Coaches & Staff

Coaches

Jeremiah LeRoy

Coach

Jeremiah LeRoy is a seasoned soccer coach with a rich playing background and extensive coaching experience across various levels of competition. Growing up in Central California, one of the most fiercely competitive soccer environments in the U.S., Jeremiah honed his skills playing club soccer on teams such as Firestorm, Cyclone, and the Edison Tigers, while with Cyclone Jeremiah helped lead the team to win the California State Cup.

Taylor Hamblin

Assistant/Goalkeeper Coach

Taylor Hamblin is a standout product of esteemed youth soccer academies including Southern Indiana United, United 96, and Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club, culminating in his U17 tenure. As a goalkeeper for Providence High School, Hamblin showcased exceptional skill and leadership over four years.

Trevor Matthew

Assistant / Statistician Coach

Trevor Matthews is a dedicated member of the Southern Indiana Guardians FC and Mitigator FC coaching staffs. A recent graduate from Asbury University where he played collegiate soccer, he brings a strong academic background and a solid playing history to his roles. During his collegiate soccer career, 

Rens van Oostende

Coaching Advisor

Rens van Oostende embarked on his football career in 1974 at SHO Oud Beijerland, laying a solid foundation in the game’s fundamental skills. His tenure as a player saw him make significant contributions at OSV Oud Beijerland and Feyenoord Rotterdam (non-professional), alongside a period at SC Zuiderpark Rotterdam, before rounding off his on-field career at SHO Oud Beijerland in 2000.

Professional Staff

Teresa Knear Solorzano

Field & Referee Coordinator

Teresa boasts an extensive background, encompassing 24 years as a USSF referee, 22 years of involvement as an IHSAA referee and assignor (14 years serving specifically as an assignor), and 17 years dedicated to the role of USSF assignor across various leagues, including CCSA, SIU, Greater Louisville Men’s League, YMCA, and multiple adult tournaments.

Daro Mott

Director of Strategic Planning & Marketing

Strategist, Consultant, Teacher, Author, Coach, Learner!

Daro Mott’s personal mission statement is to help family, friends, colleagues and organizations achieve their strategy. He is a multi-sector leader who applies the core concepts of Great by Choice, Good to Great and How to Win Friends and Influence People to his every day interactions.

Ken Gary

Official Photographer & Support Staff

Ken Gary is a seasoned IT Network Administrator by day, but his true passion lies in sports—not just participating, but coaching as well. Raised in a family that valued the physical and character-building aspects of sports, Ken has been immersed in athletic pursuits from a young age.

Christa Mitchell

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Christa Mitchell is a cornerstone of her local soccer community, where she has contributed immensely over the past 11 years. Her journey in soccer began with local leagues like the YMCA and has since flourished at Southern Indiana United (SIU), where she has expertly handled team management responsibilities for the past six years.

Ownership Group

Jeremiah & Stefanie LeRoy

Founders / Owners

Jeremiah LeRoy is a multifaceted professional with experience in international insurance adjusting and commercial construction. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University Fresno in 2000 and holds multiple State Insurance Adjuster Licenses and five IICRC certifications.

Brandon LeRoy

Owner

 Brandon LeRoy is an accomplished healthcare practitioner, commencing his career as an EMT and progressing to become a Paramedic, Registered Nurse with a specialization in burn care, and a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA). 

Gary Felix

Owner

Gary Felix MS, PA-C is a highly dedicated healthcare professional with over 15 years of experience in medicine. He began his healthcare journey as a Paramedic in Central California, contributing to the community as a SWAT medic for the Fresno Police Department and as a member of the Special Tactics and Rescue (STAR) Team.

Christopher & Kaitlyn Hulsey

Owners

Christopher is a military veteran who served for twelve years including deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

Kaitlyn, an accomplished athlete, excelled in soccer and tennis, even becoming a Tennis League Champion in high school.

Amber Shea

Owner

Amber is a dedicated professional with a profound interest in human behavior and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her journey began with a successful high school tennis career, which laid the foundation for her role as a certified personal trainer. 

Since 2006, she has excelled in leadership roles, transitioning from the luxury resort industry to natural healthcare.

Ken & Dodie LeRoy

Owners

Ken & Dodie LeRoy have a strong passion for marketing, sales, and exploring new business opportunities, which they have cultivated since the early 2000s. From 2005 to 2012, Ken & Dodie have achieved rapid success in the nutritional and health direct sales industry, swiftly advancing through the executive direct sales hierarchy. 

Jose Gallegos

Owner

 Jose Gallegos is an accomplished business owner and a lifelong soccer enthusiast whose journey is defined by unwavering commitment and passion. He embarked on his soccer odyssey at the age of 8 in Tijuana, Mexico, progressing through club teams like Rancho Alegre and Verde Y Crema. 

Richard & Randa Strickfaden

Owners

Richard, and Randa Strickfaden are accomplished entrepreneurs with a history of success spanning over three decades. Since 1988, they have owned and managed a thriving drywall company, displaying exceptional leadership skills and handling multimillion-dollar construction projects.

Jeremiah LeRoy

Assistant Coach

Jeremiah LeRoy is a seasoned soccer coach with a rich playing background and extensive coaching experience across various levels of competition. Growing up in Central California, one of the most fiercely competitive soccer environments in the U.S., Jeremiah honed his skills playing club soccer on teams such as Firestorm, Cyclone, and the Edison Tigers, while with Cyclone Jeremiah helped lead the team to win the California State Cup. After high school Jeremiah played Division I soccer at California State University in the prestigious PAC 10.

After college, Jeremiah ventured to Europe in 2004, where he successfully made the roster for FC Kutzoff in Germany. However, his promising professional career was abruptly ended by an injury just as he was about to sign a major contract. At this critical juncture, already married since 2002 to Stefanie his college sweetheart and with his first child on the way, Jeremiah chose to set aside his professional ambitions to focus on his growing family.

Over the past two decades, while prioritizing his family, Jeremiah also cultivated a substantial coaching portfolio. With more than 12 years of coaching experience, he has coached players at nearly every competitive level, including high school varsity teams, youth club teams ranging from U9 to U19, and most recently on the semi-professional stage with the Southern Indiana Guardians FC (SIGFC). In 2022, Jeremiah founded the highly successful Mitigator FC homeschool soccer club, which swiftly climbed the ranks to become the Indiana State Champions in their second year as club, a testament to his effective coaching methods and leadership.

Jeremiah played a pivotal role as the interim head coach during the foundational period of the Guardians, steering the team to a commendable 2-0 record before handing over leadership of the team to Coach Rens. Currently, he serves in a supportive role at the Guardians and actively coaches the 2010 Boys teams at Southern Indiana United (SIU), where he continues to apply his extensive tactical knowledge and passion for the sport.

Holding a US Soccer C coaching license, Jeremiah is committed to maintaining high standards in coaching education and player development.

Taylor Hamblin

Assistant/Goalkeeper Coach

Taylor Hamblin is a standout product of esteemed youth soccer academies including Southern Indiana United, United 96, and Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club, culminating in his U17 tenure. As a goalkeeper for Providence High School, Hamblin showcased exceptional skill and leadership over four years. Skipping college play, he embarked on a successful PDL career, notably with Indy Eleven Development Team and Derby City Rovers for five years. Hamblin’s coaching journey spans a decade, mentoring youth players across all levels. He holds a USSF “C” license, currently pursuing a “B” license. Coach Hamblin has been a staunch supporter of the Guardians since our founding! We are excited to see what the future holds and honored to have Coach Hamblin on staff to help guide the team.

Trevor Matthew

Assistant / Statistician Coach

Trevor Matthews is a dedicated member of the Southern Indiana Guardians FC and Mitigator FC coaching staffs. A recent graduate from Asbury University where he played collegiate soccer, he brings a strong academic background and a solid playing history to his roles. During his collegiate soccer career, Trevor developed a profound understanding of soccer training methods and match analysis, skills that he now applies with precision in coaching.

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Trevor is pursuing studies in ministry and works at a physical therapy office, enriching his approach to player development with a holistic view of physical and mental wellness. This unique perspective is invaluable in his current roles, where he integrates comprehensive athlete care with tactical soccer training.

Trevor’s attention to detail and strategic thinking are evident in his ability to break down complex game tactics into actionable insights, enhancing team performance and fostering player growth. As a part of the Guardians and Mitigator FC, he is committed to utilizing his diverse skills to contribute to their success and the development of their players.

Rens van Oostende

Head Coach

Rens van Oostende embarked on his football career in 1974 at SHO Oud Beijerland, laying a solid foundation in the game’s fundamental skills. His tenure as a player saw him make significant contributions at OSV Oud Beijerland and Feyenoord Rotterdam (non-professional), alongside a period at SC Zuiderpark Rotterdam, before rounding off his on-field career at SHO Oud Beijerland in 2000. Renowned for his tactical intelligence and a nuanced understanding of football, Rens’s playing years were marked by a profound comprehension of the game’s strategic dimensions.

Coaching Experience:

In 1995, Rens transitioned into coaching, rapidly establishing his reputation as a forward-thinking football strategist. His domestic coaching portfolio includes roles in the KNVB First Division, KNVB Premier Division, and coaching the SHO reserve team. Subsequently, Rens expanded his coaching endeavors internationally, applying his expertise in the United Kingdom and the United States, where he led programs as a technical director and conducted clinics emphasizing Dutch football methodologies.

Rens’s coaching philosophy is heavily influenced by the principles of Total Football and Tiki-Taka, emphasizing fluid movement, positional flexibility, and ball possession. He draws inspiration from football luminaries such as Rinus Michels, Johan Cruyff, and Pep Guardiola.

Coaching Licenses

KNVB JVSL License (U12 and Under)
KNVB TC 3
KNVB TC 2
UEFA B License (2003)
USSF National Youth License (2010)

Coaching Philosophy

Rens champions a football philosophy that reveres the historical strategies of the sport, advocating for total player engagement in a dynamic and adaptive style of play. His approach nurtures an intuitive grasp of football that transcends conventional player roles and fosters a unified team dynamic.

*The Guardians are proud to have Rens aboard to coach during the inaugural season

Teresa Knear Solorzano

Field & Referee Coordinator

Teresa boasts an extensive background, encompassing 24 years as a USSF referee, 22 years of involvement as an IHSAA referee and assignor (14 years serving specifically as an assignor), and 17 years dedicated to the role of USSF assignor across various leagues, including CCSA, SIU, Greater Louisville Men’s League, YMCA, and multiple adult tournaments.

Teresa holds a notable position on the Indiana State Referee Committee where she has been serving as the District Referee Administrator for District 9 for 14 years concurrently contributing where she is also an active USSF Instructor.

Teresa’s officiating experience includes overseeing six IHSAA state final games, officiating in USL matches, and assigning numerous tournaments. Remarkably, she continues to referee between 150 to 200 games annually, reflecting her enduring commitment to the field.

Teresa’s illustrious commitment to soccer in the community shines through her active engagement on various boards such as Netsurfer Soccer Club, Clark County Soccer Association (with an impressive tenure exceeding 20 years), and an enduring legacy of over 14 years with Southern Indiana United. Her passion for excellence resonates vividly as she proudly holds a Coaches License E since 2009, a testament to her unwavering dedication to the perpetual pursuit of knowledge and mastery in coaching within the sport.

In addition to her significant impact on the soccer community, Teresa thrives as a Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual. Her personal life is marked by a fulfilling marriage and the joy of parenting—a son and three stepsons enrich her world. Passionate about fitness, she also shares her expertise as a fitness trainer. During moments of leisure, Teresa finds solace and joy in tending to her garden, immersing herself in literature, and indulging in the art of culinary creations through cooking.

Daro Mott

Director of Strategic Planning & Marketing

Strategist, Consultant, Teacher, Author, Coach, Learner!

Daro Mott’s personal mission statement is to help family, friends, colleagues and organizations achieve their strategy. He is a multi-sector leader who applies the core concepts of Great by Choice, Good to Great and How to Win Friends and Influence People to his every day interactions. In his spare time, Daro leads the Kentucky Chess Association and Launch Louisville Chess Club. He also enjoys preparing his son, Emiliano Mott, for club play with the Southern Indiana United 2010 Boys Red Team. Daro values education: he earned an undergraduate degree from Yale University, graduate degrees from the University of Louisville and he completed the Chief Technology Officer Program at UPenn’s Wharton School of business. Daro is fluent in Spanish. He and his wife, Paola enjoy traveling to South America and the Dominican Republic.

Ken Gary

Official Photographer & Support Staff

Ken Gary is a seasoned IT Network Administrator by day, but his true passion lies in sports—not just participating, but coaching as well. Raised in a family that valued the physical and character-building aspects of sports, Ken has been immersed in athletic pursuits from a young age.

His journey through various sports disciplines has been marked by dedication and hard work. This commitment continued through his military service and into his adult life, where he competed in both competitive softball and grappling tournaments. Through these experiences, Ken not only excelled as an athlete but also learned invaluable lessons in teamwork, strategy, and perseverance.

Today, Ken finds profound fulfillment in coaching youth sports. Holding a US Soccer C license, he currently coaches at Southern Indiana United (SIU), where he applies his deep understanding of sports to mentor young athletes. Ken focuses not only on the technical fundamentals but also on the crucial values of sportsmanship, discipline, and personal development. His coaching approach is characterized by patience and encouragement, driven by a genuine passion for helping his players succeed in every aspect of their lives.

In addition to his coaching, Ken is a prolific sports photographer. His keen eye for capturing the intense moments of competition has made him the primary sports photographer for the Southern Indiana Guardians FC. Through his lens, Ken brings the same level of dedication and artistry that he brings to the field, providing a visual narrative that complements his impactful coaching career.

Christa Mitchell

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Christa Mitchell is a cornerstone of her local soccer community, where she has contributed immensely over the past 11 years. Her journey in soccer began with local leagues like the YMCA and has since flourished at Southern Indiana United (SIU), where she has expertly handled team management responsibilities for the past six years. Christa’s role at SIU involves orchestrating the team’s schedule, coordinating state-wide travel, managing tournament registrations, and overseeing the procurement of athlete kits.

Parallel to her commitments in soccer, Christa has built a distinguished career at Humana, where she has served as a Senior Risk Management Professional for over six years. Her expertise in risk management and compliance has been instrumental in guiding strategic decisions at Humana.

At home, Christa and her husband, Joey, are proud parents to four children, all of whom share their passion for soccer. Whether playing on the field or cheering from the sidelines, the family embraces the sport wholeheartedly. Beyond the soccer field, they cherish their time together at their lake home or exploring new destinations across the United States. Christa Mitchell embodies the spirit of community and professional excellence, making substantial impacts both on and off the field.

Jeremiah & Stefanie LeRoy

Founders / Owners

Jeremiah LeRoy is a multifaceted professional with experience in international insurance adjusting and commercial construction. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University Fresno in 2000 and holds multiple State Insurance Adjuster Licenses and five IICRC certifications. From 2008 to 2018, he worked as an international insurance adjuster, handling claims across various countries. Since 2018, he has served as the Chief Estimator and Chief Operating Officer at R&B Roofing and Remodeling, contributing significantly to its growth. Jeremiah’s leadership is propelling the company toward nationwide expansion. He’s also an accomplished soccer enthusiast with a background in playing professionally and coaching, actively involved in the soccer community. Jeremiah’s diverse career reflects his ability to drive success in dynamic industries, and he’s dedicated to nurturing talent and sportsmanship in young athletes. His wife, Stefanie LeRoy, shares a love story that began on the track, and together, they’ve built a life filled with love, family, and a deep appreciation for athletics. 

Brandon LeRoy

Owners

 Brandon LeRoy is an accomplished healthcare practitioner, commencing his career as an EMT and progressing to become a Paramedic, Registered Nurse with a specialization in burn care, and a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA). 

Brandon has a deep passion for soccer, having played the sport at various levels, including competitive travel/club and indoor leagues. He shares his life with his wife, Jestene, and recently welcomed his first son into the world. 

Brandon’s life philosophy centers on continuous personal and professional growth, community engagement, and the transformative influence of soccer. His diverse journey reflects unwavering dedication, while his multifaceted expertise offers inspiration to those striving for excellence in healthcare and beyond. 

Gary Felix

Owners

Gary Felix MS, PA-C is a highly dedicated healthcare professional with over 15 years of experience in medicine. He began his healthcare journey as a Paramedic in Central California, contributing to the community as a SWAT medic for the Fresno Police Department and as a member of the Special Tactics and Rescue (STAR) Team. His academic pursuits led him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from California State University, Fresno, while simultaneously completing prerequisites for Medical or Physician Assistant (PA) School. Gary furthered his education with a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies at Loma Linda University, obtaining national certification and a state license as a Physician Assistant. He honed his expertise in emergency medicine during the prestigious Emergency Medicine PA Fellowship at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Now, as the Lead Physician Assistant at Adventist Health White Memorial Montebello, he actively contributes to enhancing healthcare quality. Gary’s commitment to continuous learning and community engagement, both in teaching and wellness initiatives, underscores his dedication to delivering top-tier care. His journey from Paramedic to Lead PA exemplifies his unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare. 

Christopher & Kaitlyn Hulsey

Owners

Christopher is a military veteran who served for twelve years including deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

Christopher’s post-military journey led to a successful role as a master diesel technician and foreman at the large electrical power company. 

Christopher has a lifelong passion for soccer, which he shares with his wife, Kaitlyn, and their six children.  In 2017, they both became soccer coaches and served on the local soccer board. 

Kaitlyn, an accomplished athlete, excelled in soccer and tennis, even becoming a Tennis League Champion in high school. She also established a successful photography business alongside her role as a homemaker. Their strong faith and community involvement inspire those around them, leaving a lasting positive impact. 

Amber Shea

Owners

 Amber is a dedicated professional with a profound interest in human behavior and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her journey began with a successful high school tennis career, which laid the foundation for her role as a certified personal trainer. 

Since 2006, she has excelled in leadership roles, transitioning from the luxury resort industry to natural healthcare. Her experience includes managing teams, overseeing finances, and orchestrating sales exceeding $35,000 weekly. Amber is skilled in developing revenue-boosting programs, managing social media, crafting copy, and building industry relationships. As an Operations Director, she coordinates marketing, human resources, and KPI monitoring, fostering a creative and solution-oriented culture. 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Amber is a devoted wife and mother, enjoying outdoor activities and embracing tech-savvy learning in both personal and professional pursuits. 

Ken & Dodie LeRoy

Owners

Ken & Dodie LeRoy have a strong passion for marketing, sales, and exploring new business opportunities, which they have cultivated since the early 2000s. From 2005 to 2012, Ken & Dodie have achieved rapid success in the nutritional and health direct sales industry, swiftly advancing through the executive direct sales hierarchy. During this period, they were highly sought after as public speakers, delivering motivational and sales talks to their sales team of over 13,000 people throughout their extensive network across the USA.

Currently, Ken and Dodie are actively involved in promoting an innovative technology product that has gained substantial popularity and is utilized by some of the world’s top athletes. This amazing technology uses light therapy to activate the body’s own healing mechanism. 

In their free time, Ken enjoys playing tennis and pickle ball and Ken and Dodie both enjoy spending time with their 15 grandchildren. Ken and Dodie have successfully raised four children, all of whom were competitive soccer players. Notably, their identical twin sons played Division 1 Soccer with some professional experience overseas. 

Jose Gallegos

Owners

Jose Gallegos is an accomplished business owner and a lifelong soccer enthusiast whose journey is defined by unwavering commitment and passion. He embarked on his soccer odyssey at the age of 8 in Tijuana, Mexico, progressing through club teams like Rancho Alegre and Verde Y Crema. His soccer career blossomed during a successful stint in indoor soccer, where he secured five league titles during seven years of competitive play. At 29, he joined the Mexican National soccer team, contributing to their success as an athletic facilities and equipment assistant for six years. 

Beyond the soccer field, Jose has ventured into the business world, operating businesses such as a sushi restaurant and an auto shop. Currently settled in New Albany, Indiana, he owns and manages an auto shop and used car lot. Jose’s dedication to soccer extends to coaching with Mitigator FC, a local nonprofit youth soccer organization, where he passionately mentors underprivileged inner-city youth, fostering their growth in both soccer and life skills, all while bridging language barriers and creating an inclusive environment. 

Richard & Randa Strickfaden

Owners

Richard, and Randa Strickfaden are accomplished entrepreneurs with a history of success spanning over three decades. Since 1988, they have owned and managed a thriving drywall company, displaying exceptional leadership skills and handling multimillion-dollar construction projects. Their business expertise extends beyond construction into relational marketing, where they guide individuals on their path to success. They have also made successful real estate investments. 

Furthermore, their love for team sports dates back to their elementary school days, with both earning MVP recognition in school and adult league organizations. Richard’s passion for sports even led to coaching a local high school basketball team. 

Beyond their business and athletic achievements, they are dedicated to education and community involvement, volunteering extensively at local schools and assisting senior citizens. They have also actively participated in the PTA within their local community and raised three children who have become valuable contributors to society.