Trip Ellis serves as the Director of Coaching for all FC Richmond programs.Trip was appointed Assistant Director of Coaching in September 2000. There his responsibilities included directing the recreational program, implementing fundraising events for the travel, player development and recreational programs, securing corporate sponsorship, coaching select Magic & Mystx teams, and assisting Dave Amsler in the travel program.
A member of the original ’73 Magic team, Trip played with FC Richmond from 1985 through 1992. His U-17 Magic team won the Virginia State Cup and his U-18 Bethesda Mustang team won the Maryland State Cup. While playing for FC Richmond, Trip was a member of the Virginia State ODP team for five years, the U.S. Region I team for three years, and was an NSCAA All South Team selection in 1990-1992.
Trip attended Philadelphia University on a soccer scholarship from 1992-1995. In his freshman year Philadelphia University won the Philadelphia Soccer 7 Championship, and Trip was selected to the Soccer 7 All-Star Team. As a freshman and sophomore, Trip started every game and was team Co-Captain in 1994.
In 1995 Trip transferred to the University of South Florida on a soccer scholarship for his remaining two seasons of eligibility. During those two years, USF won the Conference USA Championship and was ranked 11th in the country. Trip was a Co-Captain for his junior and senior seasons and was a Conference USA Team selection.
In 1996 Trip began his professional career as a second round draft pick for the Philadelphia Kixx of the NPSL (indoor). From 1997 to 2000, Trip played for the Richmond Kickers (A-League), appearing in over 50 matches. In his second year with the team, the Kickers won the 1998 Atlantic Division Championship. Trip was named to the A-League Team of the Week in both the 1998 and 1999 seasons. In 2000, Trip played for the Raleigh Capital Express (A-League) before joining FC Richmond full-time.
Trip coached for the FC Richmond Metro program in 1992 and for the Magic and Mystx programs from 1996 to the present. From 1997 to 2000 he served as a Team Trainer for the Pocoshock Valley Youth Soccer Club working with boys and girls U-8 through U-18. In the summer of 2000 he organized and directed the "Trip Ellis Pro Soccer School." Trip has worked numerous camps and clinics with Philadelphia University and the University of South Florida, the Richmond Kickers, Philadelphia Kixx and Raleigh Capital Express.
In 2001 Trip earned his USSF National "A" Coaching License and his USSF National "Y" (youth) Coaching License. Trip is married and has two daughters.