Avalanche Coaching Philosophy

At Avalanche Soccer Club, we believe the best way for players to learn is simple: let them play.


We create the environment, set the standards, and guide the process—but the game belongs to the players. Real development happens when players are given the freedom to think, decide, and solve problems on their own.

Let Them Play

At Avalanche Soccer Club, we prioritize game-like environments where players are constantly engaged and making decisions.

  • More touches → faster technical development
  • More decisions → stronger soccer IQ
  • More freedom → greater confidence and creativity

Instead of stopping play to give answers, we allow moments to unfold—because that’s where real learning happens.


No “Joystick Coaching”

On game day, we don’t control players from the sidelines or direct every movement.

  • We don’t tell players where to pass every time
  • We don’t solve every problem for them
  • We don’t take the game out of their hands

Why? Because players improve by learning to read the game, not by being told what to do.


The Avalanche Way

We don’t just coach soccer.
We develop players.
We build people.

2026 Fall Avalanche Coaching Staff

Academy 7v7 Teams

Levi Rossi

U9 & U10 Girls Lead Coach


Coaching Experience: DOC Avalanche SC, Head Coach University of Denver Men's & Women's teams, Head Coach USL2 Flatirons FC, Head Coach New Zealand Ole Football Acadamy

Playing Experience: University of New Mexico (Captain)

Mike Catalano

U9 & U10 Boys Lead Coach


Coaching Experience:  USSF C License, Head Coach Avalanche SC

Lindsay Massengale

U9 Girls Team Coach


Coaching Experience: UNC, Clemson, Idaho State, USF, University of Denver, Northeastern University

Playing Experience: Clemson University, Boston Breakers, San Jose Pride

Emily Green

U10 Girls Team Coach


Coaching Experience: Head Coach Avalanche SC

David Hornik

U9 & U10 Boys Team Coach


Coaching Experience: Head Coach Avalanche SC, Soccer Shots

Playing Experience: Ellicott City Soccer Club, Thunder Soccer Club

Competitive 9v9 Teams

Bonnie Young

U11 & U12 Girls Lead Coach


Coaching Experience: US Soccer Girls YNT Talent ID Scout, Head Coach USYS West Region, Head Coach Elevation FC, Head Coach CO Select ODP, Asst Coach Metro State Women's, Girls DOC Boulder FC, Asst Coach & Performance Coach Chicago Red Stars

Playing Experience: Penn State, NY Power, NJ Sky Blue/NJ Wildcats, Chicago Red Stars

Adam Ewig

U11 Boys Lead Coach


Coaching Experience: USSF A License, CO Select ODP & Young Olympians,  Head Coach Avalanche SC

Levi Rossi

U12 Boys Lead Coach


Coaching Experience: DOC Avalanche SC, Head Coach University of Denver Men's & Women's teams, Head Coach USL2 Flatirons FC, Head Coach New Zealand Ole Football Acadamy

Playing Experience: University of New Mexico (Captain)

Sara Tafoya

U11 Girls Team Coach


Coaching Experience: Head Coach Avalanche SC

Kirsten Basset

U12 Girls Team Coach


Coaching Experience: USSF D License, Head Coach Avalanche SC 

Rachael Ruff

U12 Girls Asst. Coach


Coaching Experience: Head Coach Avalanche SC 

Competitive 11v11 Teams