VSA is thrilled to announce Isaac Sam as the new Director of Soccer. Isaac will help lead strategic planning, oversee training operations, develop programs, as well as recruiting and mentoring coaches. His leadership will also play a vital role in shaping player development as a Head Staff Coach within our Academy. Isaac brings a wealth of coaching experience at the academy and college level. Most recently, he led multiple teams at Liverpool FC International Academy in Washington, guiding squads to 1st and 2nd place tournament finishes and supporting GA teams to the national stage. He also served as Head Women’s Coach at Whatcom Community College and as an Assistant Coach at the University of South Dakota. Earlier in his career, Isaac held the Head Coach position for the Yankton U19 and U17 boys' teams, leading the U17s to a 2nd place finish at the Norfolk Soccer Tournament. Isaac is also a published research author, with his work appearing in the Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal (2024). His study, “ Factors Influencing Hard Running Distances in NCAA Division I Female Soccer Players ,” explored the relationship between physical performance data and their contribution to high-intensity running in women's soccer. Not only does his research provide coaches with valuable insights into workload management, performance optimization, and injury prevention strategies, but it also gives him a unique edge in applying evidence-based methods to real-world training environments. As a former collegiate and semi-professional player, Isaac understands what it takes to compete and succeed at the next level. He was recognized as a Daktronics NAIA Scholar All-American at Mount Marty University and earned Third Team NJCAA All-American honors at Western Nebraska Community College. Isaac went on to play semi-professionally with Sioux Falls Thunder FC in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and with Bellevue Athletics 2 in the Cascade Premier League (CPL). Isaac's academic accomplishments include dual master’s degrees—in Kinesiology and Sport Management from the University of South Dakota, and in Football Coaching and Sports Direction from Real Madrid Universidad Europea. His education, combined with hands-on experience, equips him with a unique perspective to elevate the club's programs and operations. Please help us welcome Isaac to the VSA family!
HY-VEE BECOMES FIRST-EVER JERSEY SPONSOR FOR VSA
VSA is pleased to announce that Katie Helmlinger has been awarded the US Soccer National C License. This prestigious certification recognizes her dedication to coaching excellence and her commitment to player development. The C License curriculum covers a range of topics, including coaching methodology, player development, and leadership, equipping coaches with the skills to create a positive and effective learning environment. VSA congratulates Katie on this significant achievement!
VSA is proud to announce that Ginger Parson-McGill, our Girls Director of Coaching, has achieved her USSF Coach Educator B License. This prestigious credential equips Ginger with advanced skills to train and develop aspiring coaches, aligning with US Soccer's coaching philosophy. VSA players and coaches will benefit from Ginger's enhanced expertise, contributing to elevated coaching standards and player development within our club. Please help us congratulate Ginger for this tremendous honor!
Vision Soccer Academy and SM Tile Design Announce New Partnership
Vision Soccer Academy and Aloft Hotel Announce New Partnership
Vision Soccer Academy and Next Level Portrait Announce New Partnership
This summer, we're excited to welcome two familiar faces back to VSA in exciting new roles! Kailey Crawford, a Sports Management major with a Coaching minor from Wayne State College in Nebraska, steps into the Player Factory role! Her leadership and experience will allow her to play a vital role in supporting extra programs and assisting coaches. Kailey's ultimate goal is a career in sports advertising or event management, and she's thrilled to combine that passion for sports with coaching at VSA. Rosemary Elliott, a 13-year VSA veteran, joins our Marketing and Social Media team! As a student-athlete at Limestone University majoring in Professional Communications with an Art Minor, Rosemary brings her communication and creative skills to the table. Her future goal is to become a Director of Operations, specifically for a soccer team, making VSA the perfect addition to her resume.
Ben Jones, currently the Director of Marketing and Select Program Administrator for VSA, will now add College Advisor to his list of responsibilities, taking over from DJ McMoil who recently departed for a position with Minnesota United. Jones brings extensive coaching experience at the collegiate level to the role, having spent the past 15 years in college soccer. He served for six seasons as the Assistant Men's and Women's Coach at Upper Iowa University, and most recently held the position of Associate Women's Head Coach at NCAA Division II powerhouse Minnesota State University. During his nine seasons with the Mavericks (2013-2021), Jones played a pivotal role in their success. The team amassed an impressive 147-21-14 record during his time. Additionally, Minnesota State captured four Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) regular-season championships and seven NSIC tournament titles during his tenure. The Mavericks qualified for the NCAA postseason every season he was with the program. He also helped develop talented players, with 51 earning All-NSIC honors and 33 achieving All-American status, including nine CoSIDA Academic All-Americans. “I'm honored to be named the new college advisor for the club! This is an exciting opportunity to support our student-athletes, coaches, and families. I look forward to working with everyone to navigate the college search process and help these talented athletes achieve their academic and athletic goals at the next level” - Ben Jones
Andrew has been with VSA for four years now, taking on the lead role of goalkeeper coach for the club. Growing up in Kansas City, soccer wasn’t just a sport for Andrew, it was passion. For thirteen years, he guarded the goal, he was passionate about the game and was eager to learn more. He developed his skills and played for clubs like Arizona Soccer Club and Sporting KC Academy before attending Drake University. After playing for Drake and graduating from there he took on a new role as a goalkeeper coach for the players for the past four years. For young goalkeepers, he focuses on providing a solid foundation, gradually introducing more game-like situations as they develop. He encourages anyone who wants to play keeper at the academy age to give it a shot.