The Expert Coaches Behind Charlotte Rise FC’s Winning Culture?
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The Expert Coaches Behind Charlotte Rise FC’s Winning Culture?
Behind every confident player stands a coach who believes in their potential. At Charlotte Rise FC, our coaching staff doesn’t just develop soccer athletes; they build character, confidence, and a lifelong love for the game.
Each coach brings professional experience, modern training methods, and a genuine passion for youth development. Together, they’ve created a culture where effort is celebrated, growth is encouraged, and every player is supported to reach their next level, both on and off the field.
1. Building a Player-First Culture
Charlotte Rise FC’s success starts with a shared philosophy: develop the person, and the player will follow. The coaching team focuses on creating a positive, growth-driven environment where every athlete feels valued.
- Coaches emphasize fun and effort before competition.
- Players are encouraged to learn from mistakes, not fear them.
- Sessions blend science-backed soccer drills with real-game applications.
- Mental growth and teamwork are treated as key performance metrics.
- Feedback is consistent, clear, and constructive.
Charlotte Rise FC coaches coach the “whole athlete.” They value progress, not perfection, fostering confident, adaptable players who love the game.
2. Meet the Leadership: Coach Greg Henschel
Coach Greg Henschell, the Director of Coaching, brings over 30 years of professional and collegiate experience. His leadership shapes the academy’s modern, player-centered approach.
- Former NCAA Division I & III coach for both men and women.
- Trained at elite academies, including Chelsea FC and Real Madrid.
- Focuses on player creativity, confidence, and composure.
- Known for saying, “When players enjoy soccer, growth happens naturally.”
Coach Henschel’s experience fuels Rise FC’s vision. His blend of technical precision and player empathy builds a culture where young athletes truly rise.
3. The Backbone of Development: Youth & Academy Coaches
From beginners to advanced players, Charlotte Rise FC’s youth and academy coaches guide every age group with purpose. Coaches like Mike Spangler, Macey Kurtz, and Frank Iacovangelo specialize in shaping foundational skills and soccer IQ.
- Coach Mike Spangler: Encourages confidence and decision-making through game-like training.
- Coach Macey Kurtz: NCAA Division I background; teaches discipline and defensive awareness.
- Coach Frank Iacovangelo: USSF D License holder with 25+ years of experience, emphasizing communication and player growth.
These coaches turn potential into progress. Their teaching blends experience, empathy, and clear instruction, ensuring players grow technically and mentally.
4. Specialist Strength: Goalkeeper and Technical Training
Charlotte Rise FC stands out for having a dedicated goalkeeper and technical staff, including Coach Caitlyn Logan, who leads the goalkeeping program.
- Focuses on confidence, positioning, and fast decision-making.
- Aligns keeper drills with team tactics for total match awareness.
- Trains youth using real-game pressure simulation.
- Promotes leadership and communication on the field.
Rise FC goalkeepers aren’t just shot-stoppers; they’re game-changers. Specialist training ensures balance between technical skill and tactical thinking.
5. Mentorship Through Experience: Coach Pat Fidelia
A former U.S. Men’s National Team player, Coach Fidelia brings rare professional insight to Rise FC’s academy environment.
- Played in top U.S. leagues, including NASL and USL.
- Inspires players with lessons in discipline, humility, and leadership.
- Connects professional experience with youth development.
- Emphasizes ball mastery and mental strength under pressure.
Few clubs offer mentorship from a former national player. Coach Fidelia helps players see how far passion and persistence can take them.
6. Why This Coaching Team Works
Every Charlotte Rise FC soccer coach contributes to a shared mission, helping kids grow through the game, not just in it. Their approach is research-backed and emotionally intelligent.
- Training follows progressive overload principles; small challenges lead to lasting skill retention.
- Sessions prioritize motor learning and decision speed, critical in youth development.
- Communication stays positive to build intrinsic motivation.
- Every coach models professionalism and empathy.
Rise FC’s “winning culture” isn’t about trophies, it’s about transformation. Their system turns effort into excellence, one player at a time.
Conclusion
The coaches at Charlotte Rise FC aren’t just instructors, they’re mentors, scientists, and motivators. Their diverse backgrounds and unified philosophy make Rise FC a place where players don’t just train; they evolve. For parents, that means joining a club built on trust, growth, and genuine love for the game.
FAQs
What makes Charlotte Rise FC coaches different from other youth clubs?
Charlotte Rise FC coaches combine science, mentorship, and proven player development methods. They focus on technical mastery, mindset, and teamwork instead of short-term results. Their approach aligns with positive soccer coaching, which emphasizes encouragement and learning through challenge, helping players grow in confidence while loving the game.
Do Rise FC coaches use specific training systems?
Yes. Each coach follows a structured, age-appropriate training model built on repetition, feedback, and decision-making. Sessions include youth soccer technical drills and game-like challenges that help players improve first touch, awareness, and control. This consistency ensures every athlete progresses steadily from beginner to advanced levels across seasons.
How do coaches motivate players during training?
Rise FC coaches use positive communication and clear goals to inspire young players. Instead of shouting instructions, they model composure and purpose. This mirrors the mindset found in soccer mindful competitiveness, where effort and focus matter as much as outcomes. The result? Players learn discipline, resilience, and joy in every session.
What kind of goalkeeper training does Rise FC offer?
Under specialist guidance, goalkeepers receive one on one sessions that develop reflexes, positioning, and distribution. The curriculum builds confidence and decision-making under pressure. Techniques from youth soccer goalkeeper drills are integrated weekly, ensuring keepers grow alongside field players in tactical understanding and leadership on the pitch.
How do Rise FC coaches develop teamwork?
Our Coaches emphasize communication, trust, and shared accountability. Practices include youth soccer possession drills that teach players to move, support, and think collectively. By linking individual skills with group awareness, athletes learn that teamwork is more than passing, it’s reading the game, anticipating, and helping teammates succeed.
What’s the philosophy behind Rise FC’s player development?
Every Rise FC soccer coach follows a growth-based philosophy: focus on effort, not perfection. They encourage players to experiment, reflect, and repeat, key pillars in youth soccer player development. This method ensures consistent improvement while reducing burnout and keeping soccer fun for every age group.
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