Buffalo United's coaching staff is a collection of the best coaches available in western New York. They bring with them playing and coaching experiences at the highest level the game has to offer. We have current and former professional and collegiate players and coaches from all across the country. We rotate our coaching staff every two to three years to ensure our players have a full spectrum of styles and approaches to the game.
All coaches working with each team are selected by the Director of Coaching. Managers or parents are not permitted to train or coach any team without board approval.
Most of the age groups will be coached indoors by the head coach. The assistant coaches will take over with a majority of the coaching for the 'B' team once we head outside in the spring. This approach should give the age groups two teams some continuity as well as ensuring the coaching quality for both the 'A' and the 'B' teams is consistent.
A former soccer coach for several area colleges, and a long-time trainer for youth soccer players in the Buffalo area, Henrik brings his expertise to every training session, and continues to be among the foremost trainers in the Buffalo area. Henrik was an All-American at Fredonia State University.
Jeff has playerd three years at Medaille College where he helped Medaille bring home a AMCC Conference Championship in 2005.
Kevin has been the boys varsity coach at East Aurora for the last 10 years. He has over four years of premier coaching experience and played collegiate soccer for Canisius College. He has his NSCAA National Diploma and is a PE teacher in Buffalo.
Coming to us from a premier club in Lansing, MI. Shawn has served as DOC of a local community soccer club for three years. He currently holds his USSF "B" and the National Youth License. He played at Mercyhurst College ('99-'02) where he was three time all-conference, two-time all region and Def. POY in '02. He also played for the West Michigan Edge of the PDL league in the summer of '01. Shawn will also be a men's assistant coach at Canisius College starting in the fall of 07. He also joined the NYSWYSA ODP staff in 07.
Tony Buscaglia was an All WNY and All NYS player at Kenmore West High School. In addition, Tony was the leading scorer at Buffalo State. Wherever a game can be found, Tony will be playing. Tony has trained and coached at the Premier level for 8 years with a training focus on footwork, quickness, and striking.
Anna-Lesa was a member of the prestigious D'Feeters Soccer Club in Dallas, Texas. During her club career she won the North Texas State Championship and was a finalist in the Region III Championships, as well as several other top tournaments nation-wide. After club, she joined the University of Buffalo soccer team where she was four year starter in net. She was a captain for the team her senior year and earned MAC accolades, being placed on the All-MAC Academic team two years. She was also an NCAA Sportsmanship Award Winner and a East Region Academic Scholar- Honorable Mention. Along with her career at UB, Anna-Lesa was a member of the Rhocester Ravens semi-pro soccer team for two years. She will be entering her third year as a coach, having served as the U15 Premier Head Coach in 05 and the U14 Assistant Coach in 06. She is looking to obtain her USFF National D license this fall.
Dave is a lifelong player and an All-American (Honorable Mention) in college with over 24 years coaching experience from U6 through collegiate while at clubs in PA, TX, and NY. Since 1993 Dave has coached for the local Aurora Arsenal Soccer Club, guiding various teams to several league and tournament championships, as well as serving as the current Director of Coaching. From 2000-2004 Dave assisted with the Hilbert College women's team where they finished as league finalists two years and league champions two years. Dave also assists with the East Aurora High School varsity boys' team and currently holds the USSF "C" license.
Nick DeMarsh is currently the head coach of Buffalo State's women's soccer program, and also served as an assistant with the men's program since 2004. His additional coaching experience includes 12 years tutoring boys and girls at Joe Macknick No. 1 Striker Camps as a "Striker Director". During his playing days, DeMarsh competed on the men's soccer team at Buffalo State for four seasons in the early 1990's, earning All-SUNYAC honors for three consecutive years and team MVP honors as a junior. Following his successful collegiate career, he played with the Capital City District Alleycats of the United Soccer League. DeMarsh holds a B Coaching License from the United States Soccer Federation.
Dan Dolan is an active coach in the Buffalo soccer community. He currently runs the Top Level Soccer Program which services some of the area's best players. He is also currently the Director of Coaching for Lancaster/Depew Soccer Club. Dan has been a coach with BUSC since it's inception in 2004. He has been coaching in the exceptional senior games for area boys and girls along with the head coach at O"Hara high school for the girl's and boy's varsity programs. Dan holds his USSF National D License, USSF National Youth License, NSCAA National Diploma, and his FA Psychology for Soccer Level 1 certificate.
Meagan was a four-year letter winner at the University of North Carolina. While there she won four Division 1 national championships. She played professionally with the Buffalo Fillies before retiring and focusing on her coaching career. She was the full time assistant coach at the University at Buffalo for seven seasons before taking the head position at Canisius College. At the youth level, she started out with the Germania soccer club where she won a NYW State championship. Currently Meagan holds her USSF National D license.
Kristine is a former Region IV ODP staff member and is currently the Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at the University at Buffalo. Kristine comes to Buffalo with a wealth of coaching experience. She also holds her C license from the USSF.
Rolfe has been playing/coaching soccer on a year-round basis for 22 years He played collegiately at Fredonia State ('93-'98) where he was the captain of the team in his senior year. Since college, Rolf has coached JV soccer at Frontier High School for two years, before leaving for the Kenmore School District where is is currently coaching the JV Boys program. Rolf has helped instruct at soccer camps at Sahlen's Sports Park, and has worked with team training sessions on numerous occasions in the training center. Rolf holds a USSF D License.
Tom played collegiate soccer at the University at Buffalo and Canisius College where he earned All-Conference and All-Tournament honors. After graduation, Tom started his coaching career in many areas of the youth game, coaching premier-club soccer for Germania and Buffalo Dynamo. He has been a state coach for NYSW for five years and is also on the NYSW Instructional & Academy staff, and is the NYSW ODP coach for the ’89 boys. He also holds a position on the Region One Girls ODP staff. Tom has also been an assistant coach the University at Buffalo on the women’s side. He holds a USSF National B license and his USSF National Youth license.
Scott Gentner
Scott earned All-League honors three times at St. Joes High School as well as an All-State, All WNY Senior season, and Team MVP. He played nine years with Buffalo Premier FC where he was team captain. He competed in friendly matches in Italy while with Buffalo Premier against youth clubs like Lazio. While at Fredonia State Scott competed in the NSCAA National Tournament and currently is playing for Medaille College.
Kelly competed at the Division I collegiate level at University at Buffalo. She captained the team, during her senior year. Her collegiate coaching career began in 1998, as an assistant coach at Niagara County Community College. Gillow then assisted the DI Canisius College women’s soccer team for three years and went on to coach in the North Tonawanda school system. Kelly has been involved in youth coaching at the premier level since 1996, including a state championship team with Germania. Currently, Kelly is the Head Women's Soccer Coach at Genesee Community College and part of the NYSW ODP staff. Kelly holds her USSF National C license.
Played at the state level ODP and for Jean Tassy at Buffalo State and John Austodillo at the University of Buffalo. Jim has been coaching the Varsity Boys at Hamburg for the past ten years and teaching Social Studies there as well. He currently holds a "C" Liscence and had served in the ODP under the great tudoledge of Dave Kreger. Currently lives in Orchard Park with his wife Tricia and two children Griffin and Leah.
Chris played collegiate soccer at both Canisius College (1993) and Buffalo State University (1995-97). He was also a member of the NYSW & Region 1 ODP program. As a coach Chris has earned his USSF National B License, English FA Pyschology for Soccer, Level I, and an NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diplomas, Level I & II. He is currently a member of the USYSA Region 1, Girls Goalkeeping Staff, Sweet Home H.S., Men’s Varsity Coach, NY West ODP Staff - 9th Year, NY West Academy Staff - 3rd Year, and a member of the NY West Instructional Staff. Chris has also been the Men's Assistant Coach at Buffalo State College, Buffalo Fillies (W-League) Assistant Coach, and has experience coaching a team at the youth level (Buffalo United Soccer Club, GU18 Head Coach). He also was NY West ODP Coach of the Year in 2001.
Mike Idland was the Buffalo State Women's Soccer Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Coach from 2003 to 2006. He joined the Canisius College women's staff in 2007. A former goalkeeper and midfielder at Cortland, he also played with the SSC Cosmos-Rangers, NJ. He has his USSF C License and currently serves and the Regional Director and Goalkeeper Director at Joe Machnick’s No. 1 Soccer Camps. He is also on the goalkeeper staff of the New York West - Olympic Development Program, the Region I Boy's ODP staff as well as the New York West Academy. A native of Westfield, NJ, he has a bachelor’s in secondary education from Cortland and his master’s in English from the University at Buffalo. Recently Mike was named NYSWYSA ODP 2007 Coach of the Year.
Rob was raised and resides in the village of Depew, where he coaches the girls’ junior varsity soccer team has been involved with both the boys’ and girls’ soccer programs for the last 4 years. Rob is currently in his second year coaching with the Buffalo United Soccer Club and holds both the National ‘D’ and National Youth licenses through USSF.
Stephanie played for Buffalo Premier under Coach Dougherty and is currently playing for her at Canisius College where she just finished her junior season. In high school, she scored 201 career goals and was named to the All-New York State First Team. Stephanie is working on her teacher degree at Canisius. Her love for the game and for working with young people make coaching a perfect fit.
Greg is currently the athletic director at Clarence High School. Greg brings a wealth of youth coaching experience to the club with over 20 years of coaching. Greg has coached with Germania and Amherst Soccer Associations over the years.
Dave Kreger
Currently Tim's soccer staff is in its third year at Hilbert College for the mens team. Tim was an assistant coach 99-00 with Buffalo State and was the Head Varsity Coach at St. Mary’s for nine years. He is now the chairman for the Exceptional Seniors program for our WNY region. Tim has earned his national USSF D license and his NSCAA National Youth Diploma. He also has completed his Masters in Education at Health & Culinary.
Courtney was a local soccer standout who played club ball with the Rochester Junior Rhinos. She was a member of the State Olympic Development team for New York West all through her youth soccer career. She was recruited to the University at Buffalo where she just finished her Sophomore season. Courtney has been a summer soccer camp counselor for many years.
Currently holds his NSCAA Advance National Diploma. Bob has over five years of coaching at the premier level as well as over twenty years of high school teaching and coaching experience, and a Masters Degree in Education.
Steve was a 4-time All-NFL High School player. He played at Hiram College (Ohio). Steve has experience coaching youth soccer with Niagara PAL Soccer Club, Amherst, and Buffalo United. He has also coached high school at Holy Angels, Niagara Catholic, and currently North Tonawanda. Currently Steve is coaching at Buffalo State College and with the State Olympic Development Program. Steve currently possesses his USSF "D" License.
Ryan played at Monroe Community College and then Medaille College. At Medaille Ryan was 1st Team All American and lead the nation in goals for Division III in 2006.
Jerry is a former high school and college player who has been coaching for almost 30 years, most recently with the KenTon Soccer Club where he was also the Director of Coaching. In addition to Buffalo United, Jerry has coached in the St. Joes Collegiate Institute soccer program for 9 years and is on the staff of the NYS West ODP program. Jerry holds a USSF "C" license and the NSCAA National Youth diploma. Philosophy - To fully develop the technical and tactical abilities of each player in a fun, yet competitive environment.
Nicole grew up playing for the Germania soccer club under coaches such as our own Meagan Dougherty. Nikki spent three years on the NYW State ODP team and was also on the Western Empire State Games team. Nikki played college ball for the University at Buffalo from 1999 to 2003 where she finished up a fine career as one of the school’s top all-time scorers. Nicole earned her USSF D license and was an assistant coach at Canisius College from 2004 to 2007. She currently is playing with the Rochester Rhinos women's professional team.
Kevin was an outstanding local player who earned high school All-American status at North Tonawanda. Afterwards, he earned All-State, All-Conference and All-American honorable mention while attending UB. Kevin played with the Buffalo Blizzard for two years before hanging them up to focus on his youth coaching career. Kevin took his Buffalo Dynamo teams to two successful state championships and they were also five-time state cup finalists. Kevin has also spent some time as an ODP district coach for Buffalo and he also spent a short time with Canisius College as a men’s assistant coach. He holds a USSF National D license.
Originally from Cleveland, John was an Ohio State ODP player. John brings a wealth of training experience to the club, has served as the strength and conditioning coach for the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Indians, University of Tennessee, and the University at Buffalo. He has also worked individually with players from the Buffalo Bills, NY Jets, and Baltimore Ravens. John is also certified with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Chris Peehler
Chris didn’t start playing soccer until he was age 15. From there he played for Ken-East where his team went undefeated as Sectional champs. Chris was the leading goal scorer in the Niagara Frontier League and earned All-N.F.L. 1st Team and All-American honors. Later he would play club soccer for Germania Juniors, Buffalo Soccer Club, Germania Seniors, and the Buffalo All-Stars. Chris played college ball for Monroe Community College (Ranked 2nd Junior College). At M.C.C. he was captain and named to All-Regional Team, All-Regional Tournament 1st Team, and All-American Team. While at M.C.C., they finished 4th place in the National Tournament. Finally, Chris also played for Hamilton in Canadian National League. Presently Chris coaches premier and travel teams in the WNY area and has earned his USSF National “D” License. Chris also belongs to the Ken-East Athletic Hall Of Fame.
Jason played youth soccer for several local clubs including Buffalo Premier under our own Tom Garigen and was a member of the Olympic Development NYSW team for several years. He has competed internationally with the Great Lakes Soccer Club of Cleveland, OH in the Dana Cup (Denmark) and Keele Classic (England) where he was named team captain and awarded defensive MVP of the team. Jason was recruited by Clarkson University and competed at the NCAA division III level."
Lew Potter
Lew Potter is currently the Director of Coaching and Tournament Director for Hamburg Soccer Club, and Assistant Coach of the Women's Soccer Program at Buffalo State College. His 18 years of coaching experience includes success at various levels: Club, Premier, High School, College, ODP, as well as working with various camps in the WNY area. Lew played at Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio, before returning to the Buffalo area to begin his coaching career. Lew holds a NSCAA National Diploma, National Youth Diploma, and NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma.
Michelle Roth
Michele, originally from Akron, NY, played for Buffalo Premier under Coach Hershey. She played at University at Buffalo on the Women's Club Soccer team where they were consecutive Northeast League Champions for 2005 and 2006 season. She was Vice President of the club for her senior year. In high school, Michele scored 72 career goals and was named to Niagara-Orleans First Team All-League her sophomore, junior, and senior year. Michele recently recieved her Bachelors degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing from UB. She also holds her USSF National "E" License.
Alex Sahlen
Mike Schermerhorn is the Holland Boys Varsity Soccer coach and in his first season led them to the Class C State Final. He is also the head coach of the Holland JV Girls team. He is a u-17 girls and u-16 boys coach for the Holland Soccer Club and is a trainer for both Holland and Northtowns Soccer. Mike also works various summer soccer camps at both Roberts Wesleyan and Clarion University. He played for Buffalo State College from 1999 to 2001 and holds several certifications including a United States Soccer Federation National D Coaching License, NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma, the English FA Fitness for Football Certificate, and FA Psychology for Soccer- Level 1.
Mark currently holds his A License from the USSF and is part of the NYSW ODP and the NYSW instructional staff. He is a former player at Buffalo State College and has experience coaching at the High School and Collegiate levels. Mark is also the founder of Sam's Army which is a fan club of the United States Men's National Soccer Team (www.sams-army.com).
Toby Stupples
Toby moved to Buffalo from New Jersey where he coached full time with U.K. Elite Soccer between 2003 - 2008. Having coached for over 10 years he brings extensive experience coaching in both England and USA. He first experienced Soccer in the US when he represented his region in the 1997 Dallas Cup. Following that, Toby studied Business Management with Exercise Science at the University of Gloucestershire, where he captained the University team to the National Playoffs. Toby played semi professionally in both England and New Jersey. Toby currently holds his FA Level 1, NSCAA Regional, Advanced Regional and National Diplomas.
Jerry West
Grew up with the Clarence Soccer Club and played for the high school. Been coaching the past 12 years for teams in Lockport, Clarence and now Newfane. Holds a USSF Youth Module certificate as well as a USSF 'E' License. Brings a great parental perspective to training and team management.
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Henrik Ambarchian
Shawn Burke
Annalesa Calvert "Tex"
Dave Coulter 
Nick DeMarsh
Dan Dolan
Kristine Eckert
Rolfe Freidenberg
Tom Garigen
Kelly Gillow
Mike Idland
Stephanie Karst 
Greg Kaszubski
Tim Kronenwetter
Steve Malany
Ryan Mangano 
Jerry Miller
Nicole Olszewski
Kevin O'Neil
John Opfer
Jason Pickhardt
Mark Spacone