Home - Coaching Directors

Cincinnati United - Executive Director

Scott Rodgers
Cincinnati United Soccer Club: Executive Director
Phone: (937) 361-2289
Email: [email protected]

USSF "A" License

Executive Director Cincinnati United (2005-to present)

ODP Region II Coach

Ohio South Boys and Girls ODP Staff Coach since 1993

Head Women's Soccer Coach Wright State University (1997-2004)
League Champions 1998, 1999 and 2000

Dayton District ODP Director (2002-2005)

Men's Assistant Soccer Coach Wright State University (1994-1996)

Ohio South Coaching Education Instructor

Director of Coaching for Soccer Centerville (Now CUSA) (1994-1997)

Former NCAA Division I player
Wright State University (1990-1992)
University of Akron (1988-1990)

Former ODP Region II / National Pool Player

Cincinnati United Premier - Directors of Coaching

Scott Bower Cincinnati United Soccer Club: CUP Senior Boys Director of Coaching Phone: 813-787-8371 Email: [email protected]
	USSF 'A' License FYSA Youth Module USSF Scout National Teams DA Club Evaluator USSF Training Center Staff ODP Region 3 Staff Coach
- FYSA State Staff Coach - University of South Florida (B.S. Business Management) - U23 National Team, USA Clive Charles, John Ellinger, Peter Mellor - San Jose Earthquakes, San Jose CA Via Project-40 / now Generation Adidas Glasgow Rangers MLS Cup Champion - Clemson University / Stetson University All conference / All American / All Tournament ACC Champion #1 Ranking 1998 -Clearwater Chargers James P. McGuire Cup - Under-19 Boys

Bobby Puppione Cincinnati United Soccer Club: CUP Senior Girls Director of Coaching Phone: (205) 239-7288 Cell Email: [email protected]
	USSF 'A' License USYS National Youth License NSCAA Premier Diploma NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma NSCAA High School Coaches Diploma Region II and OSYSA ODP Staff Coach USSF Scout National Teams USSF Training Center Staff US Club id2 Staff NSCAA and OSYSA Coaching Instructor Bachelors '05, Masters '07 in Communication, University of Alabama
Bobby Puppione serves as our CUP Senior Girls Director of Coaching, managing the CUP U14-U18 age groups. He has been a Director of Coaching with the club since January of 2009 and has worked with many boys and girls teams across CU and CUP. He has won multiple USYS National League titles, numerous state cup titles (boys and girls), a Region II Championship, and his U17 Boys CUP Gold team were 2013 USYS National Finalists. Puppione has also coached multiple state players of the year, all-Americans, and players who have participated in various national team camps (US Soccer, US Club id2, National ODP). He also serves as the club's media relations director, co-tournament director, and helps run fundraising and community outreach programs for the club. Prior to moving to the club, Puppione coached for Birmingham United Soccer Association in Alabama, Alabama Youth Soccer ODP, The Altamont School in Birmingham, West Alabama Soccer Association in Tuscaloosa, Holy Spirit Catholic High School in Tuscaloosa, and Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa. His philosophy: "Every player deserves an opportunity to have a positive soccer playing experience. The coach is the main facilitator of this and should provide an environment to help make sure the player receives this chance. I will look to provide the right culture for developing every player. Not only will I teach the players about the game, but I will teach them valuable life lessons that will carry over into their daily lives. These qualities include hard work, commitment, respect, communication, skill, and passion. There is no shortcut to success; successful people do more and this will be encouraged daily. Developing the 4 pillars of the game (technical, tactical, psychological, physical), along with providing a fun, competitive environment will be my primary focus while fostering these important life skills/values."

Chris O'Neal Cincinnati United Soccer Club: CUP Boys Assistant Director of Coaching Phone: (912) 508-8414 Cell Email: [email protected]
	USSF 'A' License Bachelors Degree in Social & Behavioral Sciences
- CUP alum - Former Member: US Youth Soccer Region II Team Member of Ohio South ODP Georgia ODP and Tennessee ODP teams - College: NCAA Division 1 player at UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen UAB ranked in Top 25 all 4 years and as high as #3 in country - Professional Experience: Atlanta Silverbacks - USL HJK Helsinki - Finnish Premier League - Coaching Experience: Georgia ODP Staff Academy Director for Southern Soccer Academy in Georgia Team Adidas Director for Vestavia Hills Soccer Club in Alabama Coached multiple players to be invited to National Training Centers, State Champion teams, and Multiple Region 3 Premier League Teams

Kurt Fischer

Cincinnati United Soccer Club: CUP Girls Assistant Director of Coaching

Phone: 847-707-5878

Email: [email protected]

USSF "B" License
Former FOSC Director of Player and Coach Development
Bachelors Degree '02 in Sports Wellness Management, Trinity International University (Deerfield, IL)

-Professional Experience '01-'13:

Cincinnati Kings-PASL

1790 Cincinnati-PASL

Cincinnati Excite-AISL

Twin City Tornadoes-PDL

-College:

2-time NAIA All-American

All-time leader in assists

4-year varsity starter

Ranked as high as #16th in the country

-Club Experience

- Former member of Illinois ODP and Region II teams

- Coached multiple players on Ohio South and Ohio North ODP State, Region II teams and US National Team

- Current '15 U18 Girls team are all receiving scholarships to play in college, including Florida State and Wake Forest

USSF 'A' License
USYS National Youth License
NSCAA Premier Diploma
NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma
NSCAA High School Coaches Diploma
Region II and OSYSA ODP Staff Coach
USSF Scout National Teams
USSF Training Center Staff
US Club id2 Staff
NSCAA and OSYSA Coaching Instructor
Bachelors '05, Masters '07 in Communication, University of Alabama

USSF 'A' License
USYS National Youth License
NSCAA Premier Diploma
NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma
NSCAA High School Coaches Diploma
Region II and OSYSA ODP Staff Coach
USSF Scout National Teams
USSF Training Center Staff
US Club id2 Staff
NSCAA and OSYSA Coaching Instructor
Bachelors '05, Masters '07 in Communication, University of Alabama

USSF 'A' License
USYS National Youth License
NSCAA Premier Diploma
NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma
NSCAA High School Coaches Diploma
Region II and OSYSA ODP Staff Coach
USSF Scout National Teams
USSF Training Center Staff
US Club id2 Staff
NSCAA and OSYSA Coaching Instructor
Bachelors '05, Masters '07 in Communication, University of Alabama

USSF 'A' License
USYS National Youth License
NSCAA Premier Diploma
NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma
NSCAA High School Coaches Diploma
Region II and OSYSA ODP Staff Coach
USSF Scout National Teams
USSF Training Center Staff
US Club id2 Staff
NSCAA and OSYSA Coaching Instructor
Bachelors '05, Masters '07 in Communication, University of Alabama

USSF 'A' License
USYS National Youth License
NSCAA Premier Diploma
NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma
NSCAA High School Coaches Diploma
Region II and OSYSA ODP Staff Coach
USSF Scout National Teams
USSF Training Center Staff
US Club id2 Staff
NSCAA and OSYSA Coaching Instructor
Bachelors '05, Masters '07 in Communication, University of Alabama

USSF 'A' License
USYS National Youth License
NSCAA Premier Diploma
NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma
NSCAA High School Coaches Diploma
Region II and OSYSA ODP Staff Coach
USSF Scout National Teams
USSF Training Center Staff
US Club id2 Staff
NSCAA and OSYSA Coaching Instructor
Bachelors '05, Masters '07 in Communication, University of Alabama

USSF 'A' License
USYS National Youth License
NSCAA Premier Diploma
NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma
NSCAA High School Coaches Diploma
Region II and OSYSA ODP Staff Coach
USSF Scout National Teams
USSF Training Center Staff
US Club id2 Staff
NSCAA and OSYSA Coaching Instructor
Bachelors '05, Masters '07 in Communication, University of Alabama

USSF 'A' License
USYS National Youth License
NSCAA Premier Diploma
NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma
NSCAA High School Coaches Diploma
Region II and OSYSA ODP Staff Coach
USSF Scout National Teams
USSF Training Center Staff
US Club id2 Staff
NSCAA and OSYSA Coaching Instructor
Bachelors '05, Masters '07 in Communication, University of Alabama

CU Lakota-Monroe - Directors of Coaching

Michael Litvack Cincinnati United - Lakota: Director of Coaching Phone: (847) 507-3165 Email: [email protected]
	USSF "C" License USYS National Youth License Former Youth Coach and DOC in Chicago Area Former College Player at Ohio Wesleyan University Former Professional Indoor Soccer Player NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma
Michael Litvack serves as our CU Lakota Monroe Director of Coaching along with Renee Horton and assistant DOC Paul Rockwood.. Litvack is a native of Chicago where he grew up playing and most recently was a youth club coach and director. As a youth player, Litvack played for Chicago Magin/Soccer, where he won multiple state cup titles and advances to multiple regional championship finals. Following his storied youth career, he played at Ohio Wesleyan University under head coach Jay Martin, the current leader for most wins by any college coach. After OWU, Litvack went overseas to tryout with professional clubs before returning to the United States to begin coaching. When he returned, he still competed by playing for the Chicago Storm professional indoor team along with some semi-pro men's teams. He has a USSF "C" License and also his USYS National Youth License. His coaching background includes staff coaching positions at nationally known clubs Chicago Magic and Eclipse Select Soccer Club. He was also an assistant Boys Director at Eclipse and the Director of Select for FC 1974 in Libertyville, IL. Some of his coaching accomplishments include multiple state cup titles and finalist finishes, two USYS regional finalists, one regional championship, one USYS national finalist, one US Club national finalist, and has coached multiple MRL and National League teams. Litvack is married to Megan Litvack and has two children, Cooper, 4, and Harper, 2. The family has a dog and Litvack considers himself a family man and a soccer junkie.

Paul Rockwood Cincinnati United - Lakota: Assistant Director of Coaching Phone: (513) 515-7622 Email: [email protected]
	USSF A License USSF National Youth License Football Association of Ireland (F.A. I). Audited Full Badge Coaching course due to knee injury Bachelor of Education Degree from Akron University Masters of Education Degree from Northern Kentucky University Former Head Region II Olympic Development Coach (in charge of Soccer Development in 12 states) Current Staff Region II Coach OSYSA Educational Series Clinician adidas Soccer Advisory Board Columbus Crew Advisory Board Two week study of Austria Memphis F.C. Youth System Assistant Coach "A" League Cincinnati Riverhawks Videographer for the Columbus Crew Started the Soccer Program at Northern Kentucky University Started the Soccer Program at Oak Hills High School The first Ohio South Youth State Coach- establishing the first coaching license program in Ohio South Former Professional Soccer player for the American Soccer League Champion Cincinnati Comets Former Four Year starter and Captain (Akron University) Voted Top 100 Soccer Educators and honored by Major League Soccer
Paul serves as the Assistant Director -Lakota. His focus is with the 8-9-10 boys age groups. He is also the Head Coach of the U16 Gold team. Paul came to Cincinnati where he founded the Oak Hills High School program. During that time, he played professionally for the Cincinnati Comets. Paul was the first Ohio South Youth State Coach where he established the first coaching license program. Leaving the summer before Oak Hills made the Ohio High School State Finals, He started the soccer program at Northern Kentucky University. He earned many Coach of the year honors, including NSCAA Midwest Region Coach of the Year. Paul then got heavily involved in the Olympic Development Program where he became the Head Mid-West Regional Coach. He was in charge of Soccer development in the 12 Midwest states. This was the time in American Soccer History where soccer started to become organized. Paul initiated the first Regional team trip overseas to England to play other clubs and gain a wealth of experiences for the players. Many players Paul has worked with helped form the backbone of the National team successes in the 1990's and 2000's. Some of these players are now coaching in the National Team youth program, Directors of Coaching in the Club system, assistant coaches in college, and assistants in MLS as well as playing in the MLS. One former player is the President of a MLS Club. Paul has traveled extensively seeking out training sessions to observe and youth systems to study. He brings a world of experience to his training sessions as well as enthusiasm to match this knowledge.

Renee Horton

Cincinnati United Lakota-Monroe: Assistant Director of Coaching

Phone: (813) 476-2563

Email: [email protected]

USSF "C” License
USYS National Youth License
FYSA ODP Staff Coach
Former Assistant Coach University of South Florida
Former W-league player
Former College Player at University of South Florida
Bachelors ’00 in Communication, University of South Florida

Renee serves as an assistant Director of Coaching for the Cincinnati United Lakota Monroe. Renee grew up playing in Florida and began her coaching career there. She played Division I at the University of South Florida as she earned her Bachelors of Arts in Communication. She also played semi-pro in the W-league.

Renee has a USSF “C” License and also has her USYS National Youth License. She has coached at the University of South Florida, is part of the Florida ODP staff and has been on Region III staff. She has also coached at various clubs, most recently at Florida Rush.

CU Southeast - Directors of Coaching

Brian Berning Cincinnati United - Southeast: Director of Coaching Phone: (513) 391-7804 Email:[email protected]
	USSF National "Y" License NSCAA Goalkeeping Diploma OSYSA ODP Staff Coach
Brian holds multiple USSF Licenses including the USSF National "Y" License. Over the course of his 20+ years of coaching experience he was a League & District Coach of the Year while coaching high school soccer, and also served as a Youth Academy Director with a different organization. Brian is an OSYSA ODP Staff Coach.

Jon Pickup
Cincinnati United - Southeast: Director of Coaching Girls U8-U12
Phone: (513) 470-0068
Email: [email protected]

NSCAA Master Coach Diploma
NSCAA Premier Diploma
USSF A License
USSF National Youth License
Former Director of Coaching Kings Soccer Academy
Former Professional Player - U16 England Squad, Blackburn Rovers, Carrick Rangers, Chester City, Wigan Athletic to name a few.

Alan Grothaus Cincinnati United - Southeast: Director of Coaching Boys U8-U12 Phone: (513) 703-7464 Email: [email protected]
	USSF License Former Professional Player Former Collegiate Player
Alan is a former professional and college player. Prior to joining Cincinnati United, Alan was the Director of Coaching for MTSC (merged into CSA) and had a similar leadership role with CSA. Alan is also an educator who holds a Master of Education. is USSF licensed, and has won numerous high school coaching awards in his 30+ years of coaching experience.

Andre Sharpe Cincinnati United - Southeast: Director of Coaching Boys & Girls U13-U18 Phone: (513) 886-5318 Email: [email protected]
	USSF License Former Member - Jamaican Youth National Team Former Collegiate Player - University of Cincinnati
Andre was widely regarded in his short time with our organization as being a special talent with the kids. Andre is a former Jamaican Youth National Team Player, and a former college player with the University of Cincinnati. Andre was also a member of our CUP staff.

Jack Hermans Cincinnati United - Southeast: Director of Technical Training Phone: (513) 205-9621 Email: [email protected]
	USSF "A" License and Dutch Full Badge Ohio Soccer Hall of Fame Former Men's Head Coach - Xavier University Former Professional Player
Jack Hermans is the former Head Men's Coach at Xavier University, where he was a League Coach of the Year and also earned a position in the Ohio Soccer Hall of Fame. Jack holds a USSF "A" License and Dutch Full Badge. A former professional player now regarded as one of the best trainers in the country. Jack currently operated Soccer Unlimited Camps.

CU Sycamore-Mason - Directors of Coaching


Katie Gaus Cincinnati United - Sycamore-Mason: Director of Coaching Phone: (513) 258-3280 Cell Email: [email protected]
	NSCAA Advanced National Diploma CUP Staff Coach ODP Coach - New York ('02-'04), Pennsylvania ('90-'94) Former player at the University of Dayton Served as Women's Assistant Soccer Coach Bethany College Bachelors of Education - University of Dayton Masters Degree in Child Development - West Virginia University
Katie serves as a Director of Coaching for the Cincinnati United Sycamore Competitive side. Her primary focus is the girls U8 through U18 competitive teams for CU Sycamore Mason. Katie has been playing and coaching for over 25 years and brings a special passion for the game of soccer. She played Division 1 college soccer at the University of Dayton while earning her Bachelors Degree in Education. She coached at Bethany College in West Virginia while earning her Masters Degree in Child Development and Family Studies from West Virginia University. She has coached in several clubs across the Northeast from youth to the ODP level ranging from U-6 to U-18. Katie joined Cincinnati United in 2006 coaching for both CU and CUP teams as well as CU's Juniors program. She holds an NSCAA Advanced National license. She is married with 3 children.


Ryan Burton Cincinnati United - Sycamore-Mason: Director of Coaching Phone: (514) 641-6866 Email: [email protected]

As a player Ryan grew up and played high school soccer here in Cincinnati. He was a 4 year starter at Ohio Wesleyan University and was fortunate to play in 2 national championships and 1 national semi-finals. While at Ohio Wesleyan he received his degree in Psychology. Ryan also has played overseas both in Holland and in Germany and professional indoor here in the U.S. Ryan is USSF licensed and has been coaching competitive soccer for over 20 years at the youth, high school and college levels. While as an assistant coach at Lincoln Memorial University, he earned his Master's Degree in Counseling and Guidance. Ryan is very excited to be a Director of Coaching at the Sycamore/Mason silo and play an important role in the development of the boys and girls at Cincinnati United. Ryan is also a CU parent and has enjoyed being involved in all levels at CU. Ryan has been a staff coach and trainer with Cincinnati United/CUP for 8 years.

Goalkeeping - Directors of Coaching


Jamie Starr Cincinnati United Premier: Director of Goalkeeping Phone: Email:
	- Goalkeeper Coach - Xavier University Men's and Women's Soccer - since 2010 - 1998 graduate and four year letter-winner at the University of South Carolina (USC) - Led USC to three NCAA Tournament Appearances - Former high school, college, and camps coach - Regional GK Director for GK1 Goalkeeping Academy - Trained Chicago Fire MLS Cup MVP Goalkeeper Henry Ring - Master's Degree in Sports Administration

Greg Deutsch Cincinnati United Premier: Director of Goalkeeping U11-U18 Girls
	Cincinnati United is proud to announce the hiring of Greg Deutsch as the Girls Director of Goalkeeping. Mr. Deutsch will oversee all aspects of goalkeeping development for the Girls Premier Program from U11-U18. Mr. Deutsch is one of the area’s most respected goalkeeper coaches, and has been for 20+ years. His playing career began in Cincinnati, where he was a two-time Ohio State Champion at Finneytown High School. He continued his career at the University of Central Florida, was later drafted by the St. Louis Steamers (MISL), and later played against the 1980 and 1984 Olympic teams. Mr. Deutsch began his coaching career with the New England Teamen (NASL) before moving back to Cincinnati. Since he has been home, he has coached with the University of Cincinnati, CUP (since its inception), and his own summer goalkeeper camp. Collectively, he has 25+ years of coaching experience, sending 100+ goalkeepers on to college during that time. Mr. Deutsch holds a USSF ‘C’ License and NSCAA National Diploma.

Bryan Davis Cincinnati United Premier: Director of Goalkeeping Phone: Email:
	- Head Men's Soccer Coach - Wright State University - since 2009 - Former Assistant at George Washington University - ODP State and Regional Coach - Former player for University of Cincinnati and University of Wisconsin - 2001 graduate of the University of Wisconsin - NSCAA Premier Diploma - USSF "B" License - USSF and NSCAA Goalkeeping Licenses

Cincinnati United Coaching Directors