Goran Kljaic rejoins the Michigan Stars Lightning team as the Director of Coaching after a brief hiatus. Goran has proudly served in several leadership roles for Rochester Soccer Club and Michigan Stars Lightning since 2007. Goran's coaching education includes a USSF A National License, United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma, and USC- Director of Coaching Diploma.
Enes Sunje has over 15 years of professional playing and coaching experience in Europe. He was a soccer player in FC Velez Mostar, FC Lokomotiva, and FC Bijelopoljac, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. His education and accreditations include a Masters of Education in Kinesiology and a Bachelors of Sport & Physical Education from Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar. Enes also holds a UEFA A Coaching License.
Tati Errecalde's professional career evolved from his early years in Argentina when he was discovered at the age of 14 and offered training and education in Buenos Aires. He played professionally there for Club Independiente. Tati's career highlights include earning a position for the 1994 Indoor World Cup, on the Argentinian indoor national team, where he played alongside Diego Maradona. He furthered his career in the U.S. with the Wichita Wings, Toronto Shooting Stars, Detroit Rockers, St. Louis Streamers, and Windsor Border Stars. Tati's coaching education includes a USSF National D License and Meulensteen Academy Coach 200 Level certification.
Danny Essak's love of the game brings a passion and energy that create a great learning environment for players. Originally from Iraq, Coach Danny played for the Michigan Stars from 2009-2011. He played for the Al-Rafidain Soccer Team from 2011-2013 and the Iraqi Team U20. In 2007, he won second place in the Peace Confederation Cup in South Korea. Danny also won multiple medals in high school tournaments and leagues. Danny holds a USSF B Coaching License.
Brian Alumbaugh joins the MI Stars Lightning coaching staff from the Michigan Jaguars where he coached from 2021-2022. Prior coaching experience includes Leknes FK Women's Assistant Coach in Norway, U17 Boys coach at Ohio Premier Soccer Club, Muskingum University Assistant Coach, and U9 and U12 Coach for Eastern Suburbs AFC in New Zealand. Coach Brian played collegiately at Long Island University and Michigan State University, as well as playing after college in New Zealand for Eastern Suburbs AFC (2017), in Norway for Finnsnes IL (2018), and Leknes FK (2019). In addition to coaching for MI Stars Lightning, Brian also serves at the Recreational Technical Director for Rochester Soccer Club. He holds a New Zealand Football Youth Level 2 coaching license.
Daniele Agosta, from Shelby Township, MI, has excelled both on and off the pitch, bringing over a decade of coaching experience to the club. Coach Dan played collegiately at Tiffin University in Ohio on scholarship and also played for various clubs in the Michigan area including Michigan Lightning. In his later years he played for the Michigan Stars following the men's Open treble. Dan holds a USSF National C coaching license.
Grace Antonelli has enjoyed a lifetime of involvement with Rochester Soccer Club where she began playing at the age of four. She continued playing for the club for the next ten years, as well as playing for Rochester Adams High School. In addition to coaching for MI Stars Lightning, she currently serves at the Director of U3-U5 Micros soccer, U6 soccer, and recreational summer camps. Grace earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Oakland University with a minor in Biology where she was also a NCAA D1 Track & Field athlete competing in discus, hammer, and weight throw. She is currently working towards her master's degree in Occupational Therapy. Grace holds both a USSF 4v4 and USSF 7v7 Grassroots License.
Evan Bassy played with Rochester Soccer Club for 11 years and has been coached by many RSC and MI Lightning coaches. As a player, Coach Evan was a captain for many of his travel teams and played varsity soccer all four years in high school. He started his coaching career with the Lightning Developmental Academy and in summer camps. Coach Evan’s goal is to create a great learning environment and to always have a great attitude.
Tony Boos played all throughout grade school and high school in St. Louis, MO. He was a 4 year starter at Parks College of St. Louis University. He has been coaching soccer for 20 years (club soccer in MI for the past 13 years at the MYSL and MSPSP level). Tony is currently the Athletic Director for Summit SC—a competitive high school homeschool soccer club. He has also been their head boys’ coach and assistant girls’ coach. Coach Tony’s passion for soccer is on display when he helps children develop a love for the game, build their knowledge, and grow in their skills. Tony holds a USSF National D coaching license.
Doug Cardosi comes to MI Stars Lightning with over 33 years of experience, coaching at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels, while also coaching Premier Development and State and Regional Olympic Development teams. Doug played one year of college soccer at Kishwaukee College in Schwaben, SC. He holds his USSF B License, USC National Youth Diploma, and USC Advanced National Goalkeeper Diploma
Pape Diouf grew up in Lyon, France where he played youth soccer at Lyon Duchere. After moving to the United States, Pape attended school in Indiana where he played soccer at Indiana Tech. After college, Pape played with Fort Wayne FC while starting his coaching career with Fort Wayne United and also serving as the assistant coach/recruiting coordinator at Indiana Tech. Since coaching, Pape has been a student of the game and holds the US Soccer C License. In addition to his coaching qualifications, Pape has a Masters in Higher Education Leadership from Oakland University and a BA in Pre-Law.
Madi Donaghy got her coaching start in youth soccer with Waza Wee, RSC, and Troy Juniors. She has previously coached with Coerver's coaching staff and lead Avondale High School's JV team as Head Coach. Additionally, she has coached ODP 101, served as ODP 101 Site Director in Royal Oak, and is currently serving as the ODP 101 Site Director for Rochester. Madi's travel coaching career spans six years, coaching 21 different teams in that time. Coach Madi played collegiately at Adrian College and Lawrence Tech University and currently plays on the Michigan Stars Women's Semi-Pro team. She holds a USSF National C Coaching License.
Josh Kidder was born and raised in Rochester Hills, where he played for (RSC) Lightning for 15 years. He started his coaching career in the Micro program and worked his way up through the Developmental League. Josh is looking to bring a new type of energy to the club and is currently attending the Oakland University for elementary education. He holds a USSF E Coaching License.
Donny Koontz brings a vast amount of playing and coaching experience to Michigan Stars Lightning. As a player, Donny was a six year Olympic Development player before playing for the University of Detroit. Donny then played semi-professionally in Canada for 8 years before finishing his professional career with the Detroit Rockers. Donny has served as the GK coach for Oakland University and for the MSYSA Olympic Development Program. Coaching highlights include numerous State Cup Championships, a Region II Championship (U18 Boys 2001), and a USYSA National finalist team (U18 boys 2001). Donny holds a USSF B License, USSF National Youth License, and NCSAA GK Diploma.
Tori Koontz played soccer for 17 years, starting off as a goalie and then transitioning into a center midfield player at the age of 12. She played for Rochester Soccer Club and played in high school at Avondale and L’Anse Creuse North. Tori played at the collegiate level for Schoolcraft College and played in the NJCAA Division. Her team made it to Nationals her sophomore year and after playing two years at Schoolcraft, she was then recruited to play at Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio. Tori graduated and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lourdes. Coach Tori holds a USSF D Coaching License.
Milos Novakovic joins the MI Stars Lightning coaching staff after playing extensively in Serbia since 1998, representing FK Hajduk Veljko, FK Hajduk Veljko Semi-Pro, and FK Dunav Semi-Pro. Milos graduated with his Bachelors of Physical Education and Sport from University of Nis in Serbia. He first joined Lightning as a coach for the Lightning Developmental Academy. He holds numerous coaching licenses including his USSF National C License and USSF 7v7 & 11v11 licenses.
Nicolas Pulcini began his coaching career in Rochester Soccer Club's Lightning Developmental Academy. Growing up he played club soccer for the Michigan Wolves and is currently captain of the University of Michigan - Dearborn men's soccer team. He holds his USSF D Coaching License.
Robi Redzic comes to MI Stars Lightning from the Lightning Developmental Academy where he has coached since 2019. Additionally, Robi served at Assistant Coach for the boys soccer team at Stevenson High School in the fall of 2020. During his playing career, Robi played with NK Krajisnik in Bosnia, White Eagles SC, Michigan Lightning, Stevenson High School (4 year varsity), and the University of Michigan - Dearborn where he graduated with a degree in Statistics and a minor in Accounting. Robi holds a USSF Grassroots License and USSF National D License.