Head Coaches

 

JOHN BENSON USSF “D” License NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

John enters his fourth year as a coach for the club and has also worked for Challenger Soccer camps in Florida, Kansas, and Illinois.  John is a native of Liverpool, England where he was apart of Liverpool Football Club’s Center of Excellence from ages 11-16.  From there he moved on to semi-professional teams of Runcorn and Prescot.  In 2003 John came to Brescia University on a soccer scholarship.  While at Brescia he was a four year starter and a team captain.  In 2004 and 2005 he led the country in assist; he has National Player of the Week honors, three time All-Conference, two time All-Region, and two time All-American.  He will be graduating from Brescia in May and leaves as the school’s all time leader in assist and points.

CHRIS BOOKER USSF “D” License

Chris is a product of Owensboro where he grew up playing recreation and select soccer.  His talent and ability was recognized when selected as a member of the Kentucky State Olympic Development Team.  He was a four year starter at Owensboro High School and  was named an All-State player in his Junior and Senior years. He was also a four-year starter at Kentucky Wesleyan College.  He has a daughter who plays for United and is committed to improving his players in a positive environment.

KEN CROFT USSF “D” License NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

Ken is in his third year as a member of United’s coaching staff.  With five years of select soccer and five years of high school soccer at Henderson County High School, he continued his playing career at Kentucky Wesleyan College for four years. While in college he was selected as All-Conference his senior year as well as All Southeast Small College. Ken has the desire and ability to teach players more than just soccer. He emphasizes self-confidence, self-esteem, sportsmanship and fun.

CASEY CUNDIFF USSF “E” License NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

Casey is a United alumni who is back for his fourth year as a coach for the club. He was a solid force on the field playing select soccer for ten years with USC and high school soccer at Owensboro High.  His success is hard to match with six state championship experiences - one as a recreational player, one with his high school team and four select State Cup appearances.  He was a member of the Kentucky State Olympic Development Team for three years.  He was named High School Player of the Year and received All-City honors.  He continued his playing career at Bresica University and received All-District and All-Midwest honors.  He also coached six years in the recreational program.

JIM DeMAIO NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

JAMIE DUVALL USSF “D” License

Jamie has coached with Owensboro United for seven years coaching boys and girls and has also served the club as Interim Coaching Director.  During this time he also served as Head Girls coach for Owensboro High School leading the school to regional championships in 2003 & 2004.  Jamie then turned to the Owensboro Middle School program leading them to an undefeated record and the Western Conference Championship.  Currently he serves as Assistant Men and Women’s coach for KWC.  Jamie played his youth soccer and actually was a member of the first select team in Owensboro; he was also a member of the Kentucky ODP team.  After finishing his high school career at Owensboro High School he went to KWC where he was a four time All-Conference member and a member of the All-Mideast team as a senior.

MARK FREER NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma NSCAA Regional Goalkeeping Diploma NSCAA State Goalkeeping Diploma

Mark is currently in his first year with the Owensboro United U-9 Boys team. With over 25 years of involvement in soccer, Mark is quite familiar with the game and looks forward to transferring his knowledge, passion, and success on the pitch to his players and the club. An Owensboro native, Mark played goalkeeper for one season with Kentucky Wesleyan College and then completed his eligiblity at Western Kentucky University.  He was the MVP of the 1989 Corvette Soccer Classic and is still the career Goals Against Average leader at WKU.  He also was named Captain for two seasons.  He played high school soccer for Owensboro High School and established many records as a Red Devil and earned numerous city, district, regional and state awards.  He was the first player from Owensboro to be selected to the Kentucky All State First Team. In more recent years he has become one of the area's most decorated soccer officials and has participated in five KHSAA Final Fours.  He was named the KHSAA Soccer Official of the Year in 2003-2004.

JOHN FUSCO USSF “D” License, Special Topics NSCAA Advanced National Diploma Goalkeeper Level 1 & 2 National Youth License

John played high school soccer at Lone Oak High School in Paducah, Kentucky where he received All-District, All-Region and All-State honors. He played club soccer with Paducah Storm. He went on to play soccer in college at Brescia University where he was a four year starter and earned All-Conference honors for two years and was named team captain. Along with coaching with United for fix years, he was an Assistant Coach for Owensboro High School and is currently serving as Head Women's Coach at Brescia University. He is the recipient of the 2003 Aflac Assistant Coach of the Year (College).

GRAEME JAAP USSF “D” License NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

Graeme has a passion for the game that developed early on as a youth player in Scotland. He was selected two times for Scotland's Amateur U18 Side; won two Scottish Cup medals and one Scottish Amateur League medal as a U18. He has played for various youth clubs including Hibs, Motherwell, Rangers and Hamilton Accies. He plays collegiate soccer at Brescia University where is recently finished fourth in the NAIA for Assists. He was named to the NAIA All American team for three season.  He has been on United's coaching staff for four years.

JEFF STORY-PITTS NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

Jeff enters his third year with Owensboro United, his first as a head coach.  He was assistant coach for the U-16 Boys team for two years before becoming head coach for the U-12 boy’s team.  Jeff has also worked for Near Post Soccer Camp, Circle C Soccer Camp, and the Arsenal Rome Team Soccer Camps.  Before his coaching career Jeff was a member of Brevard College where he earned Academic All-Conference and then transferred to Brescia University to finish his playing career.

JEFF PULLIAM NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

Jeff is in his third year as a part of United's coaching staff but he is no stranger to the game or to the club.  A life-long resident of Owensboro, he was a top player within Owensboro United for ten years.  At Owensboro High School he received All-State, All-Region and All District MVP honors.  He played at Brescia University for two years.  Jeff is excited to be back with United and hopes to be a positive influence on his players

SCOTT PULLIAM USSF “B” License NSCAA National Diploma National Youth License

Scott is a life-long resident of Owensboro. Having grown-up playing select soccer in Owensboro, he possesses a deep commitment to the club and a passion for youth soccer. Scott was a stand-out player at Owensboro High School where he obtained All-State honors for two years; was named Player of the Year twice; and set numerous records, some that still stand today. He played collegiate soccer at Western Kentucky University. His performance on the field is difficult to match and so is his knowledge and coaching ability. Often called a “player’s coach”, he brings with him a unique understanding of the game. Since his college career he has remained active in coaching and training. He has been a youth soccer coach for over fifteen years here in Owensboro and is a staff member of the Kentucky Olympic Development Program. He began his college coaching career at Kentucky Wesleyan College serving as the assistant women’s coach and currently as head men’s coach.  Scott has also served in the capacity of Executive Director of Owensboro United and as club coach for eleven years.

JOEY RYAN USSF “D” License NSCAA National Diploma Goalkeeper 1 & 2

Joey is entering his sixth year as a member of United's coaching staff.  He and his teams have enjoyed many successes including reaching the final fours of the Europsport State Cup.  He is the Junior Varsity coach for the Daviess County High School Lady Panthers and Assistant Girls Varsity Coach.  He has two daughters that play for United.  Joey is currently serving as interim Executive Director of United.  He has a love of the game and a deep commitment to Owensboro United and it's players.

LARRY SIMPSON USSF “D” License NSCAA National Diploma NSCAA Level 1 & 2 Goalkeeping Diploma

Larry has played almost every sport but soccer. But don’t be fooled, he is a true student of the game. He coached the Owensboro High School Junior Varsity girl’s team and served as Assistant Men's and Women's Coach at Brescia University and then Assistant Men's Coach at Kentucky Wesleyan College.  Currently, he is the Head  Women's Coach at Kentucky Wesleyan College. A United coach for seven seasons, he brings contagious enthusiasm and dedication to the game. He has a sincere interest in the development of each of his players both on the field and off. Whether it's spending extra time in the off season to condition players or coaching indoor teams or just following his players high school careers, he is dedicated to his players.

ANDY VARNS English FA Level 1 NSCAA Advance Regional Diploma

Andy a native of Sheffield, England is entering his third season with Owensboro United his second as a head coach.  As a youth he played with the Rochdale Club and for Allrington Stanley where he was Player of the Year.  As a member of the state team at U18 he reached the national semi-finals.  Andy came to Brescia University in 2004 where he has been a two time All-Conference and two time All-Region member.  In 2005 he was honored as the Region XII player of the year and as a 3rd team All-American.  He has become Brescia’s all-time leading scorer in just three years of play.

 

Assistant Coaches

TREVOR BANKS NSCAA Advanced Regional, Goalkeeper Diploma

Trevor enters his first year with Owensboro United as an assistant coach and the club’s goalkeeper coach.  A native of Louisiana, Trevor has worked for Just For Kids Soccer Camp for the past 4 years.  He has experience working with goalkeepers in individual and group situations.  He spent 2005-2006 at Bellevue University and is currently a member of the KWC men’s soccer program.  Before coming to Owensboro he was a 2 year starter for Carencro High School, a member of the Lafayette Cosmos Soccer Club, Louisiana ODP ’85 team, and played for the Lafayette Swampcats of the Professional Development League.  Trevor is excited to be a part of the club and brings high level of energy and passion to his coaching.

JOHNNY CALHOUN USSF "D" License

John was introduced to soccer in the local recreational league and was on the first boy’s soccer team at Owensboro High School. He has sixteen years of coaching experience in youth soccer and has served two years as the junior varsity coach for the boy’s soccer team at Owensboro Catholic High School. For the past two seasons he has served as an assistant coach for the Brescia University women’s soccer program.  He has served as President of the Kenergy recreational program for three years where he saw the number of players double.  Currently, he is the President of Thompson Berry Youth Soccer.  John is also a certified high school referee.

KRISTEN CHINN NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

Kristen is in her first year on the coaching staff of Owensboro United.  Before coming to United she was the head coach for the OCASA Rage U-14 girl’s team.  She has played competitive club soccer for Owensboro United, OCASA Rage, and SOKY.  She had an impressive high school career playing for Ohio County High School where she was a team captain, two time All-District, two time All-Region, 2005 Regional Player of the Year, and a three time member of the All-State team.  She left Ohio County as the all time leading goal scorer.

ANDY DONAHOE NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

Andy is entering his second season coaching with Owensboro United.  An Ireland native he coached with Castle Celtic for the club’s youth and senior teams.  His playing career was at Castle Celtic from 1993-2003 and then moved on to Colaiste Ide from 2002-2003.  He then cam to the United States to play for KWC were he was an All-Conference player and a team captain.

BRIAN EDISON NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

Brian is in his first year of coaching with Owensboro United and has previously coached with the Georgia Football Club.  A native of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Brian played his youth soccer for TYSA, Georgia Futbol Club, and the Atlanta Silver Backs Super Y team.  His high school career was highlighted by a regional championship and a state runner-up.  He has also been a certified referee for six years.  Brian is currently playing for Brescia University.

NORA KARVONEN NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

Nora begins her first year coaching with Owensboro United.  She has previously coached with the KWC summer camps.  After an outstanding high school and club career, Nora currently plays for the KWC women’s soccer program where she earned All-Conference in her first year.

KATY JOSEFCHAK NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

This is Katy’s first season coaching with Owensboro United.  She has previous coaching experience coaching U-12 and U-14 teams with the Lakehead Express in her native city of Thunder Bay, Ontario.  She played six years with the Lakehead Express Representative teams and was a five year member of St. Patrick’s High School team.  Recently she has been a four year starter for the Brescia University women’s program where she served as team captain and was a four All-Conference member.

JOHNNY KINGHORNE NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

This is Johnny’s second season coaching with Owensboro United.  Before coming to the United States he coached for three seasons in his native Ireland.  While in Ireland he started his playing career with Kilnamanagh before moving to Castle Celtic.  With Castle Celtic he won several league titles and two cup championships.  He then moved on to Greenpark where he played two seasons before coming to Owensboro to play for KWC where he currently serves as a team captain.

BRITTANY  PORTER NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

Brittany, known around Owensboro as “BP,” begins her second year of coaching with Owensboro United.  During the 2006 season she was an assistant for the U-12 girl’s team.  She has been involved in youth camps for KWC and Sports Tutor.  Brittany is currently playing for the KWC women’s soccer program after successfully completing a stellar career in Owensboro United and Owensboro High School.  During her high school career she was named to the All-District and All-Region teams and in 2005 was named Regional MVP.

STEFFAN RUDELL NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

ANDREW SELF NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

This is Andrew’s first season coaching with Owensboro United, although he has coached in Owensboro for three years.  He has coached in the Thompson-Berry recreation program, was a head coach for Owensboro Sting, and has worked with Apollo High School.  A native of Owensboro, he played his club soccer for Evansville Flame and Evansville Alliance.  He played his high school soccer at Apollo High School where earned All-District, All-Region, and All-State honors.  Andrew began his college career at Lindsey Wilson College before transferring and finishing his career at Brescia University earning All-Conference his senior season.

DAVID SHAW NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

A native of London, England David enters his first year with Owensboro United.  He has coached with the youth academy of West Ham United as well as school teams in London.  David’s playing career has traveled through some very well known clubs in Europe.  He has played in the youth academies of Chelsea FC and West Ham United FC and also had a stint with the U-18 and U-19 Scottish national teams.  David is currently playing for Brescia University.

McKENZIE STONE NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

McKenzie is entering her first season coaching with Owensboro United.  An Owensboro native McKenzie grew up playing in Owensboro United and attended Apollo High School.  While at Apollo she was a four year starter, earned All-District, and was Team Captain.  McKenzie is currently in her second year with the Brescia University women’s soccer program where during the previous season she earned All-Conference and was the team’s leading scorer.  She also has worked Brescia University Team Camps during the summer.

KWAME WARD USSF "D" License

 

Goal Keeping Coach

 

TREVOR BANKS NSCAA Advanced Regional, Goalkeeper

Trevor enters his first year with Owensboro United as an assistant coach and the club’s goalkeeper coach.  A native of Louisiana, Trevor has worked for Just For Kids Soccer Camp for the past 4 years.  He has experience working with goalkeepers in individual and group situations.  He spent 2005-2006 at Bellevue University and is currently a member of the KWC men’s soccer program.  Before coming to Owensboro he was a 2 year starter for Carencro High School, a member of the Lafayette Cosmos Soccer Club, Louisiana ODP ’85 team, and played for the Lafayette Swampcats of the Professional Development League.  Trevor is excited to be a part of the club and brings high level of energy and passion to his coaching.