Executive Team
Jess Guitar
Executive Director
jess.guitar@bcunited.com
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Jess joined the club in July 2020 as the Financial Controller and then in 2021 became the Director of Operations and Finance. Her background has also included involvement in both financial investments and higher education.
In 2010 she earned a Master’s degree in Sports Management from Missouri State University. In 2008 she started the first women’s soccer program at Northeast Oklahoma A&M College.
Jess graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Michigan State University where she also played collegiate soccer. Soccer has been a passion of hers since a young age and she is extremely excited to continue to use her background, talents and abilities to help grow a healthy and fun soccer environment for Boulder County United community.
Jess and her husband Joe live in Boulder with their three daughters Isabel, Rheagan and Whitney and dogs Chubb and Moose. She has no musical ability and sadly does not play the Guitar.
Dave Carver
Technical Director
dave.carver@bcunited.com
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A native of Cambridge, England, Coach Dave joined Boulder County United after a successful coaching career in both the club and collegiate levels in Michigan. He was head coach at the highly regarded Michigan Jaguars and in 2013 was named the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association Boys Competitive Coach of the Year for his hard work and dedication to soccer within the state.
At the same time, he was building Schoolcraft College Women’s Soccer into a nationally ranked program within the NJCAA as the head coach, taking the team to back-to-back National Tournament appearances in his first two years at the school.
He arrived in Colorado in 2017 and was named the Women’s Soccer Assistant Coach at NCAA Division II Metropolitan State University of Denver for the 2017 and 2018 seasons, whilst coaching at FC Boulder.
In January, 2020 Dave stepped into the role of Technical Director at FC Boulder. He brings creative training sessions, exceptional knowledge, and a sense of humor to the club environment. He led FC Boulder 03 Boys to a CSA State Championship in 2019.
In 2019 Dave earned his USSF A License. He graduated from the University of Lincoln, England in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Development and Coaching (BSc).
Dave and his wife Melissa live in Lafayette with their golden retriever, Samson.
Administrative Staff
Marelize Schaefer
Director of Operations
m.schaefer@bcunited.com
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Marelize is currently serving BC United as Director of Operations. She has a love of processes & systems and how it can serve the greater goals of an organization. She has worked extensively in non-proft and for-profit business administration and most recently, owned a prepared meal service & catering company called The Table.
After spending nearly 10 years as an Air Force family, Marelize and her husband came back to Colorado in 2014. Her favorite part of being a military spouse was learning how to create deep community connections with people quickly. She deeply believes in the power of cinnamon rolls and breakfast burritos to gain influence and win friends.
Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Marelize lives in Louisville with her husband, Cameron and three kids, Malone, Judah and Wallace. On weekends, you can find her on the soccer sidelines cheering on Judah & Wallace or at music & dance recital with Malone.
Lindsay Hollingsworth
Club Registrar
lindsay.hollingsworth@bcunited.com
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Lindsay played for a developmental academy and high school varsity, but unfortunately her playing career ended prematurely due to a severe knee injury.
After earning her MA in Archaeology in 2012 in Ireland, Lindsay moved back to the States in pursuit of full-time employment, and eventually she landed in Boulder where she was offered the opportunity to pursue her passion for coaching soccer with Boulder County Soccer Club in January 2016. Soccer has always been a source of passion and purpose for her, and this is always evident in the organization, enthusiasm and joy that she brings to training sessions and matches.
Lindsay oversaw the Recreational and Grassroots programs for Boulder County SC from 2019-2021 and she coached primarily girls’ teams, U9-U14, with BCSC from 2016-2021. Lindsay was honored to be named Colorado Soccer Association Girls Developmental Coach of the Year and nominated Colorado Soccer Association Girls Advanced Coach of the Year for her passion, academic approach, values-based leadership and dedication to girls’ youth soccer in the state.
For Lindsay, the sense of being a part of something bigger than yourself and the feeling of team oneness are the aspects of the game of soccer that make it such a powerful experience.
In her free time, Lindsay enjoys coaching with the CO Select Program.
Lindsay holds a USSF C License.
Noemi Lastiri
Community Ambassador
noemi.lastiri@bcunited.com
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Noemi is originally from Mexico City and has served as Community Ambassador for FC Boulder, once the club ventured into actively promoting equal opportunities for the Latino community. Her work within FC Boulder has provided a firm foundation to continue building new and affordable options to all children who have a passion for this sport. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Business-Administration,
Noemi formed a large part of her experience in Customer Service during her 14-year work at Continental GmbH. She gained a wide vision and experience not only making the importation processes of automotive parts but achieving skills for problem solving in a platform of equity and harmony along with the diversity of nationalities as co-workers. Along with her job experience, Noemi gained a broad panorama to understand the passion for futbol around the world as an international language to achieve pleasant experiences that this sport provides.
Noemi has lived in the United States for over a decade and the experience of living with her community in vulnerable situations, has allowed her to experience again the skills of creating empathy and offering customer services in her native Spanish language with a focus mindset of win-win. Currently, Noemi collaborates within the opportunities of equity and inclusion that the city of Boulder seeks to achieve. Since 2017 she has participated in the Latino Parents Advisory Committee within the BVSD school district. Noemi has expressed, “I am passionate about futbol but after being the mother of three girls I found a greater pleasure in bringing children to fill up with adrenaline while playing this sport. I am a migrant who has learned and understood the needs and difficulties of my community and the limitations they face to sustain active participation in sports. I am interested in promoting academic success combined with the physical and emotional well-being of my community. I discovered that futbol is the opportunity for achieving these goals.” Noemi is a compulsive cook and baker, she loves guacamole, salsa and doing outdoor activities with her three daughters, biking and camping are her favorites. Noemi states, “Boulder is my second home and I feel fortunate to be part of BC United and see the merging of strong clubs with bases of inclusion and diversity for all”
Megan Starkey
Admin
megan.starkey@bcunited.com
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Megan was born and raised in Greeley, Colorado. Playing since she was 4, she spent her time playing club soccer for Norco Rush and varsity high school soccer at Greeley West. She also ran cross country and track, qualifying for state in cross country 3 years in a row.
She now is a senior at the University of Colorado Boulder in the Leeds School of Business. She has an emphasis in Marketing with a minor in Creative Technology Design and an Operations and Information Management certificate.
She has been coaching for going on 4 years, joining Boulder County United in the fall of 2021, and now coaches 3 advanced/academy teams with her D License.
Lucas Schmolesky
Elite Platform Coordinator
lucas.schmolesky@bcunited.com
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Born and raised in Wisconsin, Lucas first joined the Boulder soccer community while he was a student at the University of Colorado in 2013. In the years since, he has coached many boys and girls teams throughout the Rec, Juniors, Competitive, and Academy programs for the club. His coaching experience includes 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 teams across all age groups. He currently holds his USSF C License.
Since joining the administrative staff for Boulder County United, Lucas has enjoyed supporting the clubs elite programs, both youth (DPL/EA) and pre-professional (WPSL/USL2). Having both on-field and off-field roles has allowed him to continue to display his passion for both the club and the community.
Lucas currently lives in Denver with his partner, Hannah. Beyond soccer, he enjoys traveling and is an avid CU sports fan.
Zac Lokay
Sports Performance Center Director
zac.lokay@bcunited.com
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Zac is a Boulder native who grew up playing for BC United (then FC Boulder). He played collegiate soccer at the DIII level at the University of Puget Sound where he was a three year captain and two year all conference player. After graduating from college, he travelled to Sweden to pursue a professional career but was forced to return due to injuries.
Zac graduated from the University of Puget Sounds with a BS in exercise science and a neuroscience emphasis. He is certified with the NSCA as a Strength and conditioning specialist and holds a USSF D license. He has coached both boys and girls between his time at FC Boulder and Real Colorado Edge and worked to implement speed and agility training programs within the teams.
He has worked with athletes across all ages to increase both their technical skills, understanding of the game, and decision making on the ball as well as their physical abilities. It is Zac’s knowledge and background in soccer that allows him to prepare players for the physical demands of the sport while keeping sports performance engaging with use of the ball in training.
Soccer Staff
Mark Harrison
U13-U19 Boys Academy Director
mark.harrison@bcunited.com
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Mark currently works with our U13-19 Academy Boys & also oversees our National & Regional Platforms; USL-Academy, The Elite Academy & ECNL-Regional League.
Originally from Glasgow, Scotland – Mark is a huge supporter of the famous Glasgow Celtic. He came across to the United States in 2010 on a Soccer Scholarship, playing at Cumberland University in Nashville, Tennessee. Here, Mark earned his Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees, before moving to Colorado in 2016.
Academic Credentials:
Masters Degree in Sports Management (Cumberland University, 2016)
Bachelor’s Degree in Health & Human Performance (Cumberland University, 2014)
College Athletic/Academic Awards:
All Mid-South Conference / Soccer Team Selection
All Mid-South Conference / Academic Team Selection
Academic Dean’s List Selection
Coaching Credentials:
USSF A-License
United Soccer Coaches: Advanced National Diploma & Goalkeeping Level 1
Scottish Football Association: Youth Badges Levels 1-4
Coaching Director Experience:
Trebol Soccer Club – Director Of Coaching (2016-2018)
FC Boulder – Boys U11-19 Academy Director (2018-2020)
Boulder County United – Boys U13-19 Academy Director (2020-Present)
Mark & his wife Reilly reside in Erie with their wee boxer-staffy mix, Scotia.
Steph Hempen
U13-U19 Girls Academy Director
steph.hempen@bcunited.com
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Stephanie currently works with our U13-19 Academy Girls & also oversees our National & Regional Platforms; USL-Academy, The Developmental Academy & USLW.
Originally from Southern California and has lived in NC, VA and finally ended up in CO in 2001, playing and coaching at every stop. Colorado has been her home for 22 years while raising her 2 children with her husband Bill Hempen.
Academic Credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (University of Colorado, Boulder 1990)
Coaching Credentials:
USSF A-License
United Soccer Coaches: Advanced National Diploma
Personal Training/Strength Coach Certificate
Coaching Experience:
College:
Duke University (1997-2001)
College of William and Mary (1995-1997)
University of California – Irvine (1994-1995)
Youth:
Boulder County United – Boys U13-19 Academy Director (2020-Present)
Boulder County Soccer Club – 2016-2020
FC Boulder – Boys U11-19 Academy Director (2014-2016)
Trebol Soccer Club – Director Of Coaching (2010-2014)
AYSO/Club in CA (1984-1994)
Stephanie and her husband reside in Louisville while their daughter is in Broomfield and their son is at Pacific Lutheran playing Div. III soccer for the Lutes.
TJ Jolly
U13-U19 Competitive Director
TJ.Jolly@bcunited.com
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TJ is originally from Western New York. She attended Allegheny College where she was a Goal Keeper and Graduated with a BS in Biology and Psychology. In 1998, her club coach asked her and a teammate to coach a U14 girls team, thus beginning her coaching career. TJ moved to Colorado in 2002 where she was again asked to coach a CSA adult competitive B team. In 2006, she began coaching the Girls Soccer teams at Denver’s George Washington High School.
In 2008, TJ took a brief break from coaching to pursue her MS in Social Psychology of Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Northern Colorado. After graduating, TJ returned to coaching as the Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. While in Jackson she also served as an Assistant ODP girls soccer coach. In 2011, TJ was named the Head Women’s Soccer coach at Albion College in Michigan where she spent two seasons rebuilding the program.
TJ then returned to Colorado joining the staff at Rocky Mountain Soccer Camp where she designed training and assessment for goalkeepers attending camp throughout the year. Beginning in 2014, TJ spent six seasons coaching the Girls Soccer teams at Denver North High School, assisting a number of players in obtaining collegiate scholarships. After coaching at North, TJ served as the Varsity Boys Soccer Coach and Varsity Girls Goalkeeper Coach at Eagle Ridge Academy for two years.
In fall 2020, TJ began coaching with Boulder County Soccer Club where she coached both boys and girls competitive teams. She also designed and led U12-U14 Fall technical sessions and the Spring U14 Goalkeeper Camp. Since joining Boulder County United, TJ has coached multiple Premier and Academy teams and assisted with year round Technical and Goalkeeper training.
TJ possesses her USC National Diploma, USC Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma, and USSF D License.
Sean Baumann
U9-U12 Boys Academy Director
sean.baumann@bcunited.com
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Originally from Southern Illinois, Sean arrived at Boulder in June 2018 after playing two years of professional soccer abroad in Sweden.
A graduate from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville (SIUE) in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics & Finance. During his time at SIUE, Sean played four years of Division I soccer, leading his team to the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2014.
After graduating, Sean played abroad in Sweden with Nybro IF and then later with Skellefteå FF. Sean returned to the States in November 2017 where he began directing and coaching for Elite FT out of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
Sean joined FC Boulder’s staff in June 2018 after deciding to move out of the midwest and seek new challenges. Before being the U9-U12 Academy Director, Sean was the U9-U10 Juniors Director and Marketing Director at FC Boulder. Outside of FC Boulder, Sean has helped develop and move U23+ players on to the professional level.
In 2021, Sean completed his USSF B license and is planning to begin his USSF A License soon.
Sean lives in Thornton with his wife, Chelsea, and their border collie lab mix, Snickers!
Lawrence Jackson
U9-U12 Girls Academy Director
lawrence.jackson@bcunited.com
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Born in Basingstoke, England, Lawrence moved to Colorado 23 years ago. Having been involved with soccer since the age of 3, he has played for multiple competitive organizations including Colchester United’s Youth Academy, Colorado Rush Soccer Club, Evergreen High School and Fort Lewis College.
Prior to being appointed as Boulder County United’s U9-U14 Boys Assistant Academy Director, Lawrence’s time has been spent primarily in Colorado and most recently as the U11-U14 Girls and Boys Competitive Director at BC United. Prior to this he worked as the U11-U14 Girls and Boys Competitive Director at FC Boulder and the Girls Technical Director at Trebol Soccer Club. On the field, Lawrence is currently a USSF B Licensed Coach and has been coaching competitive soccer for 15 years for multiple competitive organizations within Colorado. He also retains a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with a History Minor from Colorado State University.
As Boulder County United’s U9-12 Assistant Academy Boys and Girls Director, Lawrence’s ability to implement age-appropriate soccer programs for players aged 3 thru 15 using necessary techniques to improve players technical skills and tactical awareness while ensuring a secure nurturing learning environment, will be sure to help lead the club towards its exciting future.
Jeff Frykholm
Director of Education & Positive Youth Development and Foundation Director
jeff.frykholm@bcunited.com
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Jeff returned to BC United in 2021 after two years away from the club, having spent the time in Minnesota coaching for the men’s program at St. Thomas University. Simultaneously, he enrolled in a graduate program in the School of Kinesiology at the University of Minnesota in the area of Sport and Exercise Psychology.
He returns to the club in the role of the Director of Education and Positive Youth Development, bringing his years of experience in coaching and parent education to the club, as well as a focus on creating team climates that not only promote youth development, but also reflect growing understandings of mental health issues facing young people today.
A long-time Boulder resident, Jeff has been heavily involved with soccer throughout Colorado for the past twenty years, having previously served the club in various capacities, coached both boys and girls soccer at Fairview High School, and worked on the coaching staff of Women’s Soccer at Regis University. Jeff earned the USSF A license in 2015, as well as the Premier Diploma from United Soccer Coaches.
A former professor at CU-Boulder, Jeff has particular expertise in teaching and learning, as well as tools and strategies to enhance mental conditioning and psychological skills among both coaches and players. He and his wife Kelli have three children, each of which are proud alumni of BC United.
Tony Mortenson
U9-U12 West (Boulder based) Competitive Director and Facilities Manager
tony.mortenson@bcunited.com
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While Tony’s extended family lives in Northern Minnesota he grew up in a military family and has lived all over the Western United States and spent close to a decade living in Europe where his passion for the game took hold. After returning to the United States he attended Mesa State College where he played two years of club soccer.
In 1998 Tony began his coaching career with the Fort Collins Soccer Club while also coaching the Colorado State Men’s Club Soccer program from 2000-2003. After leaving Fort Collins he spent the following 8 years living in Seattle working for Crossfire Premier and Seattle Public Schools. His time in the Pacific Northwest has left him an ardent Seattle Sounders supporter.
Prior to joining FC Boulder in 2019 he had spent the previous 8 years in Colorado working as the Director of Academies for St. Vrain FC and a Director of Coaching for Arsenal Colorado. During his time in Fort Collins, he earned the 2015 Coach of the Year – Boys Competitive honors, while also leading the ’97 boys to a State Cup Championship. Tony holds a USSF ‘B’ license has been a state instructor for the ‘D’ & ‘E’ Licenses.
Tony currently lives in Firestone with his wife Simone and their two sons Logan and newest family member 6month old Lachlan Harris. Beyond the soccer field Tony enjoys hiking, camping, boating, and generally being outdoors.
Clare Weeks
U9-U12 East County Competitive Director
clare.weeks@bcunited.com
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Originally from Duluth, Georgia, Clare and her family moved in 2016 to Colorado. She played competitive soccer and attended North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega, GA to receive a bachelor’s degree in English Education with a minor in Leadership. Clare’s first job ever was coaching and officiating soccer at a local indoor soccer facility. This job early as a young teen inspired her passion to coach and work to grow the soccer community.
For 12 years as an Army family, Clare taught English and coached in Georgia, Tennessee, Arizona, and Washington state before settling down and calling Colorado ‘home.’ Being an Army family taught Clare how to adapt and learn from any situation and make every moment matter.
Clare joined FC Boulder as a coach in 2018, starting in the Juniors Program and currently coaches within the Academy Program at BC United. Clare holds his U.S. Soccer C License and plans to pursue her B license in 2022. She is passionate and dedicated to coaching her teams and creating a positive environment for growth and development.
Outside of being at the SPC or soccer field, Clare loves to spend time and travel with her husband, Collin, and daughters, Ellen and Abby, and dog, Stryker. At home, she enjoys watching soccer, being outdoors, reading, and the occasional jigsaw puzzle.
James Van Artsdalen
Goalkeeping Director
james.v@bcunited.com
Read James' Bio
Born and raised in Chicago, IL, James joins Boulder Counted United after spending the past seven years working at the club, college, state, and semi-professional level(s) across Illinois. Most recently, James was the Director of Goalkeeping with Lyons Township Soccer Club while also serving as the assistant coach for Elmhurst University Women’s soccer as well as acting as the associate head coach and goalkeeper coach for the Chicago Dutch Lions (WPSL, USL-W, USL-2). James also earned his Master’s Degree in Sport Administration from Northwestern University in 2020.
A goalkeeper by trade, he played collegiately at Lake Forest College before transferring to Wittenberg University to obtain his BA in Sports Management in 2015. Over the course of his collegiate career, he amassed over 40 appearances and was credited with over 250 saves while earning recognition from both the university and conference for his accomplishments. At the conclusion of which, James spent 8 months in San Jose Costa Rica in the Segunda División de Costa Rica, training with Aserrí FC before joining Club Deportivo Barrio Mexico’s development squad before kicking off his transition into coaching.
During his time coaching in Chicagoland, James was the Director of Goalkeeping for ELA SC (’21), Team Chicago (’19-’20), and Lombard Firebirds (’17-’19). He also served on the IL ODP staff for four successful seasons (’17-’20), winning the Puma Cup in 2018 with the ‘08B group. In 2019, he co-founded GK Factory and began organizing private goalkeeper training programs for players seeking to further develop their technical, tactical, physical, and mental capabilities. He also has extensive collegiate coaching experience and has assisted in the athletic and academic achievements of numerous collegiate athletes across every division level over the past five years. Last summer, James was added to the coaching staff for the newly formed WPSL Chicago Dutch Lions. The squad finished 2nd at the conclusion of their 2021 inaugural season behind the Chicago Red Stars which led to James assisting in the expansion and creation of the franchise’s USL-W and USL-2 initiative.
He has earned:
– USSF C
– USC GK Level 3
– USC College Coach Diploma & NCAA Recruiting Certification
– GK Nexus: Eric Steele GK Mentorship Diploma
James is thrilled to kick off his time with BC United and will be relocating the greater Boulder area in the coming weeks.
Kim Ramirez
U9-U19 Recreational Director
kim.ramirez@bcunited.com
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Kim was born and raised in Boulder Colorado. Her dad Arturo Ramirez is from Zacatecas Mexico and her mom Veronica Ramirez is also a Colorado Native. Kim has two sisters, Dre & Mayra and two furry brothers Neo & Koda.
Kim has been playing soccer since she was 6 years old. She played for FC Boulder and was a varsity player at Boulder High School. Kim then received a full academic scholarship to Metropolitan State University of Denver. She graduated May 2021 with a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science and a minor in Nutrition. In 2018 Kim became a soccer coach for FC Boulder and has been coaching ever since!
Kim lives in Longmont with her boyfriend Abe, in their free time you can find them hanging out in their hammocks, off-roading, traveling, watching or playing soccer with their buddies!
Max Poland
Juniors Director
max.poland@bcunited.com
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Born in Fort Collins, Colorado, Max joins BC United excited and eager to learn. Max started coaching in Tübingen, Germany while living there. He started coaching in the US when he joined FC Boulder in 2019 as a competitive coach, as well as supporting his former high school, Poudre High in Fort Collins. He finished his USSF C license this year, and will go on to his B license in 2023. Max looks to bring his passion and knowledge of the game to the club and the teams he works with.
Max spent time playing for FC Storm and Arsenal Colorado in Fort Collins during his teenage years, before moving on to play in the German amateur system for TV Erkheim, Germany.
Max graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 2021 with a bachelors in Sport Administration.
Outside of soccer, Max enjoys travelling abroad, and tasting the different cuisines of the world. His favorite hobby when not on the fields is to watch the Bayern play. Mia San Mia