Omaha Elite Girls Academy

Elite Girls Academy (EGA) is Nebraska’s premier female soccer club.  EGA was founded with the goal of providing the opportunity for female athletes to train, play, and compete at the very highest skill level, ultimately leading to the award of collegiate scholarships at some of the nation’s top schools.  Our program is designed and tailored for training and mentoring players who have the desire to hone their skills, have fun, yet compete and win at the state and nation’s top levels of competitive soccer.  EGA has highly regarded coaching talent, fully accredited and recognized on the national level.  EGA has the tools to provide a safe, fun, and professional development environment with the high potential of leading to collegiate level play.  

A pool of U11 and U12 Elite Girls Academy players traveled to Overland Park, Kansas this past weekend for the KC Select Midwest Mothers Day Classic.  After three straight wins in group play, the girls won the championship 4-0 to cap an undefeated weekend.

A special congrats to the girls as they are the first team to win a championship for the Elite Girls Academy.

Great job ladies - Elite Girls Academy Staff.

The 2012-2013 Elite Girls Academy coaching assignments U11-U13

U11 Elite Girls Academy Maroon: Taylor Haynes (HC) Kari Kirchoeffer (AC)

U11 Elite Girls Academy White: Chad Gleckler (HC) Jason Boatwright (AC )

U11 Elite Girls Academy Silver: Kyle Merek (HC) (AC TBD)

U12 Elite Girls Academey Maroon: Karley Nelson (HC) Kyle Droege (AC)

U12 Elite Girls Academy White: Angelo Bravo (HC) Molly Thomas (AC)

U12 Elite Girls Academy Silver: Meredith Shuman (HC) (AC TBD)

U13 Elite Girls Academy Maroon: Marcus Kelcher (HC) Makenzie Gillaspie (AC)

U13 Elite Girls Academy Silver: (HC TBD) (AC TBD)

U14 Elite Girls Academy Maroon: Steve Beberniss (HC) Kyle Droege (AC)

U14 Elite Girls Academy White: (HC TBD) (AC TBD)

U15 Elite Girls Academy Maroon: (HC TBD) (AC TBD)

U16 Elite Girls Academy Maroon: Marcus Kelcher (HC) Makenzie Gillaspie (AC)

U17 Elite Girls Academy Maroon: Brad Silvey (HC) Molly Thomas (AC)

U18 Elite Girls Academy Maronn: Marcus Kelcher (HC) Taylor Haynes (AC)

We feel as an organization that you as the consumer need to know in advance which great staff coaches will be overseeing the age group of your daughters. We are committed as an organization to provide you with the best coaching in Nebraska.

Our staff coaches are some of the most accomplished coaches in the Region. Coaches who have proven themselves not only in the state of Nebraska but also on the national stage.  

Our philosophy is simple in the fact that we will only provide the best coaching Nebraska has to offer. This fact will be reflected in the amount of teams we form for the Fall of 2012.

Marcus Kelcher - Elite Girls Academy Technical Director 

Marcus Kelcher - EGA Technical Directors comments on announcement 

Kirk and Patsi Trotter’s comments on Sidni’s commitment

We are so excited with the decision Sidni has made in becoming a MSU Maverick.  We have so many coaches and teammates to thank for providing Sids the avenue in which to play at this level but one thing is for certain, she would not have been able to get there without Booyah, her teammates, the parents, Marcus, Scotty AND Vince.  We would like to especially thank Marcus for his dedication, coaching/training abilities and his soccer knowledge/connections.  Sidni is fortunate enough and blessed to have found the perfect school and coaches that will allow her to follow her dream to play both soccer and basketball. Thank you Marcus, Scotty, Vince, Patty  and the entire Booyah Family! 

Sidni’s comments on committing

Without my coaches and my teammates I never would have developed into the player that I am today. I would like to thank all of my teammates and coaches for believing in me and helping me achieve this goal of becoming a Maverick. A special thanks to Marcus, Vince and Scotty for always supporting me on and off the field. I couldn't have done it without all of you guys. I feel fortunate to be moving onto coaches that have already shown me tremendous support by allowing me to be a two sport athlete. Thank you to the whole Booyah Family! "BOOYAH-KA-SHAH"

Marcus Kelcher’s comments on Sidni’s commitment

Nebraska State Soccer 2012 Team Formation (TRYOUTS) Details

The Elite Girls Academy U8 Extreme girls had a great weekend of soccer and finished the Gretna Kick Start Tournament as U9 Runners Up.  As a way to find more competitive games, Coach Wayne entered the girls in the U9 Division.  

Great job ladies!!

As Nebraska’s premier female soccer club, we approach the management of injuries differently.  We have designed a unique program that reduces the risk of injuries, monitors and tracks injuries, and improves overall performance.  As the only soccer club in the region to adopt this philosophy, the Elite Girls Academy is proud to announce the newest member of our team, EGA Medical Director, David Potach.

Marcus Kelcher's comments on Davids hire

"This hire is not only exciting but also very unique to club soccer.  I believe that David's addition, is further proof that EGA is Nebraska's premier choice for elite level soccer development.  Our commitment to the total development of the athlete, the soccer player and female, is evident in every hire we make.  I look forward to working with David and to the service he will provide our players."

David's comments on joining the Elite Girls Academy 

“As a former collegiate player, as a sports physical therapist and as the parent of soccer-playing children, I know how important it is to develop a program to not only treat injuries when they happen, but to prevent them when possible.  So, I was excited when Marcus approached me to design such a program.  Marcus has developed an excellent club with a unique focus and I look forward to working with him and all the coaches and players in establishing the EGA Sports Medicine Program as the ideal model for the delivery of soccer-specific injury prevention and performance enhancement.”

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to work with Elite Girls Academy. I firmly believe that EGA will immediately establish a fun, competitive, and professional atmosphere in which players will develop and achieve excellence. The newness and excitement of EGA, in addition to the fantastic coaching staff, is an exceptional atmosphere to be a part of.  I look forward to working with the players, parents, coaching staff, and all other community members involved with EGA.”

The Elite Girls Academy is proud to announce the hiring of Taylor Haynes for the 2012-2013 season.  Taylor is one of the premier coaches in the Region and will being working with EGA players beginning this month.

Marcus Kelcher's comments on Taylor's hire

"I am thrilled to have Taylor committed for the next 18 months.  Taylor and I have been working together for the last four years and have accomplished many achievements together on the national level.  Every week we add another great coach to the EGA and it only continues to prove that the Elite Girls Academy will be the most talented female specific coaching staff in the State of Nebraska."

For more information on Taylor, please visit his staff page.

"We are so excited for Caitlin!  After visiting Old Miss we knew it was the perfect fit for her.  We cannot thank the players and coaches of Booyah enough.  Playing for Booyah allowed Caitlin to play with the best players against the best players in the nation.  Thanks to Vince and Scotty for their part in developing Caitlin into a great player.  A special thanks to Marcus for his belief in Caitlin and his commitment to Booyah.  We always knew deep down inside Caitlin was a Rebel.  Go Ole Miss!!!"

Elite Girls Academy Proudly Announces Partnership With Lincoln Spirit Club

Elite Girls Academy and Lincoln Spirit Soccer Club Partner

The Elite Girls Academy and the Lincoln Spirit Soccer Club have approved a partnership for the 2012-2013 season. The partnership will provide both organizations many valuable opportunities for its players and membership body. Elite Girls Academy teams will become a member of Lincoln Spirit Soccer Club and will be carded with US Youth Soccer through Nebraska State Soccer. Elite Girls Academy will remain a member club of US Club Soccer.

Marcus Kelcher - Elite Girls Academy Technical Director

"I am absolutely thrilled about the partnership between the Lincoln Spirit Soccer Club and EGA. I have a great deal of respect for both the YMCA and LSC Staff and believe in the philosophy that they have for the membership. I think the relationship will provide many things for both parties. I am excited about the opportunity for our Elite Girls Academy players to become members of Lincoln Spirit Soccer Club and to be able to be carded through Nebraska State Soccer. This will provided them with the membership necessary to compete in: Nebraska State Cup, USYS Regionals, Midwest Regional League and Nebraska ODP. I look forward to working with Geoff and his staff to provide players in both Omaha and Lincoln an excellent developmental environment and great membership service."

Geoff Weller - Lincoln Spirit Soccer Club

"The Lincoln Spirit Soccer Club (LSC) and Elite Girls Academy (EGA) proudly announce a partnership beginning in the fall of 2012. This partnership will allow LSC to utilize the vast experience of the EGA Staff and provide their top level female players exposure to a rigorous development environment. EGA teams by joining LSC will gain entrance into US Youth Soccer sanctioned events such as: Nebraska State Cup, USYS Regionals, Midwest Regional League, and Nebraska ODP."

More details will be announced to our membership. It is a great partnership and a great future for Elite Girls Academy.

Maddie Elliston who is a member of the Elite Girls Academy U17 Maroon team is taking part in the US U15 National Team Mega Camp in Sun Rise, Florida.  Maddie has been competing the last several days with the top 48 players in the Nation in the 95/96 and 97/98 age groups.

Camp Details (information taken off the US Soccer Website)

U.S. Under-15 Girls’ National Team head coach Damon Nahas and U.S. Soccer Women’s Development Director Jill Ellis have called up 48 players for a mega-camp in Sunrise, Fla., running from Feb. 11-18. The camp is divided into two groups of players. One group of 24 was born mostly in 1996 with a few born in 1995 and represent last year’s U-15 GNT pool, but are players not currently in the mix for this year’s Under-17 Women’s National Team that will be attempting to qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan. The other group of 24 represents this year’s U-15 GNT pool with most players born in 1997 and a few in 1998. This latter group is being trained and prepared for qualifying for the 2014 Under-17 Women’s World Cup. The two squads will scrimmage each other during the week as Nahas and Ellis continue to train and evaluate the top young female players in the country as part of U.S. Soccer’s increasing investment in female player development from the youngest age groups up to the full national team. 

U.S. U-15 Girls’ National Team Roster By Position (95s/96s):
GOALKEEPERS (2): Alexis Bryant (Bethesda SC; Kensington, Md.), Marnie Merritt (Lake Norman Eclipse; Huntersville, N.C.)
DEFENDERS (6): Natalie Calhoun (Sting Dallas; Sachse, Texas), Madeline Elliston (Omaha Elite Girls’ Academy; Omaha Neb.), Sabrina Flores (SDFC Lynx; Livingston, N.J.), Indigo Gibson (So Cal Blues; Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.), Ginny McGowan (Eclipse Select; Lake Forest, Ill.), Dominique Romero (Club Heat; Las Vegas, Nev.)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Jaye Boissiere (MVLA Lightning; Los Altos Hills, Calif.), Betsy Brandon (Colorado Rush; Littleton, Colo.), Katie Cousins (Richmond Kickers; Forest, Va.), Lauren Green (Central Florida Krush; Apopka, Fl.), Mikaela Harvey (Lonestar FC; Liberty Hill, Texas), Annie Kingman (PSV Union FC; Woodside, Calif.), Stacie Moran (Platinum FC; Alta Loma, Calif.), Zoe Pacalin (MVLA Lightning; Portola Valley, Calif.)
FORWARDS (8): Jorian Baucom (Sereno SC; Scottsdale, Ariz.), Megan Buckingham (Michigan Hawks; Novi, Mich.), Imani Dorsey (SAC United Premier; Elkridge, Md.), Jasmine Hart (Dallas Texans; Haltom City, Texas), Kayla McCoy (Eclipse Select; Lincolnwood, Ill.), Ru Mucherera (Central Florida Krush; Oviedo, Fla.), Haley Pounds (Challenge SC; Spring, Texas), Amber Stearns (McLean MPS; San Antonio, Texas)

Liz Bartels of U17 Elite Girls Academy traveled to Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday to compete in the USYSA Interregional ODP Camp for the 97, 96 and 95 age groups.  See information on the event below.

In early February a group of girls from 1997, 1996 and 1995 birth years will take part in a Interregional Developmental Camp in Las Vegas, NV. What is an Interregional Developmental Camp? It is a camp designed to train the players from around the country while allowing them to grow in the interpretation and understanding of the beautiful game. Focusing on problem solving and self reflection. The goal of this camp is for each player to leave with identifiable tools for their "toolbox" to interpret, understand and solve problems in any environment they are in. The camp will be held February 7-12, 2012 at Charlie Kellogg and Joe Zaher Sports Complex.  

Good Luck Liz!!

The Elite Girls Academy is proud to announce the hiring of Kyle Droege as the new EGA Director of Goalkeeping.  Kyle brings a wealth of experience both as a player and coach.  You can find out more information about Kyle on the EGA Staff tab.

Kyle's Comments On Joining The Elite Girls Academy Coaching Staff 

"I am very excited to be a part of the Elite Girls Academy coaching staff.  I feel like EGA has tremendous potential and I am excited to be a part of it.  The opportunity to work with such a great group of players and talented coaching staff was to good to turn down.  I look forward to building a successful goalkeeping player pool, to the future of EGA and Omaha soccer"

Welcome Kyle!!

Coach Karley Nelson joins the EGA coaching staff after completing her first season as the Assistant Coach at Iowa Western Community College. There, she helped the Reivers earn a 14-4 record, finishing 5^th in the nation.  

Coach Nelson is very excited to be part of a strong club that has the same goals and aspirations as she does when coaching a team: provide opportunities for female athletes to train, play, and compete at the very highest skill level, ultimately leading to the award of collegiate scholarships at some of the nation’s top schools. 

The Elite Girls Academy would like to welcome Molly Thomas to the EGA staff. Molly will join the staff after completing her degree at the University of Nebraska.

Molly Thomas graduated from Millard North High School in 2008. She played soccer and started all four years at Millard North and led them to two state championships. She was a three-time first time all-state selection for the Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World Herald, including being named captain for both in 2007 and 2008. She was also awarded Gatorade Player of the Year back to back in 2007 and 2008.

After graduating high school, she received a scholarship to play at the University of Nebraska. She started all four years playing both forward and outside midfield. In her freshman and sophomore year she was honored with both Big 12 All-Newcomer Team and Second Team All-Big 12 in 2008 and 2009. She also competed with both the U.S Under 20 and Under 23 National Teams in 2009 and 2010.

Molly is currently majoring in Child, Youth, and Family Studies and is on track to graduate in August 2012 where she then plans on attending graduate school at UNL. During her four years at UNL she was awarded to All-Big 12 and All-Big 10 Academic Honor Roll in 2009 and 2011 and was named to the Dean’s List this past year.

The Elite Girls Academy would like to welcome MaKenzie Gillaspie to the EGA Staff.  MaKenzie will join us in June after completing her school at UWM.  MaKenzie will be coaching within the Academy and will be an assistant on one of our Cup teams.  Please see MaKenzies bio below.

Makenzie Gillaspie graduated from Elkhorn High School in 2008. She played soccer and lettered and started all four years at Elkhorn.  She was a four-time all-state honoree, including super-state her junior and senior year and also was named to the All-Omaha Area team three times. She played club with Elkhorn Inferno and also participated in ODP.

After graduating high school, she received scholarship to play at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, a Division I school where she started all four years for the women’s soccer team and was named one of the captains junior and senior year.  Makenzie played several positions while having a key role on the defensive end as a center back. The Panthers won the Horizon League conference and made it to the NCAA tournament four straight years while Makenzie was there naming her class the most “winningest” class in school history. She received Horizon League All-tournament team awards, Milwaukee Cup and Minnesota Cup All-tournament team awards, and was named Horizon League second team All-Conference.

Makenzie is currently majoring in Psychology with a certificate in Childhood and Adolescent Studies. She is on track to graduate in May of 2012 where she has plans to attend graduate school to become a School Psychologist. During her four years at UWM she was named to the Dean’s List, NSCAA Scholar All-Region, Horizon League Student-Athlete Academic Honor Roll, and nominated for Academic All-American.

In addition, Makenzie also helped with clinics and camps held through UWM in the Milwaukee area.  She also coached a U12, U10, and U6 team through the Shorewood Soccer Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Jordan Cassalia of U17 Elite Girls Academy Maroon committed today (January 10, 2012) to play soccer at the United States Military Academy at West Point.  

Greg and Patty Cassalia's comments on Jordan's commitment 

"We are thrilled for Jordan.  Jordan's experience with Booyah has enabled
her to compete at the highest levels.  Her teammates and coaches have pushed
her to be the best goalie she can be.  Jordan is blessed to be a part of
this team and to be coached by Marcus Kelcher, Scott Keena, and Vince
Odorisio.  We especially want to thank Marcus for his support in our
recruiting process and creating the competitive environment that has helped
Jordan see what is truly possible.  Soccer has created an opportunity for
Jordan to follow her dream of playing collegiate soccer while getting an
extraordinary education experience.  We are proud of Jordan's commitment to
soccer and to serve our country."

Marcus Kelcher's comments on Jordan's commitment 

"I could not be any happier for Jordan and her family.  Jordan is one of the top keepers in Region II and she had many options to play at the next level.  West Point offered her all that she was looking for from an academic and soccer standpoint.  I look forward to working with Jordan for the next 18 months in preparation for her arrival to New York.

The entire EGA staff would like to say congrats to Jordan and her family on this great accomplishment.