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Maverick Goalkeeper Academy Coaches
Practice - Inspire - Educate
Kris Hall
Chief Executive Officer
Coach Kris Hall currently serves as the Goalkeeper Coach for the Sacramento Republic Academy. Prior to joining Sacramento Republic in 2024, Hall was Head Coach of FC Davis, compiling a 32-13-7 record and leading the club to a first-place finish in the Golden Gate Conference of the NPSL during his first season, highlighted by an 8-1-0 record.
From 2019 to 2021, Hall served as an Assistant Coach with the Oakland Roots. He brings over 20 years of experience coaching across the collegiate, youth, and professional levels, including NCAA Division I and II programs and elite youth academies. Hall has held senior leadership roles such as Executive Director, Director of Coaching, Technical Director, Director of Player Performance, and Head Coach at multiple organizations nationwide. He holds UEFA B and USSF B Licenses and is widely recognized for his advanced, modern approach to player development, goalkeeping education, and tactical periodization.
Hall’s commitment to professional growth has led him to study and collaborate internationally with some of the world’s leading clubs and academies, including FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Ajax, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Valencia, FC Utrecht, Twente, and others across England, Ireland, Wales, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Over the past decade, Hall has worked closely with elite international coaches, most notably Frans Hoek, former goalkeeper coach for Manchester United, the Dutch National Team, and multiple English Premier League clubs. Domestically, he has collaborated with legendary American coaches Steve Sampson and Anson Dorrance, two of the most influential figures in U.S. soccer history.
Hall holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with advanced studies in education and has completed the English FA Master Goalkeeper License along with numerous USSF and United Soccer Coaches certifications. As a former professional / collegiate player and collegiate coach at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, University of the Pacific, San Francisco State University and Cal State East Bay, Hall has coached alongside and competed against many of the nation’s top collegiate programs. He consistently develops goalkeepers who progress to collegiate, professional, and European academy environments.
Robert Sams
Director of Coaching & Operations
Coach Robert Sams brings over 20 years of playing experience and nearly a decade of specialized goalkeeper coaching to his work, combining a deep understanding of the position with proven performance at every level of the game.
As a player, Coach Sams finished his career with standout statistics:
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8th in total saves: 62
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5th in saves per match: 4.77
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2nd in save percentage: .738
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9th in total wins: 3
His playing career spans Collegiately into Professional ranked competition, including time in the NPSL, NISA Nation, UPSL, The League FC, and MASL2. He also boasts 5 years of collegiate experience across NCAA, NAIA, and junior college programs, and has faced professional opponents in NISA, MLS Next Pro, TST, and MASL, giving him a broad perspective on elite-level competition.
As a coach, Sams draws on this extensive experience to develop goalkeepers at every age and skill level. He emphasizes technical mastery, tactical awareness, mental resilience, and game preparation, helping athletes maximize their potential on and off the field. His approach is informed by firsthand experience at the highest levels, ensuring players receive training grounded in both theory and real-world application.
Director of Goalkeeping - Hawaii
Coach Dariana Mihalache brings a wealth of experience and a passion for goalkeeper development to her role as Goalkeeper Director at Maverick Goalkeeper Academy. A standout goalkeeper from Southern Illinois University, Mihalache honed her craft in NCAA Division I women’s soccer, where she played a pivotal role in establishing the Salukis’ women’s program. Known for her quick reflexes, leadership, and technical proficiency, she consistently demonstrated the skills and mindset required to perform at a high level.
Originally from Concord, California, Mihalache developed her foundational skills with Lamorinda Soccer Club and through the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. She excelled in high school, leading her team to notable successes while also earning recognition for her athletic versatility and academic commitment. At SIU, she became a key presence in goal, earning multiple starts, registering impressive save totals, and mentoring teammates as part of the program’s early years.
At Maverick Goalkeeper Academy, Coach Mihalache applies her collegiate experience and professional mindset to coaching goalkeepers of all ages and skill levels. She emphasizes technical skill development, tactical understanding, and mental resilience, helping players build confidence and maximize their potential on and off the field. Her approach is rooted in the belief that goalkeepers can elevate the entire team through leadership and preparation.
With a dedication to both player development and the growth of the goalkeeper community, Dariana Mihalache is committed to shaping the next generation of elite goalkeepers, fostering talent through structured training, individualized coaching, and a passion for the game.
Edwin Rodriguez
Coach Edwin Rodriguez brings a unique perspective to goalkeeper development, combining his experience as a high-level youth and academy goalkeeper with a deep understanding of the modern demands of the position.
Rodriguez developed through Project 51O, the Oakland Roots SC reserve and development program, where he honed his technical skills and tactical awareness while competing at a high youth level.
His talent and dedication earned him an academy contract with the Oakland Roots’ USL Championship team, where he trained with professional athletes and gained firsthand exposure to professional standards and match preparation.
With a strong foundation built from years of training and match experience, Rodriguez now focuses on helping goalkeepers of all ages improve their technique, positioning, decision-making, and mental resilience. His coaching philosophy emphasizes confidence, consistency, and leadership, guiding players to perform at their best in both practice and competition.
Coach Rodriguez’s journey from local youth soccer to professional training provides him with a practical, relatable approach, enabling him to inspire and develop the next generation of elite goalkeepers.
Maleni Morales
Coach Maleni Morales brings extensive playing experience across youth, collegiate, and semi-professional soccer to her role at Maverick Goalkeeper Academy, combining technical expertise with a dedication to developing the next generation of elite goalkeepers.
Morales’ goalkeeper journey began in the Bay Area, where she excelled at Mission San José High School, earning four consecutive All-Mission Valley League honors, Team MVP, and posting 159 saves in 17 matches during her senior year. She went on to compete at Sonoma State University in 2017 and 2018, helping the Seawolves at the NCAA Division II level, before transferring to Cal State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB). At CSUMB, she made 23 appearances, recorded 79 saves, and earned All-Coast Conference honors in 2019.
Following her collegiate career, Morales played for Oakland Soul SC and was listed on Stockton Cargo SC in the USL W League, gaining semi-professional experience and exposure to high-level competition. Most recently, she has taken her career international, signing with Club Pachuca in Mexico ahead of Clausura 2025, joining the ranks of Liga MX Femenil and continuing her development at the professional level.
At Maverick Goalkeeper Academy, Morales focuses on technical mastery, game intelligence, and confidence-building, helping goalkeepers of all ages elevate their performance. Her approachable coaching style, leadership experience, and firsthand knowledge of high-level competition allow her to connect with players, inspire growth, and guide goalkeepers toward reaching their full potential.
Sydney Bakritzes
Sydney Bakritzes is a current collegiate goalkeeper at Chaminade University of Honolulu, with previous Division 1 experience at the University of North Dakota. Originally from Minnesota, Sydney developed her foundational skills at Edina Soccer Club before advancing to Tonka Fusion Elite and starring for Edina High School.
Her extensive playing background has given her a strong technical foundation, competitive mindset, and leadership experience on the field. In addition to soccer, Sydney brings athleticism honed through playing multiple sports throughout her life, which enhances her agility, reaction time, coordination, and overall goalkeeping abilities. She combines these physical attributes with key goalkeeper qualities such as positioning, decision-making, communication, and composure under pressure.
Sydney has coached youth players through her high school and college programs, focusing on technical fundamentals, tactical understanding, and building confidence in goal. Her sessions emphasize individualized instruction, mental toughness, and translating practice into game-ready performance. Dedicated to developing goalkeepers of all ages and skill levels, Sydney combines her high-level playing experience, multi-sport athleticism, and supportive coaching style to help players reach their full potential while fostering a lifelong love of soccer.
Ethan Rego
Coach Ethan Rego is a dedicated goalkeeper from California's Bay Area, with extensive experience across youth, high school, collegiate and semi-professional soccer. Known for his strong technical skills, leadership, and game awareness,
Ethan brings a wealth of knowledge to aspiring goalkeepers of all levels.
Coach Rego developed his foundation in goalkeeping through the Bay Area youth soccer system, competing with top local clubs and honing his skills in competitive environments. He starred at Monte Vista High School, where he recorded a 0.929 goals-against average, 57 saves, and 5 shutouts in a standout senior season.
He continued his soccer journey with the UC Davis Men’s Soccer team, competing in collegiate club leagues and further refining his shot-stopping, positioning, and command of the penalty area. His experience in high-level semi-professional soccer experience with FC Davis' NPSL teams allows him to teach both the physical and mental aspects of the goalkeeper position.
At Maverick Goalkeeper Academy, Coach Rego focuses on technical mastery, tactical understanding, and confidence under pressure, helping players of all ages develop the skills and mindset necessary to excel on the field. His approachable coaching style and firsthand competitive experience make him a trusted mentor for young goalkeepers pursuing their full potential.
Nicky McCune
Coach Nicky McCune is an elite goalkeeper with a distinguished collegiate career at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he emerged as one of the top Division I keepers in the nation. A native of the East Bay in California, Nicky developed his foundation with San Ramon FC in his youth before stepping into the spotlight in NCAA competition.
During his time with the Cal Poly Mustangs, McCune’s accomplishments set new standards in the program’s history. In the 2024 season, he was named Big West Goalkeeper of the Year and earned United Soccer Coaches All-Far West Region first team honors after posting outstanding numbers, including a 0.63 goals-against average, .833 save percentage, and eight shutouts — ranking among the top goalkeepers nationally.
He also was recognized multiple times as the Big West Defensive Player of the Week.McCune’s consistency, leadership, and elite shot-stopping ability helped anchor Cal Poly’s defense through deep conference runs, and he’s continued that performance into the 2025 campaign while maintaining a presence on the Hermann Trophy Watch List — one of only a handful of collegiate goalkeeping candidates for the nation’s top individual award.
At Maverick Goalkeeper Academy, Coach McCune focuses on developing elite technical fundamentals, tactical decision-making, positional awareness, and competitive mindset. He brings firsthand experience competing at the highest levels of collegiate soccer, and uses that insight to help young keepers elevate their game with confidence, resilience, and a professional approach.
Nicholas McCune
Goalkeeper Coach
Coach Nicky McCune is a current DI college goalkeeper who has trained and played with former US Men's National Team and Costa Rican Men's National Team Head Coach Steve Sampson.
Coach Zara Mujica
Head Goalkeeper Coach
Coach Zara joins Maverick Goalkeeper Academy in 2025 and most recently played Division I soccer in Fall of 2024. Coach Zara came to the United States to play collegiate soccer after a successful and bright youth career playing for Cardiff City FC in Wales. Coach Zara has head coaching experience in the youth game and is a passionate, detailed oriented coach who focuses on the technical development of all of her players. She is a team player with a competitive mindset, develops confidence, resilience and leadership with all those she works with.
Eddie Sanchez
Coach Eddie Sanchez brings extensive playing and coaching experience to Maverick Goalkeeper Academy, combining a deep understanding of the goalkeeper position with a passion for developing players at every level.
Sanchez began his journey in his hometown of Stockton, California, guarding the net for Stockton Monarcas before progressing to Ballistic United in Pleasanton, CA, where he competed in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (DA), one of the nation’s most competitive youth programs. He later played for Football Club Davis, gaining valuable experience in high-level club competition.
Transitioning into coaching, Sanchez has dedicated himself to training the next generation of goalkeepers through the Olympic Development Program (ODP) with Maverick Goalkeeper Academy. He emphasizes technical skills, positioning, mental resilience, and game intelligence, helping players develop the confidence and abilities needed to succeed on the field.
With a background that spans elite youth academies, competitive club soccer, and goalkeeper development programs, Coach Sanchez provides players with insight, guidance, and mentorship rooted in firsthand playing experience and a commitment to cultivating talent.
Edgar China
Edgar China is a dedicated goalkeeper whose playing journey spans high school, junior college, and NCAA Division I competition — bringing real‑world experience and leadership to the development of young goalkeepers.
Following high school, China continued his athletic and academic pursuits at Cosumnes River College, where he refined his skills in a competitive collegiate environment. He subsequently earned an opportunity to join the Sacramento State University men’s soccer program, competing for the Sac State Hornets in NCAA Division I play in the Big West Conference.
In addition to his collegiate involvement, China played for Real Galt FC, the semi‑professional club representing his hometown area that competes in the UPSL NorCal Division. Real Galt provides competitive opportunities for local players to grow and showcase their abilities in a community‑driven environment.
Edgar’s background — from youth and high school play in Galt to college soccer with Sac State and involvement with Real Galt — gives him a strong foundation in both the technical and mental aspects of goalkeeping. His firsthand experience at multiple levels of competition allows him to mentor aspiring goalkeepers with insight, resilience, and passion for the game.
Ashley Levi
Ashley Levi is an accomplished goalkeeper whose competitive experience, strong performance metrics, and leadership between the posts make her a respected presence on and off the field. With a journey that has taken her through multiple collegiate programs and standout seasons at Cal State University East Bay, she brings a high level of technical ability and game awareness to every team she represents.
Levi began her collegiate career at Vanguard University (NAIA), where she earned GSAC Defensive Player of the Week honors and recorded multiple shutouts as a key contributor in goal.
Levi continued her career with the Cal State East Bay Pioneers in NCAA Division II, emerging as one of the team’s most reliable goalkeepers. Over multiple seasons in net, she has compiled impressive statistics:
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Posted a 0.80 goals‑against average (GAA) and an .841 save percentage in 2024, anchoring the Pioneer defense.
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Recorded multiple complete 90‑minute shutouts and delivered 11 saves in a 2–1 win versus Chico State
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Earned All‑CCAA Honorable Mention recognition for her contributions in 2024.
Levi’s game is highlighted by her shot‑stopping ability, command of the box, and composure under pressure — traits that have helped her deliver clutch saves and anchor back‑to‑back strong defensive efforts for the Pioneers. She pairs her athletic performance with academic excellence, earning CCAA Academic Honor Roll and D2 ADA Academic Achievement accolades during her tenure.
Off the field, Levi’s leadership and dedication inspire her teammates, and her technical understanding of the goalkeeper position makes her a valuable mentor to aspiring keepers.
Madison Dong
Coach Madison Dong is a talented goalkeeper and emerging coach whose experience at the collegiate level allows her to bring both technical skill and game insight to developing goalkeepers. A product of Modesto Junior College and Cal State University East Bay, Madison has competed at a high level, consistently demonstrating sharp reflexes, commanding presence in the box, and strong leadership from the back.
During her time at CSUEB, Madison started multiple matches, recording a 0.83 goals-against average, a .793 save percentage, and several shutouts against conference opponents, earning recognition for her consistency and composure under pressure. Off the field, she has also excelled academically, achieving CCAA Academic Honor Roll honors.
At Maverick Goalkeeper Academy, Coach Dong focuses on developing core goalkeeping fundamentals, positioning, and decision-making, while mentoring young players in confidence, resilience, and mental preparation. Her firsthand experience as a collegiate goalkeeper allows her to provide practical, performance-driven guidance that helps goalkeepers of all ages reach their full potential.
