids, dogs, daisies and being a coach! I am so excited to be here and help build-up future stars!

Hello all, my name is Chris and I am a Trine University graduate. I have played soccer since I was old enough to walk. I am excited to teach the skills and tricks of the sport that I have learned along the way. In my free time I still enjoy playing the game and traveling to new places!

Hi everybody, my name is Kenlie! Most people call me Kiki. I started playing soccer when I was five. I currently play club soccer on the US Youth Soccer National League Club Premier 2. In 2024, my team won Michigan State Cup and competed at the USYS President’s Cup. As you can tell, I love soccer. When I’m not on the field, I’m obsessed with reading and spending time with my friends and family. I’m thankful for the opportunity to help others develop their skill and a love for soccer!

Hey there, my name is Aveya, I am so excited to be a part of the Soccer Buddies coaching team! I have been passionate about soccer ever since I was little and am eager to take that passion to the next level by sharing my journey as a coach. I spend a lot of my week at soccer, but when i’m not on the field, I am either hanging out with friends or family. I love the beach, watching soccer games, and dogs. I love trying new things and embracing new adventures—just like becoming a coach! I can't wait to meet all of you future soccer stars! 

Hi, my name is Stella! I played soccer when I was younger and am so excited to be coaching at Soccer Buddies! I have had amazing coaches who have inspired me and I hope to do the same as I coach here. Some things I enjoy doing are traveling, camping, and playing golf. I love teaching kids and I am so excited to coach some amazing soccer players!

Hi, my name is Meghan! I am currently a student at Grand Rapids Christian High School. I have played soccer ever since I can remember; I play varsity soccer for my school as well as club. When I’m not playing soccer I enjoy traveling, and hanging out with my friends and family. I am very excited to be apart of Soccer Buddies to share my love for the sport!

Hi, I’m coach Maddie! I grew up playing soccer and absolutely love the sport. I also enjoy babysitting and working with kids. I’m so grateful to get to work at soccer buddies and teach kids more about soccer!

Hi everyone my name is Ava! I’m so excited to be a Soccer Buddies coach! I am currently a senior in high school and will be going to college next year to play soccer. I am excited to be a coach and teach soccer skills, but also have a fun time! In my free time I love to spend time with family and friends, play many sports, travel, and play soccer! Can’t wait to see you on the fields!

Hi, I’m Coach Baylee! I am a junior at Spring Lake High. I have loved playing both soccer and basketball my whole life. I love coaching and teaching kids. So excited to be a part of the Soccer Buddies staff!

When Buddy isn't hibernating or otherwise winning at life, he pops in to Soccer Buddies classes to make sure everything is running smoothly.  Buddy has been spotted on mountain tops in Breckenridge, mid field at MSA Woodland, and at all sorts of events around town.  His favorite game is definitely feeding blueberries...he's ALL about berries.  Next time you see him, make sure to give him a high five. He loves high fives. 

Hi everyone, my name is Kaden! I’ve played soccer my whole life, I can’t imagine my life without it. I love being able to share my love of soccer with the youth. See you on the field!