Staff

We are of the firm belief that you must love the game to play the game. If it is not fun, it is not something a child will want to do. In line with this belief we schedule regular open play session or set up street soccer sessions for kids, parents, and coaches alike. It helps us form the bond that makes us a club and gives everyone an opportunity to play just for the love of the game.

We also strongly support our players efforts in the Mississippi ODP and Mississippi Middle and High School programs.

 We do not have a formal office and email is the best manner of contact. Each of our staff coaches and board members check their email regularly.

Vacant - President

 Past President serving until replaced.

Mike McCarthy - Vice President - Youth Division (U-12 and below)

NSCAA Advanced Regional

 Mike played for the Kickers through his youth and has coaches for the last 8 years. Mike is presently coaching our 99 girls.

 
 

Dave Koren - Vice President - Senior Division (U-13 and up)

USSF D 

Soccer at it’s basic is a sport and as such the primary goal should be to have fun. Fun isn’t necessarily winning just to be winning. An individual can have fun by challenging himself or herself to do the best they can do and say to themselves regardless of the outcome of a match, they played as hard as they could and supported their teammates to the best of their ability. It is our job as coaches to give each player the foundation necessary to achieve these goals, while at the same time making it challenging and enjoyable. It does take a commitment on the part of the player to assist with this development, but working together we can reach plateaus the individual thought to be out of reach. It is the job of the coach to help instill a love for the game, and it is a game, and the desire to continually improve. We are there to assist and direct the players in their development and give them the tools to continue to improve throughout their career in soccer and their growth as an individual. We want the player to develop their own style of play, be creative and supportive of their teammates and develop an awareness of the field. It’s that first time a player believes in himself or herself and understands how the game is played that we look for. Once that is achieved, there are no limits to a players understanding and capability on the field and in life.

Justin Hudgins - Recreational VP

USSF E, YL3, USSF Grade 8

 I love soccer because I think it's the most exciting game in the world. I like the fact that anyone can play soccer and become great at it. However I know that the only way to master the game is to spend many years of training. I coach soccer because I believe the players can benefit physically, socially and morally from the game. In other words the game is good for the players, if presented in a positive environment. Specifically I believe that each player has unique characteristics that can contribute to the success of the team. I believe each player has to be responsible for being on time with a ball, water, shin guards, and suitable shoes. Each player has a responsibility to train at his best and treat each player and coach with respect. I also believe that the best way to learn the game is with the ball, not running laps or listening to lectures.

 

 Alex Valesquez - Adult League VP

 NSCAA Advanced Regional

 Alex prepped at Horn Lake High School, played his competitive at GSC Fury and his college ball at CBU.
 

Renee Crites - Secretary

 

Audra Pummill - Treasurer & Uniform Coordinator

Cathy Chandler - Registrar

 

John Pummill - Technical Advisor

 USSF E, D, and Y, NSCAA State, Regional, and National Goalkeeping Diplomas, NSCAA National Diploma

 John started his playing career in the SWSA association which eventually became DCSA. His competitive career began with the Memphis kickers. As a player he played on multiple state championship teams as both a youth and an adult and played as high as the semi-pro level. As a coach he has directed his teams to a state title and has been to the finals with both boys and girls in all three divisions in Mississippi. John was the ODP goalkeeping coach for 8 years and has been a staff coaching instructor since 2000.

We are not coaches. We do not walk around with clipboards and a whistle giving lectures and diagramming plays. We are teachers. Our job is to teach the game at both the mental and physical level. Soccer is the only sport where the result is not pre-determined before play starts. It requires constant communication and decision making between the 11 individuals who make up a side. We can teach skills daily but until the child raises their head, sees the field, and makes decisions based on what they see, utilizing their physical skills, we have not yet made them a complete player. These decisions should be as individual and creative as the player themselves.
 When 11 creative individuals are working together they become the working model of “the beautiful game”, unique as a team as well as individuals.

  Tim Grillo - Staff Coach

 NSCAA Advanced Regional

 Presently the high school boys coach Tim played in the old SWSA which eventually became DCSA. Tim has over 30 years of playing and 10 years of coaching experience.

 
 

 Rubin Correa - Staff Coach

 NSCAA Advanced Regional

 Rubin is a native of Columbia where he grew up playing the game.

 

Whitney Mahoney - Staff Coach

 YL3

 Whitney grew up in the DCSA/Rowdies/AC Desoto program and was a 4 year starter at Southaven and Desoto Central.
 

Davey Cox -  Special Stuff Coordinator

 Uh, yeah, this is like really cool stuff and I will get back to about it soon...