ODP Staff 2024/2025

2024-2025 Idaho ODP Staff

BoysGirls

’08 Boys
Head Coach: Darion Green dariongreen@live.com		BIO: Darion is a young but experienced coach from the Treasure Valley with experience since 2019. He currently coaches the Varsity Boys at Owyhee High School, the 2008 Girls Idaho Storm Team, and has been with Idaho ODP for the past three seasons. Additionally, he runs a private training business. Last season, he led the 2007 boys team to a Far West Regional Championship. Darion holds a U.S. Soccer C License and has guided his Idaho Storm teams to multiple tournament victories. His passion is helping players reach their full potential and achieve the highest level possible. “I am very excited about this upcoming ODP season and working with some of the best players in Idaho!”	
Assistant Coach: Alex Ferreira aferreira3@csi.edu		BIO: Alex Ferreira was hired in August 2023 to launch the first Men’s and Women’s Soccer Programs at the College of Southern Idaho. Previously, he was an assistant coach for the SoCal Reds in the Women’s Premier Soccer League, working with Division 1 and National Team athletes. Ferreira co-founded Sporting Club Madrid, an international project that helps players enter the European game, where he served as Women’s Head Coach and Men’s Associate Head Coach from 2021 to 2023. He also coached professionally with Madrid CFF in Spain’s first division and at the youth level with CD Canillas. As a player, Ferreira competed at Earlham College, earning a degree in business and non-profit management, and played in the United Premier Soccer League, Premier Arena Soccer League, and Spain’s 5th Division.

’09 Boys
Head Coach: Mike Pellicio mike@spokanesc.org		BIO: Mike Pellicio has been with Idaho ODP since 2014 and the West Region staff since 2016. He is the director of coaching for Spokane Shadow, a US Soccer coaching instructor, and holds a USSF “B” License. Mike has also coached at San Diego City College and the University of Idaho. In 2018, he was named NPSL Northwest Conference Coach of the Year. He holds a master’s degree in education and teaches special education in Spokane. “I look forward to seeing players pushed to their maximum potential in the Olympic Development Program. There’s always a new challenge around the corner, and I never tire of that.”	
Assistant Coach: Sam Valencia sam@westernwasurf.com		BIO: This is Coach Sam’s first year with Idaho ODP. He is currently the head coach and director of Enrichment Operations at Western Washington Surf SC and the founder of Pasión Football Academy, serving over 50 top youth players in Seattle. Sam holds a USSF D license and will start the USSF C course in September. “I jumped at the chance to join Idaho ODP. I’m excited to work with such a respected program and experienced coaching staff, and I look forward to helping players achieve their goals and contribute to their success.

’10 Boys	
Head Coach: Michael Kafari kafmic@outlook.com		BIO:	
Assistant Coach: Aleksa Mitrovic aleksa.mitrovic1995@gmail.com		BIO:

’11 Boys
Head Coach: Steve Fredrick sfrederick@idahoyouthsoccer.org		BIO	
Assistant Coach: Cesar Vasquez cnapoles1@hotmail.com		BIO: This is my first season with Idaho ODP since coaching with Rush in 2021. Outside of ODP, I work in IT at a Managed Service Provider and do personal training on the side. I hold a USSF D license and a Grassroots instructor license. “I’m excited to work with players who push themselves to overcome challenges. ODP’s commitment to player development resonates with me, and the chance to work under a respected mentor made this opportunity irresistible.”

’12 Boys
Head Coach: Rich Tobias richardandrewtobias@gmail.com		BIO – Regional/State GK Diploma – National “D” License – NASCC Youth Club Diploma – Over 26 years of club and high school level coaching in the Valley (Boise Blast, Boise Nationals, City FC, Torrent FC, Chicas FC, and currently with Global Sports Academy 2013B – High School Coach at Eagle and Mountain View High (2007, 2014) -Ex-Professional Player	
Assistant Coach: Alex Costa alexcosta@isu.edu		BIO: In my first year with Idaho ODP, I serve as an assistant coach for PVSC U-15 competitive team. I hold a USSF “D” License and a Grassroots instructor license. My focus is on helping players reach their highest potential, both on and off the field, by fostering holistic development and achieving individual and team goals.

’13 Boys 1			
Head Coach: Ian Knighton iknighton@byslsoccer.org		BIO: Ian has been with Idaho ODP since 2022; He is the head coach for the 2011 Boys team at IFFC and holds a USSF “C” license.  “Since I was first involved with soccer in Idaho as a referee, my drive has always been to be a part of bettering the soccer environment across the state. To me, the Idaho Olympic Development Program is a great way to be a part of that.”	
’13 Boys 2			
Head Coach: Richard Henderson dochendrich@gmail.com		BIO: (USSF “C” License, USC “Premier” Diploma, USSF Coaching Educator/ Instructor) has been involved in Idaho ODP since 2017 and currently serves as the Advancement Director for Albion SC of Idaho. He has been coaching since 2007 and has coached at the school, club, and state level. Outside of soccer, Richard has worked in education as a teacher, administrator, and professor for over 20 years with a focus on supporting students with special needs.	
Assistant Coach: Juan Gomez jcgomez9408@gmail.com		BIO: I am currently the head coach for Albion SC and the director of the Mountain Home Juniors program. I’m enrolled in the USSF “D” License course, aiming to expand my knowledge and experience as a coach. My brief experience playing ODP in Nevada showed me the benefits of the program for kids, and I want to offer more to my players by surrounding myself with high quality coaches and players in ODP.

’08 Girls			
Head Coach: Brian Smith bcsmith@collegeofidaho.edu		BIO:	
Assistant Coach: Sydney Smith sydneyhsmith00@gmail.com		BIO: Boise native that graduated from Caldwell high School. Grew up playing for Rush and BTT. Then furthered education and soccer career at Boise State University. Became a Mountain West Champion in 2019, while securing a couple goalkeeper records along the way. Now a current Boise High Assistant coach and avid youth coach.

’09 Girls
Head Coach: Tristen Spooner tristen.spooner@indiechicas.org		BIO:
Assistant Coach: Andrew Zaleski azaleski@csi.edu		BIO: This is my first year with Idaho ODP. I am currently the Associate Head Coach for College of Southern Idaho Men and Women, and have previously served as a campus and goalkeeper director for Florida Celtic in Tampa I hold a USSF C License and a Grassroots Instructor License. I am eager to join Idaho ODP and stay connected with high-level youth soccer and work with motivated players. I look forward to collaborating with top coaches in the state and contributing to Idaho’s soccer success.

’10 Girls
Head Coach: Ali Leonard ali.mosher08@gmail.com		BIO: Ali, Leonard, a USSF “C” License coach, has 10 years of high school coaching experience and has developed players who went on to compete at Division I and II colleges. She players club soccer for over a decade, was a dual-sport varsity athlete, and later played semi-professional soccer for the Portland Rain (now Portland Thorns). “I am thrilled to continue my coaching journey with the Olympic Development Program, helping players grow and develop their love for the game.”
Assistant Coach: Chloe Teets chloeteets@gmail.com		BIO: This is my first year coaching for Idaho ODP, having previously participated as a youth athlete, attending championships and Regional Camps. I’m currently an assistant coach for the 2009G team at Global Sports Academy and pursuing a master’s in Athletic Leadership at Boise State. I hold a degree in Exercise Science and Marketing & Digital Media from The College of Idaho and a SSF “F” license. “When the chance to coach for Idaho ODP came up, I jumped at it. My time as an ODP player was filled with incredible moments, and I’m excited to help future athletes reach their full potential.”

’11 Girls
Head Coach: Nicole Arsenault narsenault@idahoyouthsoccer.org		BIO:
Assistant Coach: Meghan Johnson meghan.johnson@mead354.org		BIO: Meghan is in her second year with Idaho ODP, holding a US Soccer “D” License, a US Soccer Grassroots License, and Master’s in Education. With over 15 years of coaching experience, she currently leads a 2014G team with Spokane Shadow. As a former all- league performer and team captain at Whitworth University, Meghan brings a wealth of experience to her coaching. She emphasizes trust and freedom on the field, encouraging players to solve problems with confidence and preparation. “I’m thrilled to have another opportunity to work with the Idaho ODP staff. I played in the Washington ODP program as a kid, being from Tri-Cities, and I think that the program represents a tremendous pathway for players of all abilities.”

’12 Girls
Head Coach: Jeff Turner waslostandisnowfoundin2016@gmail.com		BIO: -Staff Coach at Boise Timbers Thorns -Over 25 Years Coaching at the Formation Phase Level (Boys and Girls Ages 8-12) -USSF C License -USSF Top Soccer License -United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeper Level 1 License -Currently Enrolled in United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma -Has Diplomas in Game Model Formation, Cognitive Soccer, and Performance Analysis -Led Idaho 2012 Girls ODP to the Far West ODP Championships this past January -On-Air Evening Host at Project 88.7 a Positive Values Station here in Treasure Valley
Assistant Coach:		BIO:

’13 Girls 1
Head Coach: Yana Jenson yana.jenson@albionscidaho.org		BIO: In my first year as Head Coach for Idaho ODP, I am also the Director of Development for U9-U12 at Albion SC Idaho, coaching the 2014G and 2011G teams. I hold USSF and National Youth License “B”, with over 17 years of coaching experience. My background includes coaching roles at Meridian High School, Boise Timbers/Thorns, and playing for Capitals and Boise Nationals. I’m excited to coach the 2013 Girls ODP team, aiming to give back to the Idaho soccer community, nurture player development, and provide inclusive opportunities for all. My goal is to foster excellence and personal growth, leveraging national-level experiences to benefit Idaho players.
Assistant Coach: Afton Burton		BIO:
’13 Girls 2
Head Coach: Afton Burton aftonburton@gmail.com		BIO: I’m excited to start my first year with Idaho ODP. Holding a USSF C license, I currently coach 2013 and 2017 girls teams at IFFC and teach toddler soccer. I studied Exercise Science at Brigham Young University and completed my MBA in 2021. Originally from Portland, OR, I played for Westside Metros and FC Portland, achieving state and regional accolades. My high school career included being a varsity starter and Metro League Champion. I look forward to growing as  a coach with the Idaho ODP, learning from experienced peers, and helping  talented players reach their goals.
Assistant Coach: Yana Jenson		BIO: