Albeit growing up in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Hannah played the entirety of her youth career with formerly known West Virginia United Soccer Club (currently Mountaineer United Soccer Club) under Nikki Goodenow and Graham Peace. She helped lead her team to 9 consecutive WV State Championships, competed for championships regionally, and saw national rankings in the Top 10. Abraham also spent 5 years in the state and regional ODP system, and had a brief stint with the USYNT. 

Abraham went on to play for Nikki Izzo-Brown at West Virginia University, where she won 4 Big 12 Championships and competed in 4 NCAA tournaments, highlighted by an appearance in the National Championship in 2016. 

Hannah has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and a Master’s of Science in Sport Management. Upon obtaining her degrees, Hannah has since been coaching for Empire as well as operating her business, H20 Soccer Training.

Ben began his soccer journey locally, having played both club soccer and high school soccer in Clarksburg. While pursuing a degree in Information Technology, Ben redirected his passion of playing soccer to learning the game. Watching countless hours of professional soccer a week, Ben is continuously seeking opportunities to better himself as a soccer coach. Within the club, Ben will not only be serving as an assistant coach to teams, but also will help to enhance the development of players off the field by providing film-study opportunities. 

Ben currently holds a USSF 11v11 Grassroots Coaching License. 

Ryan Gump is another local soccer product, hailing from Shinnston, WV. Ryan spent his youth playing days in the area, playing for Lincoln High School and NCU Celtic. He then went on to play 2 years of college soccer at Alderson Broaddus. 

Ryan just recently completed his 7th season as the Head Coach of Lincoln High School’s girl’s soccer team. Considering his local playing and coaching career, Ryan provides great insight and understanding of the local soccer community from all angles. Because of this, we are very excited to have Ryan on board as we continue to strive to improve the soccer experience in West Virginia.

Ryan Henson is new to the club, but brings with him great passion and enthusiasm to help grow youth soccer in the state. 

Growing up in Elkins, WV and playing for Elkins High School, Ryan was a member of the All-State team in both 2012 and 2013. He then went on to play college soccer at West Virginia Wesleyan, where he helped the team to a MEC championship and NCAA appearance in 2017. 

Ryan has worked previously in the club soccer scene with Mountaineer United Soccer Club since 2020, and also served as a student manager with the WVU Women’s Soccer team during their 2021 season. 

Currently, Ryan is pursuing his Master’s Degree in Sport Management. This Spring, Ryan will be working with teams on both the girl’s and boy’s side.

Nathaniel Jones officially joined the Empire staff in the Fall of 2021 after having spent his playing career in Bridgeport. Nate brings value to the club due to his experiences in the local community as both a player and now a coach, having spent the last 3 seasons with the Bridgeport High School boy’s soccer team. 

Prior to working with BHS, Nate spent 6 months in India coaching for Bangalore City FC where he spent time with players ranging from age 3-50! 

Nate obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree from WVU in Exercise Physiology and is currently putting it to use while working at Bridgeport Physical Therapy. Along with that, Nate also is pursuing another degree at Pierpont Technical College to become a Physical Therapy Assistant. 

Nate currently holds a USSF D Coaching License.

Alex Machin joins the Empire staff after moving to North Central West Virginia from California. As a full-time soccer coach, Machin serves as the assistant for the Men’s Soccer team at Alderson Broaddus. However, in addition to the college level, Alex has a passion for working within youth soccer systems as well.

Having grown up in Colombia, Alex brings a unique experience to the club. In addition to his South American soccer experience, he also has worked all over the country coaching at the Junior College, NAIA, NCAA Division II and semi-professional levels, as well as within many youth systems in those communities. 

This spring, Alex will be working with our U12 girls, our U11 and U12 boys, and our High School boys. 

Tom brings to Empire a long history of both coaching and playing experience, having been involved in the game for 40 years. Tom spent his youth playing days in Western Pennsylvania, and then went on to play college soccer at Wheeling Jesuit and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, where he was a 2 year captain. 

Tom has spent the last 10 years coaching players in the Bridgeport Rec program. As he enters into the club soccer scene, Tom will bring with him not only his knowledge and passion for the game, but also positivity and patience. 

Tom’s primary role as we enter the Spring season will be to assist coaches with teams of all ages. Welcome, Tom!

Courtney White joined the Empire staff in the Fall of 2021. Initially coming to West Virginia from England, Courtney played 3 years of college soccer at Alderson Broaddus University before heading to Arizona to finish his college career at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. 

Courtney has had previous local coaching stints within the club scene, spending time with FC33 and Mountain State Soccer Club. Having been around the soccer scene in the area in the past, Courtney understands the challenges that have been experienced and can provide vital insight on how to best make Empire successful. 

Courtney has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Alderson Broaddus University, as well as a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. He holds an English FA Level 1 coaching license and is also Concussion and First Aid certified. 

Within the club, Courtney will be coaching several teams on both the boys and girls sides.