Club Director:  Travis Goodkind

“You can’t teach passion and experience.”

Coaching Background

  • 25+ years of coaching experience
  • Coached numerous youth teams U6-U16 (boys and girls) at many levels
    (rec, ODP, competitive, academy, camps, etc) in Vermont and Montana
  • Previously certified referee in Vermont and Montana

Coaching Philosophy
I have coached youth soccer for over 25 years including YMCA, FC Missoula, Missoula Strikers, and Missoula United FC. I understand the necessary skill set that developing players need to accelerate personal growth and excel as a team on the field.

We believe in organized and structured training sessions with a defined goal in mind. We focus on team play and positioning, in addition to individual skills. Our players learn how to play out of back and possess the ball at a young age. Even if we don’t have the most skilled players on the field (which we very often do), we always exhibit the best team play on the field. Our teams are always prepared for success and enjoy the results of their hard work.

Playing Background

  • First played soccer at age 5, and have continued playing ever since
  • Competitive, travel soccer from age 9 – attended USYS Eastern Regionals and ODP Region 1 camp numerous times
  • Traveled all over the US, Canada, and England for tournaments and friendlies
  • All-League, All-State, All-New England honors in high school (Burlington HS, Vermont)
    • Twin State Classic – Vermont vs New Hampshire Senior All-Star match
  • 3 year starter in college (Skidmore College, Norwich University)
    • Senior Year: All-Conference selection, conference champs, advanced to the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament and lost to eventual champions St. Lawrence University
  • Founding member of the Vermont Amateur Soccer League (VASL)
    • Team captain on VASL championship team
  • Currently play on adult teams and still travel to tournaments

Personal Background

  • Born and raised in Burlington, VT
  • Played competitive, travel soccer with multiple clubs
  • Played college soccer at Skidmore College and Norwich University (1996-2000)
  • Moved to Montana in 2004 and opened a small business, Backcountry Racks & Skis
  • Family: Julie (wife), Asher, Corinne, Whit
  • Outside of soccer we enjoy skiing, camping, rafting, biking, hiking

Director of Player Development: Gabe Ansah

Gabe has coached for multiple clubs over the past 10+ years and will be coaching the 2013 boys team.

Originally from Ghana, Gabe moved to Missoula in 2004 on a high school exchange program. Gabe has an extensive playing/coaching background in addition to his professional experience as a personal trainer.

Gabe works with current and former Griz athletes, including Taylor Hansen, Rita Lang, and Alexa Coyle. Taylor Hansen is playing professionally with the San Diego Wave FC of the NWSL. Alexa Coyle is playing professionally with Hibernian  FC Scotland. Rita Lang is also playing professionally for Athlone Town AFC in Ireland.

His infectious smile, positive attitude and passion for the game are always on display. Gabe still plays today and is often the best player on the field. When he’s not on the soccer pitch, Gabe enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons.

Parent & Player Relations Coordinator – Vinny Giammona
Director of Coaching – J Landham
Academy Director – Ashley Herndon
Director of Goalkeeping – J Landam
Tournament Camp/Clinic Director –
Registrar – Travis Goodkind
Marketing & Growth – Chris Whitmore
Fundraising & Outreach – John Giuliani