SOCA recently announced the hiring of Chris Stapler as the new Director of Coaching for the Augusta Region.

Chris has an extensive soccer and coaching background having served as a head coach for many years within the Richmond Strikers Elite Travel Program.  Chris’s passion for the game will be contagious throughout the club and he will bring an enthusiasm to the position that will be exciting to all.  Chris holds a USSF B License as well as NSCAA National and Youth National Diplomas.  Most recently he has been employed as a teacher and coach at the Carmel School near Richmond.  His teaching background will be a great benefit as he works with SOCA players and coaches.

Chris is eager to begin and is looking forward to getting to know the players, coaches and families in the club.  Chris will officially begin work on Tuesday, July 23.  Look for him in the Augusta office or on the field and please be sure to welcome him to our soccer family.

SOCA Executive Director, Matt Wilson, specifically directed special thanks and praise to Mark Yurish and Shannon Harris, who have worked overtime this summer while the search for the Augusta DOC was underway.   Mark made extraordinary efforts over the past two months as the search process progressed.  He has put in extra hours and gone beyond the call of duty in keeping the club organized and moving forward while the office has been short staffed.

With the addition of Chris Stapler, staff duties will be slightly restructured with Mark Yurish being promoted to the role of Program Director.  In this role he will oversee our Recreational and Hot Shots programs and contribute to the strategic planning and future direction of the organization.

Chris and Mark will work together, on and off the field, to continue to grow the club in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta.