Meet the Team

Julie Colangelo - 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!

Kam Mullins - Executive Director

Hey there, future soccer superstars and parents! If there's one thing I excel at, it's organization – think of me as the organizational wizard at Soccer Buddies. While some folks might avoid diving into the details, I thrive on those intricate tasks that keep the gears turning smoothly. When I'm not conjuring up team-building spells, you'll find me hiking trails, high-fiving mountains, and cruising the scenic route with my trusty sidekick – Obie the golden retriever.

Chrysoula - MI Program Director

Hi everyone, my name is Chrysoula! I am the State Director of Soccer Buddies in Michigan! 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!

 

Coach Cam

Hey, my name is Cam! I just graduated from Jenison High School and am starting at GVSU in the fall, where I'll be a part of their Track and Field team. I’ve played soccer since I was little and love working as a coach for Soccer Buddies. I’m excited to teach what I know and love about soccer to each athlete I get to meet!

Coach Aine

Hi, my name is Aine! I am the coach for the Bears at Soccer Buddies. I am studying elementary education at Grand Valley State University. In my free time, I love to read and play with my pets! I have a 3 year old cat named Henry and a 4 year old dog named Milo!

Coach Nina

Hey everybody, my name is Nina and I am so excited to be a part of the Soccer Buddies coaching team. I developed a passion for coaching soccer because I have confidence any player can succeed with a coach who believes in them. I also coach soccer at Jenison Public Schools during the spring season and have a D-License for coaching. My goal is to one day start coaching soccer full-time. I love using my free time to watch soccer games, hang out with my pets, and travel the world. I'm passionate about learning new things and I love when I can pass that knowledge onto my friends, family, and players!

 

Coach Liley

Hi everyone! My name is Liley and I am so happy to be a Soccer Buddies coach! I graduated from Spring Arbor University with a degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and during the week I am an elementary teacher! In my free time you might catch me reading a good book, playing with my families dogs, or relaxing in the sun. I hope to see you on the field soon!

Coach Sarah

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!

Coach Troy

Hi, I'm Troy! When I'm not on the soccer field, I enjoy hiking in nature, playing strategy games with my friends, golfing on sunny days, reading fantasy books, and weightlifting at the gym. I spend most of my days working as a contracted futures trader.  I’ve always loved teaching what I’m passionate about from music to soccer

 

Coach Talasey

Hi, my name is Talasey! I am a highschool student at East Kentwood High School. I’ve played soccer since the 7th grade and it has become something I do for fun! I’ve enjoyed working with kids all my life! Fun fact: I grew up with 8 siblings in one house! I love working with Soccer Buddies students and having fun at the same time!

Coach Carlie

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!

Coach Hope

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!

 

Coach Lauren

Hi, I’m Coach Lauren! I’ve been playing sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball for as long as I can remember, and it’s a huge part of who I am. When I’m not on the field, I love diving into a good book or just spending time outside. Whether I’m hiking, biking, or hanging out in the sun, being in nature is my happy place. I’m all about keeping things fun and active and I can’t wait to bring that to the Soccer Buddies’ fields!

Coach Maddie

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!

Coach Ella

Hi I am Ella! I coach the Bears and Polar Bears 4-6 age group here at Soccer Buddies! I love to help kids learn and have fun while playing soccer! I also play other fun sports like tennis and golf! I love spending time outside during the summer, especially going to the beach. Coaching for Soccer Buddies is so much fun!

 

Coach Makena

Hi everyone, my name is Makena! I am a coach at Soccer Buddies as well as a student at GVSU! I am going into my second year and am studying Education Pk-6! I have played soccer since I was a little girl and played for the East Grand Rapids High Schools team! I love the sport of soccer in general and am excited to teach it to kiddos. In my free time, you can find me at the beach or in the gym! Excited to see you on the field!

Coach Regan

Hey, my name is Regan! I am currently a sophomore at Jenison High School. I have been playing soccer for 3 years now 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!

Vaughn - Site Manager

Hello everyone! My name is Vaughn and I am the site manager for our Schoolcraft location! My siblings and I all grew up playing soccer under the coaching of our dad so I’ve loved the game ever since. Building community is important to me and I’m lucky I get to achieve this by supporting our coaches, while making sure parents and students have everything they need to succeed in our program. Expect to see me coaching occasionally, while off the field you’ll find me book in hand or writing on my computer.

 

Coach Ben

Hello, my name is Ben, and I am the Lead Coach Trainer at the Soccer Buddies location in Schoolcraft! I get to work with our amazing team of coaches, support our Site Manager and do some coaching as well. Soccer is an incredible game and a terrific way to help kids develop mentally, socially and physically!

Buddy the Bear

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 Dick's Sporting Goods Park during Rapids games, 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.

Coach Chris

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!