Staff Bios
Phil Nielsen
Chief Executive Officer
I became the new Executive Director of Colorado United on June 1, 2023. I have a long history in youth soccer at all levels of the game in the Midwest, the Northeast, and in my native Denmark. I have head-coached youth, high school, State ODP, Region II ODP, National ODP, college, and semi-pro programs, as well as coached & scouted with the U.S. girl's national teams. I ran the U.S. Soccer National Training Center for Illinois & Wisconsin in 2016 & 2017. In addition to my coaching background, I have served as Academy Director, Director of Coaching, Head of Coaching, and Executive Director at four elite youth soccer clubs. I hold a Bachelor's degree in International Marketing and Master's in International Economics. I live in Centennial with my trusted sidekick Belo who is a Rhodesian Ridgeback/Hound rescue.
Andy Sweetland
Chief Financial Officer
As Controller I oversee the accounting and financial aspects of the club and enjoy being part of the organization. My connection with the Colorado United has been for over 20 years with both my boys playing for the club and I have coached with the organization over that period of time.
Originally heralding from England I am a Derby County supporter and have visited over 30 grounds in England watching the mighty Rams play. Away from work I enjoy hanging out with my wife, two sons and family dog Billy while hiking the Colorado trails
Caitlyn Moses
Operations Director
I am the Competitive Program Administrator. I have worked in many capacities throughout my 8 years with the club and am proud of the contributions I’ve made in each role. I hope to continue to positively impact our membership and community. I have two dogs; Montana and Nora. We love spending time in the great outdoors and enjoying all of the things in Colorado.
Erin Rigsby
Competitive Admin
I have the rewarding challenge of making sure hundreds of competitive players get on the field every weekend. From creating game schedules to navigating last-minute changes (and sometimes rescheduling those games all over again thanks to Colorado's unpredictable weather) I keep everything running as smoothly as possible behind the scenes.
A Colorado native and lifelong soccer player, I have been immersed in the game for as long as I can remember. My passion for soccer extends beyond the field as I work to create a positive experience for players, coaches, referees, and families while helping the game continue to grow within the community.
Outside of work, I am a proud mom of three amazing kids, including one who currently plays for Colorado United. When I'm not at the soccer fields, you'll likely find me out for a run, enjoying Colorado's beautiful outdoors, or spending quality time with my family.
Whether she's coordinating hundreds of matches, cheering from the sidelines, or logging miles on the trail, I bring organization, positivity, and a sense of humor to everything I do. I believe soccer is more than just a game... it's an opportunity to build confidence, create lifelong friendships, and strengthen the community, one match at a time.
Morten King-Grubert
Chief Experience Officer & Outreach Director
Coming Soon
Livia Goree
Marketing & Events Director
Coming Soon
Barry Mantle
Head of Coaching - Competitive
I am the Head of Coaching-Competitive. I work alongside our Competitive Directors of Coaching to ensure we provide the best soccer opportunities for our players and coaches to help develop their skills, passion and love for the game of soccer. I am very fortunate that soccer has provided me with the opportunity to work within the sport that I love.
I have held various roles in my 19 years with Colorado United. My love for soccer stems from my childhood growing up in Wales, UK. I am “still” a passionate Manchester United fan!
When I am not out and about on the soccer fields I enjoy spending family time with my wife, Ruth and 3 children Sam, Nia and Rhiana. We enjoy hanging out, hiking, camping, socializing, golfing and travelling.
Michael Posen
Head of Coaching - Copa & Rec
I proudly serve as the Head of Coaching for the Recreational Department at Colorado United, overseeing TOPSoccer, Lollipops, Recreational, Rec+ & Copa.
With my team of six outstanding full-time directors, I lead an innovative department serving 3,500+ players, supporting 500+ volunteer coaches & 50+ professional staff coaches each year. My passion is creating player-centered environments that provide meaningful developmental experiences for every player, coach & family.
I joined Colorado United because of its outstanding reputation for connecting with the local community and its commitment to developing players for life both on & off the field.
I am a U.S. Army veteran and lifelong soccer administrator, coach, and referee. Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I have dedicated my career to growing the game through leadership, education, and community engagement. Before joining Colorado United, I served as Executive Director and DoC for a youth soccer club, worked as a Director and ODP Staff Coach with the New Mexico Youth Soccer, and served as the State Director of Instruction for the New Mexico Soccer Referee Committee.
I hold a U.S. Soccer B License, the USC Director of Coaching Diploma, and National TOPSoccer coaching and instructor certifications. I currently serve as the West Region Representative on the U.S. Youth Soccer National TOPSoccer Committee and on the Colorado Soccer Association’s Recreational League Operations Committee.
I met my wife, Danessa, through soccer, and we have been happily married since 2018. She is an English Language Development (ELD) teacher at Littleton High School. We have a two-year-old daughter, Marianna, who already loves swimming and playing "soccer games." Together, we helped establish some of the first TOPSoccer programs in New Mexico and remain passionate advocates for children living with special needs.
Amber Matthews
GA Director & Player Well-Being Coordinator
Coming Soon
Seth Trembly
MLS Next Academy Director
Coming Soonļ»æ
Jim "Snoop" Schneiderhahn
GA Head Coach & Director of College Recruitment
Coming Soon
JC Garzon
Boys Goalkeeping Director
Coming Soonļ»æ
Lindsey Hendon
U11-U15 Rec/Rec+ Admin
Coming Soon
Rafa Amaya
Boys U15-U19 Director & MLS Next Academy Head Coach
Coming Soon
Dannelle Lewandowski
GA Aspire & Girls U15-U19 Director
Coming Soon
Shay Trembly
EA & Boys U13-U14 Director
Coming Soon
Brian Cvilikas
Futsal Director & MLS Next Academy Head Coach
Coming Soon
Paul Hogan
Boys U11-U12 Transition Director
Originally from Chicago, I have called Colorado home for the past nine years. I am a former Division I player at Northern Illinois University, hold a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology: Exercise Science and am hold my U.S. Soccer B License. I previously served as a U8–U10 Girls Director of Coaching and Girls ECNL Assistant Director.
Outside of soccer, I enjoy spending time with my lab mix, Ted, and listening to my favorite band, Arcade Fire.
Mara Driver
Girls U11-U12 Transition Director & GA Head Coach
I am the U9-U10 Recreational & Rec Plus Director. I played Competitive Soccer with Colorado United from U11-U19 before playing Division 1 and Division 2 college soccer.
I finished my playing career at Regis University in Denver, CO where I graduated in 2022 with a degree in Marketing. I have worked for the club in many capacities starting from a Lollipops staff coach, to Lollipops site coordinator, to a staff coach in our Rec Plus Program, and currently as a coach within the Copa Academy Program. I currently hold a USSF B Coaching License. I love sharing my passion for the game of soccer with players, parents, and coaches and continuing to pay it forward to a soccer community that has given me so much!
When I am not on a soccer field, I enjoy hiking, camping, fly fishing, and all-around adventuring in the outdoors, as well as spending time with my family and friends!
John Senkosky
Field & Facility Director
Coming Soon
Felipe Quiroga
Copa & CO Cup Director
I'm from Bogota-Colombia. My passion in life is soccer. I started playing U4-U8 in Fair Play Club FC and then joined Pro-Club Independiente Santafe for my youth and pro career, At U12 I was able to play in the academy of Velez Sarsfield club (Argentina). At U16 I played in the Independiente Santafe reserves team and then was promoted to the first team where I played my first pro game in 2005.
In 2012 I moved to New York, to play in the NPSL Brooklyn Italians, and started coaching for Super Soccer Stars club for 2 years, being the U9-U12 Director of coaching, winning the NY Cosmo league and state championship. In 2014 I moved to Colorado to work for Colorado Storm, for 5 years, being the Girls Regional Director of Coaching, coaching at ECNL, nationals, winning state cup titles, and College Showcases, where I coached and promoted numerous High School Girls and Boys to College scholarships.
I have been with United since 2019. As the Copa Program Director, my goal is to push - train and help players advance, competing at their highest level, have the players with a smile on their faces when they leave the soccer field, grow their love for the game, and create an environment where everyone can do their best work, have fun while learning.
I hold a US Soccer C license, NSCAA National Youth - Premier - Advanced Diploma. GK 1-2 Diploma, La Liga Formation methodology level 3, Real Madrid coaching methodology Diploma.
I have a bachelor's degree in Business Administration & Economics from Javeriana University. Before coaching, I worked at IBM for 2 years
I live with my girlfriend and a rescue Shepperd mix dog. I love to travel around the world, watch movies, and play tennis. I continue to play soccer every chance I get. My favorite soccer teams are Boca Juniors from Argentina and Santafe from Colombia.
Isaac Miller
U8 Admin & Rec+ Director
My name is Jorge Isaac Miller. I was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and was
adopted at the age of 14 by an amazing family from Belleville, PA. Spanish is my first
language.
As the Rec Plus director, I oversee that we provide more coaching to our Rec Plus players and create a stepping stone to the competitive levels at the Club. I have been in the coaching world for 12 years now. I first began at the age of 19 with volunteering at my local club in Pennsylvania, Mifflin County United. I majored in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management at the Pennsylvania State University, and while there, I continued to coach for the local clubs in the area. I became the administrator and coordinator for Mega Sports Camp & United Soccer Academy, as well as the main coach recruiter at United Sports Institute in New Jersey.
When I’m away from soccer, I enjoy spending time with my Fiancée, friends, family and specially our furry friends, Willie (kitty) and Checa (doggie). I like going to the mountains for hikes, adventures, and some camping. I enjoy cooking and doing small handyman projects. My favorite soccer team is Real Madrid, and my all-time favorite player is Raul (he played in the early 2000s for Madrid). I appreciate all kinds of cultural foods, Mexican food being my favorite. I’m an avid coffee fan.
My favorite quote: In life, and in sports, you miss 100 % of the shots you don’t take.
Katie Puchino
U6-U7 Director
I am the U6-U7 Recreational Administrator for the club. I am a Colorado United alum, having played for the club for my entire youth soccer and competitive career.
My collegiate career included four years of undergrad at University of Colorado - Colorado Springs, where I earned a B.S. in Exercise Science. After graduation, I played a fifth year as a graduate student at Fort Hays State University before transitioning into their assistant coach. I will receive my Masters in Health and Human Performance from Fort Hays State in May, 2024.
My coaching career at Colorado United started in 2015 and has involved multiple roles including Lollipops coach, Lollipops site coordinator, Copa summer camp coach, and Academy Staff Coach. Additionally, I spent a summer as the head soccer coach at the Maccabi Sports Camp in Atherton, CA. I am very excited for this opportunity to bring my coaching skills and love of soccer back to the Colorado United Team, returning to the club that helped form my soccer career.
In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, playing and watching sports, and spending time with my family and friends
Susie Puchino
U9-U10 Rec/Rec+ Director
Coming Soon
Paula Cross
U4-U5 Lollipops Director
I started with Colorado United over 18 years ago as the club’s receptionist. My roles have increased throughout the years to include the Administrator for the Lollipops program and the office manager. I thoroughly enjoy working with the 3 and 4-year-olds, our youngest soccer players by creating a positive environment for them and their initial soccer experience. The knowledge I have gained and my attention to detail set a positive tone for the ultimate success of the club. In my free time, I like to read and spend time with family, friends, and my little dog, Buddy.
