Coaching philosophy: Mike creates an environment that is both fun and instructive, focusing on developing each player's technical skills and understanding of the game. He works hard to analyze each player's strengths and weaknesses and carefully plans practices to maximize benefits to individual players as well as to the team as a whole. He challenges all the kids to strive to meet their potential, and emphasizes that success is not measured by wins-losses, but by the quality and enjoyment of the game.

Playing experience: Mike played soccer from youth age through college age. His experience level ranges from recreational through international. At the age of 12, while at the Hungarian Olympic training center, he began training as a goalkeeper. He went on to play for his High School, County, and College teams. Upon entering military service, Mike was the starting goalkeeper for the US Marine corps soccer team, and was also the starting goalkeeper for the U. S. All-Service team, and represented the US in the international CISM soccer tournament. After leaving military service Mike joined the Northern Virginia Select Soccer team, ranked the number one amateur team in the country. While a member of that team, Mike played against Team America (the U.S. World Cup team at that time), and was invited to try-out and train with them. Mike was also offered a tryout with the Baltimore Blast, but unfortunately had to retire because of a serious shoulder injury. He continues to play on a casual basis with friends.

Coaching experience: Mike has coached many teams at many different levels (clinic, recreational, select/travel, and high school). He has coached with several different clubs/schools --- Soccer Association of Columbia (SAC), Thunder Soccer Club (TSC), the Laurel B&G Club, Reservoir High School, and St. John's High School. Mike has trained several young goalkeepers, who have achieved high levels of accomplishments at the club, state, and regional levels. Currently Mike is head coach of the Maryland Pride, Thunder Extreme 93 girls, and assistant coach and goalkeeper trainer at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt Maryland. Mike is currently providing individual and group goalkeeper training through his program, Shot Stoppers Academy. Mike holds a National Goalkeeping and an Advanced National Goalkeeping diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).  He also holds a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) "B" license and a USSF National Youth License.  He has been involved with the Maryland State Olympic Development Program (ODP), and is an instructor for the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA) coaching education department. Mike is also a trainer and presents workshops for the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA).