JIM BRUNO, Director
Jim has run Montgomery Soccer Academy since 1990, including summer camps and other specialized clinics. He has an NSCAA Premier Coaching Diploma, currently coaches Girls Travel teams for Potomac Soccer Club and has coached at every level, from Kindergarten to High School. He has coached the Good Counsel Women’s Varsity since 1988 and has received many national, state and league honors for his nationally ranked teams 13 of the last 18 years. He is proud of MSA’s exceptional staff and curriculum, and closely monitors all camp activities to ensure that campers are safe, learning and having fun!
STAFF
The Camp is staffed by high school coaches, college and high school players as well as other area professionals. The counselor to 6-11 year old camper ratio is approximately 1 to 6. Slightly higher for older campers. Our high school/college assistants and counselors include many top area players who themselves have been assisting younger players as team assistant coaches, as Player Development clinicians and at camp. Several have even obtained their own coaching licenses. Listed below are some recent staff members, many of whom will be returning this season.
| Luis Campos | Luis’ experience goes back to El Salvador where he played soccer in high school and two years in college. In the US, he played in two of the Washington area local leagues for five years. He coached girls’ soccer at Holton Arms School and is the freshman girls coach and a staff member at Good Counsel. |
| Kevin Layton | Played college soccer at Towson University; 6 years Maryland ODP. NSCAA Advanced and Goalkeeping Diplomas. USSF “B” license and Youth License. former Assistant Women’s varsity coach, Good Counsel , WAGS and NCSL |
| Jesse Balsamo | Jesse holds the NSCAA National Diploma and is a coach for Potomac Soccer Club. Has been assistant for Good Counsel Men’s and Women’s Soccer, and has helped Jim coach the Falcons to WCAC championships the last two years. Currently coach of Boys MD State Champion U13 Potomac Blue. Enthusiasm is Jesse’s middle name! |
| James Bruno | NSCAA License and Goalkeeping Diploma; Played College Soccer at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, has coached classic and WAGS teams for Montgomery Soccer Club; currently MCPS Elementary Counselor |
| Gui Melendez | Coach Guillermo Melendez is a skilled soccer coach with over 19 years of head coaching and training at the travel and high school levels. Currently head coach of BCC Men’s Varsity Soccer and Westland MS, and assistant Potomac Soccer travel coach. In 2017 Gui was named All Met Boys High School Coach of the Year! |
| Fernando Giraldo |
Boys Soccer Coach at Neelsville Middle School. This is Fernando’s 6th year at Montgomery Soccer Academy |
| Lauren Zucconi |
This will be Lauren’s 6th year at MSA. Lauren has been coaching soccer for the last 6 years. Her love for soccer started back at Quince Orchard High School on the varsity team. She teaches for MCPS, and also coaches high school field hockey and high school and club lacrosse,. |
| Nicole Rieland |
Nicole is the Varsity coach at Magruder HS (2016 to present) and coaches for Potomac Soccer Coach (2017 to present). Played at Frostburg State University Is currently teaching at Weller Road ES (2012 to present) taught grades K, 2, and 4 |
| Guido Zucconi |
After playing in goal for over 20 years at the travel, college club and local amateur teams, Guido is now focused on training the next generation of goalkeepers, working with players from young first-timers to the high school varsity level. Most recently, Guido was the goalkeeper coach for the Region 4 State Champion, Walter Johnson High School boys team. He also holds a National E License from US Soccer. |
| Paul Lubao |
Current Club Goalkeeping trainer for Potomac Soccer Club. This is Paul’s 3rd year coaching for Montgomery Soccer Academy |
| Miguel Lopez |
Played in Spain’s 4th Division, US Soccer E License, MSA counselor for eight years. |
| John Hill |
Head Coach, Potomac Soccer Club; USSF National “D” License and Youth License, Coerver Youth Diploma, USC Level 2 Goalkeeping Diploma |
| Maribeth Harrington |
Graduate in Education and member of Women’s Soccer Team at Washington College. Holds the US Soccer E License, has worked as camp counselor at Academy of the Holy Cross, Washington College and now the sixth year at MSA. Currently MCPS Elementary teacher. |
| J.J. King |
Division 1 and Division 3 Collegiate Soccer Player. NCAA Final Four – 2005. |