Coaching Staff

Experience with Croatia Juniors:

“I have been working in my current capacity as the General Manager of the club since the inception of the Croatia Juniors formation as it is today (15 years).”

Why did you choose to work with Croatia Juniors?

“Croatia Cleveland is a cultural pillar of Northeast Ohio and has served the soccer community of Greater Cleveland since 1957. We hope to continue to do so, while elevating the level of soccer in our area, for many years to come.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“Midwest regional games with the 2003 girls team in Chicago. My daughter was part of the team, and seeing most of the group grow since they joined the club at U8 level to seniors in high school, was a very rewarding experience. Additionally, watching my son participate with the men’s program and in many events hosted by the club for its alumni and adult players.”

Major accomplishments within the club:

“Croatia Juniors as it is today, is the result of the vision and labor of many people. I’m proud of what we have built and what we continue to achieve.”

Playing experience:

• 21-year professional playing career in Croatia and the United States

Coaching experience:

• 13-year professional coaching career in the NPSL and NCAA, along with stints as Director and Coach at clubs across Michigan and Ohio

Why did you choose to coach?

• “I coach to share the knowledge and experience I have gained from soccer with young athletes, to help them in their pursuit to be their best.”

Favorite memory coaching:

• “There are far too many to choose one. Recently, I have been fortunate to come back ‘home’ to Croatia Cleveland Soccer Club, where I can share my culture and playing background with players and fellow coaches. A tremendous highlight of this time has been the growth of our partnership with Andrews Osborne Academy, through which I have been given the opportunity to lead the AOA boys team to an Ohio high school state championship.”

Major accomplishments within the club:

• “As the Director of Coaching for our girls program, I have shared and enjoyed very many accomplishments by our coaching staff, from State Cups and tournament championships, to college commitments and high school graduations. Our coaches care deeply about their craft and helping their players become the best version of themselves. The accomplishments both on and off the field are a testament to our coaches’ passion for the game and our players’ commitment and work ethic.”

Playing Experience:

• Eastlake North High School
• ACSC Zrinski
• Croatia Cleveland Majors

Coaching Experience:

• Rangers Soccer Club
• Coach for Beaumont High School Girls Soccer
• Croatia Cleveland Juniors

Why did you choose to coach?

“To be able to share the knowledge and passion of the game and to inspire players to achieve their aspirations in soccer.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“The joy and excitement in a player when you see their hard work and passion continue to grow as they progress.”

Major accomplishments within the club:

“Seeing players continuing to play and seeing their love of the game and knowing that I had a part in growing that passion.”

Playing Experience:

• Gannon University 2003-2007
• Croatia Cleveland Majors 2007-2019

Coaching Experience:

• Cleveland Soccer Academy
• Force Indoor Sports
• Croatia Cleveland Juniors (present)

Why did you choose to coach?

“Spark the passion and joy the beautiful game symbolizes in younger players.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“The pure excitement for scoring a goal from one of my youngest players.”

Major accomplishments within the club:

“Being praised by the players and parents for my efforts as a coach. Gratitude goes a long way.”

Playing Experience:

• Walsh University

Coaching Experience:

• Assistant Coach for Notre Dame College Boys
• Croatia Cleveland Juniors

Why did you choose to coach?

“I believe in using the game of soccer to help prepare our players for competition. In addition, I believe the game of soccer offers some of the best lessons that will prepare young men and women for the adversities life will present.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“Coaching at the NCAA National Tournament and seeing my players walk across the stage to receive their diploma.”

Playing Experience:

• 2004-2009 Croatia Cleveland
• 2009-2012 CSA Impact
• 2012-2017 Internationals Soccer Academy

Coaching Experience:

• First-year coach

Why did you choose to coach?

“I decided to become a soccer coach because of my deep passion for the sport. I want to share this passion with the young players while also helping develop not only their skill on the field but also their character and teamwork abilities.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“My favorite memory was the first game of the new year which was also my first game coaching on my own. The boys played a great game and won. They were all super excited that they started off the new year with a win!”

Playing Experience:

• Montverde Academy (SIMA): 2017-2019
• Notre Dame College (NCAA D2): 2019-2021
• Cleveland State University (NCAA D1): 2022-2024

Coaching Experience:

• A1 Performance (Orlando, FL): 2020-2023

Why did you choose to coach?

“I coach to give back to the next generation by providing them with the same opportunities and knowledge that allowed me to have my own success within the sport.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“My favorite memory is taking my 2010 boys team at Soccer Youth USA in Naples, Florida, to the championship.”

Major accomplishments within the club:

“Winning the 2025 Cleveland Indoor Classic with the 2014 boys”

Playing Experience:

• AC Premier
• Team Challenger FC
• Internationals Academy
• Columbus Crew Academy
• Marietta College
• Cleveland SC
• Croatia Cleveland U23 & Majors

Coaching Experience:

• West Geauga High School (Boys) & West Geauga Travel Soccer Club: 2022-Present
• Croatia Cleveland SC 2015/16 Boys: 2023-Present

Why did you choose to coach?

“I enjoy the game and teaching players the game has been a fun experience after I stopped playing competitively myself.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“The Westlake Invitational tournament with the U8s. We were down 3-0 at halftime and we went out in the second half and ended up winning the game 6-3. The players were on fire and it was the best we had played all season!”

Playing Experience:

• Mercyhurst University
• University of Akron

Coaching Experience:

• 4 years with Croatia Cleveland Juniors

Why did you choose to coach?

“I wanted to share my knowledge, passion, and experiences with players that play for a club that has given me so much in my playing days.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“My favorite aspect of coaching is playing a minor role in each player’s development.”

Major accomplishments within the club:

“Winning the state cup and have been to the state cup playoff every year that I have coached.”

Playing Experience:

• Internationals SC 1987-1990
• Mayfield High School 1986-1990
• Lakeland CC 1990-1991

Coaching Experience:

• SEL Boys Club 2005-2008
• West Geauga Boys & Girls Club 2009-2014
• JV Head Coach for West Geauga High School Girls Soccer 2012-2014
• Varsity Head Coach for West Geauga High School Girls Soccer 2014-2016
• Varsity Assistant Coach for West Geauga High School Boys Soccer 2020-2021
• Varsity Assistant Coach for Mayfield High School Boys Soccer 2022-2023
• Varsity Head Coach for Andrews Osborne Academy Girls Soccer 2023-current
• Croatia Cleveland 2015-current

Why did you choose to coach?

“I wanted to share the knowledge of this beautiful to young boys and girls and watch them fall in love with soccer.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“I guess the best memories to me are the games that the team doesn’t think they could win and because of all the hard work they put in they end up winning. The expression on their faces are priceless.”

Major accomplishments within the club:

“Having won many tournament’s and 2 state cup finals.”

Playing Experience:

• University of Rio Grande, Ohio
• Wolves FC Academy, UK
• Llangefni Town FC, Wales

Coaching Experience:

• NWC Alliance 2007-2010
• Kings Hammer Academy 2010-2020
• Assistant Coach for Notre Dame College Boys 2021-present
• Croatia Cleveland Juniors 2021-present

Why did you choose to coach?

“To help boys believe in themselves, and to honor my own coaches.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“The uniting of two fierce teams immediately after battle, due to an unimaginable loss. Raleigh NC, 2015. Highlighted the strength, belief, and humility required of fine young men.”

Playing Experience:

• Mentor Soccer Club
• Mentor High School 2006-2010
• Croatia Cleveland Juniors & Croatia Cleveland Majors (16 years)
• Lakeland CC 2010-2012
• Lake Erie College 2012-2014

Coaching Experience:

• Mentor Soccer Club 2014-2018
• Volunteer Assistant Lakeland CC 2016
• Croatia Cleveland Juniors 2018-present
• Assistant Coach for Lake Catholic High School Boys 2017-present

Why did you choose to coach?

“Being able to pass on my knowledge and passion for a game that brought so much joy to my life and great memories to the next generation of players.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“Seeing my players having fun and enjoying to play this amazing game and moving on to the next level of their playing careers.”

Major accomplishments within the club:

“2005 boys team winning GLA Semis in pk’s to advance to GLA final and come back to win 3-2 in the final and make it down to regionals in North Carolina in 2022 and being a game away from making it to Nationals.”

Playing Experience:

• Croatia Cleveland Majors
• Lakeland Community College
• Lake Catholic High School

Coaching Experience:

• Mentor High School Varsity Boys Assistant

Why did you choose to coach?

“I love the sport and I want to give back to the community. I want to give the next generation similar guidance to what I received when I was a player.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“Helping Mentor High School’s team advance further in the playoffs than it has in several years.”

Major accomplishments within the club:

“Winning the Cleveland Indoor Classic.”

Playing Experience:

• 27 years

Coaching Experience:

• 12 years

Why did you choose to coach?

“My coaching is rooted in a love of the game.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“My first day coaching. It’s something I’ll always remember.”

Playing Experience:

• Croatia Cleveland Juniors & Croatia Cleveland Majors 1984-2004
• Eastlake North High School 1989-1992
• Cleveland State University 1993-1997

Coaching Experience:

• Assistant Coach for North High School Boys 1999-present
• Croatia Cleveland Juniors 2012-present

Why did you choose to coach?

“To give back to the program that gave me so many great memories and friends.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“So many great memories hard to narrow it down, one that stands out is winning the 2015 Regional Championships.”

Major accomplishments within the club:

“Winning several State Cup championships and 2015 Regional Champions.”

Playing Experience:

• Croatia Cleveland Juniors 1980-1991
• Croatia Cleveland Majors 1991-2001, 2003-2008

Coaching Experience:

• Assistant Coach for Kirtland High School Boys 2015-present
• Croatia Cleveland Juniors 2013-present

Why did you choose to coach?

“Love of the game, giving back to the club and a desire to help players improve.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“Playing at Regionals with three teams from the club. Many memories coaching, supporting the two other teams and spending time with all the families/players.”

Major accomplishments within the club:

“It’s an absolute pleasure seeing players play at the collegiate level and hear positive feedback from alumni.”

Playing Experience:

• Croatia Cleveland Juniors & Croatia Cleveland Majors (9 years)

Coaching Experience:

• Croatia Cleveland Soccer Club 2017-present
• Head Coach for Mayfield Girls Soccer 2022 – Present
• Assistant Coach for Kirtland Girls Soccer 2019 – 2021
• Assistant Coach for Lake Catholic Girls Soccer 2017 – 2018

Why did you choose to coach?

“Croatia Cleveland is the only club I have ever known. Through this club, I discovered a love for the game and the life lessons it teaches. I strive to share this passion through my coaching.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“As a coach, all of my favorite memories are centered around the times when players achieve more than they ever thought they could. Specifically, being part of a State Championship victory with the Kirtland High School girls in 2020, and all the hard work, grit, and determination it took to get there.”

Major accomplishments within the club:

“Winning the Ohio State Cup with the 2006 Girls in the spring of 2023 was a phenomenal experience. Additionally, for me, nothing beats the feeling of seeing a player sign to play at the next level in college. It is a major culmination of years of dedication and makes me proud to play a small part in that journey.”

Playing Experience:

• Croatia Cleveland 2004-2010
• CSA Impact 2011-2016
• Internationals SC 2016-2019
• Miami University Club Soccer 2019-2023

Coaching Experience:

• Croatia Cleveland Soccer Club
• Kicks for Kids
• Girls Staff Coach
• Miami University Club Soccer

Why did you choose to coach?

“I decided to coach because I want players to find the same love for the game I found. I want to be able to help develop players and see them succeed. Croatia Cleveland has been a part of my life since day one – I love being able to coach at the club that has given me so much.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“My favorite memory is helping host the 1st Annual Croatia Cleveland Alumni Game. Being able to see players from the age of 6 all the way to 60, on the same field, sharing their passion for the game and their appreciation for Croatia Cleveland. It was an awesome experience!”

Major accomplishments within the club:

“Seeing our 2013 girls battle to the final in the Cleveland Indoor Classic. It was an unbelievable effort on their part and I could not be more proud. Since their time with our club, and my own role as a coach, are both just beginning, I look forward to many more accomplishments with this group in the future!”

Playing Experience:

• Club: Croatia Cleveland
• High School: Kirtland High School
• College: Ursuline College

Coaching Experience:

• Two years coaching at West Geauga Soccer Club
• Current coach at West Geauga High School
• Coaching with Croatia Cleveland since fall 2024

Why did you choose to coach?

“I fell in love with playing soccer as a kid, a love that was shared through generations of both sides of my family. When I couldn’t physically play anymore, I wanted to coach and stay involved with the sport.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“2013 girls finishing 1st at Cleveland Indoor Classic!”

Major accomplishments within the club:

“2013 girls Cleveland Indoor Classic 1st place. It’s a great group and I look forward to many more accomplishments!”

Playing Experience:

• I played at Croatia Cleveland starting at age 5 through 8th grade. I also played club at CSA, Cleveland United, and Internationals. I played in high school at Hawken and Division 1 ball at Miami University where I captained the team.

Coaching Experience:

• I have coached voluntarily in high school and college.

Why did you choose to coach?

“This club is where my soccer journey began, where I have great memories with friends, family, and with competition. I want to make sure I give back to this community, and at this age (Kicks for Kids 4-8), create an environment where kids are having fun just playing soccer while learning the game.”

Favorite memory coaching:

“When we worked on shooting and went to scrimmaging…the kids were scoring and screaming, laughing, and celebrating with ‘SIUUUUU.’”

Major accomplishments within the club:

“So far, seeing the kids develop a love for the game at a young age!”

Playing Experience:

• 15 years – Croatia Cleveland, North High School, Ursuline College

Coaching Experience:

• Croatia Cleveland

Why did you choose to coach?

“Coaching soccer is something I have always been interested in doing, especially throughout my soccer career. Through coaching multiple soccer camps during my off seasons to now coaching with Croatia Cleveland, it allows me to witness these kids’ growth and development firsthand. Seeing their progress, being part of their journey, and just witnessing all their joy and excitement they bring to the sessions makes coaching so enjoyable and meaningful to me!”

Favorite memory coaching:

“Just seeing the smiles on these kids’ faces during sessions, enjoying soccer as much as I have enjoyed it my whole life!”

Major accomplishments within the club:

“Not yet but hope to have some in the future continuing to work with these kids!”