VSA Coaching Staff Achievements

September 6, 2023

We would like to take a moment to recognize the outstanding achievements of our coaching staff, as well as learn more about DJ McMoil, a recent United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 honoree. 


Clemens and Horton earn National C License 


Congratulations to Afton Clemens, Director of Recreational Soccer and Member Services, and Tom Horton, U12 Boys Staff Coach and ADM HS Head Boys Coach, for recently completing their National C License Course. This is a fantastic achievement and we are lucky to have both coaching at VSA!


17 VSA Coaching Staff Members Receive Grassroots License 


Congratulations to the following coaches for recently receiving the Grassroots Coaching License!  The club recently hosted 4 courses - one of each game model - 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11. 


  • Eric Shafer
  • Madison Gremler
  • John Huynh
  • Jared Abodeely
  • Scott Crawford
  • Jamie Pitlick
  • Joy Smith
  • Zachary Corwin
  • Kaydee Cuesta
  • Alex Herrera
  • Carrie Schuler
  • John Simons
  • Andrea Barutta
  • Matt Fischer
  • Apollinaire Kabasele Kayembe
  • Dylan Godwin
  • Rob Kline


Coaching Staff Spotlight: DJ McMoil


Where are you from? Can you tell us about your family?

I grew up in Minnesota and attended college in Chicago. That's where I met my wife Kristen - we've been married for eight years and have a five year old son named Asher who started kindergarten this year. 


What club did you play for growing up? Did you play in college? 

I played for Wright County Soccer under the tutelage of the legendary Steve Doimer. I played goalkeeper for Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. 


How did you get your start in coaching?

I was given my start in coaching by Steve Doimer, who I mentioned above. He helped me get involved with the city recreational program before giving me a U10 boys team at Wright County Soccer. He introduced me to coaching education as well, helping me sign up for my E License back in 2015. 

How long have you been with VSA? What teams and programs do you work with?

This is my second year with VSA. I coach the VSA Rush 2009 and 2010 boys and the U10 boys academy. I also help with Player Factory, the College Advisory Program, and do some work as a liaison to MLS clubs for our top players. 


What club or clubs did you work with before VSA?

Before coming to VSA, I was the Technical Director at Rush Wisconsin West in La Crosse, WI. I had previously worked as a goalkeeping coach for Iowa Rush, along with head coach roles at clubs in Minnesota like Wright County Soccer and Minnesota Thunder Academy. 


What current licenses do you hold?

I'm currently completing my USSF A-Youth License. I also hold the United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma, a UEFA C License, a USSF Coach Educator License, and a Master of Science in Recreation and Sports Science from Ohio University.


What advice do you have for those looking to advance their coaching career?

Be curious and be available. At the beginning of my coaching career, I watched other coaches at work more than I actually coached myself. I was curious about why they chose their activities, how they structured their season, how they made their tactical decisions. The other piece of advice I would offer is to spend time coaching very young players, 5-8 years old. The benefits are impossible to exaggerate - they play the game with joy, they force you to know exactly what you're trying to communicate, they teach patience, they teach you how to teach. It's a lot of fun and it's a very important challenge for coaches of all levels to embrace. 


DJ was also named a 30 Under 30 honoree by United Soccer Coaches. 


The program is a year-long education and mentorship opportunity designed to support up-and-coming members of the coaching profession who are 30 years of age or younger. IT also gives participants exposure to mentorship, and the opportunity to take advantage of educational offerings, such as advanced diplomas and the United Soccer Coaches Convention.


30 under 30 United Soccer Coaches Announcement


You can find DJ on the United Soccer Coaches Podcast at the link below:

Listen Here

Club Highlights: Coaching Staff News

January 29, 2025
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!

Club Highlights: Coaching Staff News

January 28, 2025
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!

New Partnership: SM Tile Design

January 15, 2025
Vision Soccer Academy and SM Tile Design Announce New Partnership

New Partnership: Aloft Hotel Waukee

November 22, 2024
Vision Soccer Academy and Aloft Hotel Announce New Partnership

New Partnership: Next Level Portrait

November 14, 2024
Vision Soccer Academy and Next Level Portrait Announce New Partnership

Club Highlights: New Coaching Staff

June 21, 2024
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.

Club Highlights: College Advisor

June 4, 2024
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

Club Highlights: GK Training Program

May 31, 2024
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.

New Sponsor! Unleashed Pets

May 10, 2024
We are excited to announce a new partnership between VSA and Unleashed Pets!

VSA Named Best Youth Sports Organization

January 12, 2024
We are thrilled to announce that VSA has been named the Best Youth Sports Organization in Waukee by MyWaukee Magazine for 2023! We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition, and we want to thank everyone who voted for us. We were also fortunate enough to be featured on the front cover of the issue, placing us among the top five entries in the overall vote!
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