Our Team

Jason Roufs

Director of Coaching

Nickname: Roufs, J, J-Roufs

College: 1995-1999

Professional: 2000-2002

Coach Roufs has established himself as a distinguished figure in the world of soccer, leaving an indelible mark on the field and finding his true calling in coaching. With an illustrious career as a player, including holding the record for most career goals and career points at Azusa Pacific University for over 20+ years, he garnered attention from semi-professional teams and ultimately secured a spot on a professional team as a walk-on. However, it was in the realm of coaching that Coach Roufs discovered his true passion.

At the age of 19, Coach Roufs embarked on his coaching journey, leading a Junior Varsity team to their first-ever championship victory, etching his name in the school's history books. This accomplishment catapulted him into the limelight as a highly sought-after coach in Southern California, North Carolina, and currently in Nashville. His unwavering dedication lies in ensuring that players not only thrive and reach their full potential on the field but also flourish in their personal lives.

Coach Roufs places great emphasis on education alongside athletic performance, believing in the power of holistic development. He strives to mold players who can excel under pressure, adapt to challenging situations, and thrive amidst stress. With over 22 years of coaching experience, his expertise extends far beyond borders. Coach Roufs has ventured to Kenya, Uganda, Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador, where he has trained and established successful youth programs.

Under his guidance, numerous players have achieved remarkable milestones, earning accolades such as MVPs, top goal scorers, tournament champions, and All-Conference players. Coach Roufs possesses a profound understanding of the game and recognizes the paramount importance of proper player development. He champions a holistic approach that focuses on the integration of mind, body, and technique, enabling players to harness the full potential of both the left and right sides of their bodies.

As a passionate mentor and holistic developer, Coach Roufs continues to inspire and guide aspiring soccer stars. His commitment to fostering personal growth and nurturing well-rounded individuals both on and off the field makes him an exceptional coach and mentor. With an unwavering dedication to his craft and an innate understanding of the game, Coach Roufs strives to leave a lasting impact on the lives of his players, shaping them into not only exceptional athletes but also remarkable individuals.

Coaching Philosophy

Jason’s coaching philosophy is rooted in his upbringing and playing experience in San Diego and Los Angeles. His soccer heritage, encompasses the best elements of Hispanic soccer, Pep Guardiola's coaching approach, and the English counter-attacking style. By focusing on possession, technical proficiency, spatial intelligence, and game flow, he aims to develop confident, skilled, and tactically aware players who can excel both individually and as a team. He strives to create an exciting, dynamic, and successful soccer program that embodies the essence of "The Integrated Style” from these experiences.

Coaching Accomplishments

Coaching since 1996 to Present
- Girls Junior Varsity & Varsity
- Boys Junior Varsity & Varsity
- Specialize in U11 and older
Has coached over 10 programs that have won tournaments and school division championships.
Coached in CA, NC, and TN for all competitive/travel teams
Has done an abundance of personal training for athletes that are desiring to strengthen and develop their skill set.
Has done individual lessons for goalkeepers.

Early Life

He took his first coaching experience at the age of 19, coaching a Junior Varsity team, and taking them for the first time in school history to a championship victory. From then on he became a highly sought after coach in Southern California, then in North Carolina, and even now in Nashville. He is passionate about ensuring players thrive and reach their full potential both on and off the field. Dedicated to emphasizing education in congress with athletic performance. Holistically developing them to thrive under pressure, adapt to challenging situations under stress.

Playing Career

Played 4 year at Azusa Pacific University (1995-1999)
- Holds University record for “Most Career Goals” (54)
- Holds University record for “Most Career Points” (125)
- 3 time All-Conference Team
- 3 time All-Regional Team
Played 2 years for PDL/3rd Division in Southern California (1998-2000)
Played 2 years in 2nd Division for Charlotte Eagles (2000-2002)
Played 1 year with Nashville Metros (2002)

Ryan Roberts

Nickname: Tatman

Drafted: 2003

MLB Debut: 2006

Career: 2003-2015

Ryan Roberts, former MLB “Fan Favorite”, who most notably played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, whom helped lead them from “worst to first”, now spends his time investing into the next generation as a dynamic school teacher and Baseball/Softball Instructor. From All American titles and Major League playoff grand-slams to elementary PE and late nights teaching technique at the batting cage/indoor private field, Ryan’s capacity to empower young people with his vast experience in the study of teamwork is invaluable. He is passionate about building character and confidence in the individuals and teams that he works with so that on or off the field, they have endurance and heart to offer the world in front of them.

Professional Career Highlights

As a young player making his way through the farm system, and even with the majority of his college career spent as a shortstop, Ryan played every position including catching and pitching. From the Grapefruit League to the Cactus League, he played at every level in the farm system and into the Majors, on both National and American Leagues. His versatility and experience earned him a reputation as an invaluable player, making him an asset to each team he played on.

Ryan quickly learned that in order to compete at the highest level, he would need to do more than the required practice hours. While many rested, Ryan continued to work. He hired the best trainers, learned proven techniques, spent intentional time with mentors, and developed an even greater hunger for the game.

The mindset Ryan carried allowed him to not just be enthralled with setting and reaching his goals, but also to fall in love with his training. This, he discovered, is the key to success. It’s the common denominator with elite athletes—they’re exceedingly devoted to the process.

Ryan’s first major league hit was a homerun off the late Cory Lidle in 2006 in Yankee Stadium. Outside of growing up in Texas, Arizona was home. This is where Diamondbacks’ amazing fans lovingly gave him the nickname “Tatman” in 2011.

In Spring Training of 2011 after a methodical off-season regimen, he came away with the top batting average out of 1000 players who were invited to the camp. The Diamondbacks went from being the “worst to first”, eventually beating out the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants in the National League West. Ryan hit a walk-off grand slam against the Dodgers with the Diamondbacks down by three runs in the 10th inning to clinch the NL West making him the fourth player in MLB history to hit a walk-off grand slam in extra innings with the team down three runs. That title was previously held by Jason Giambi NYY in 2002, Roger Freed STL in 1997, and Babe Ruth NYY in 1925. It was the second walk-off grand slam in team history. Ryan also won the Heart and Hustle Award that season and humbly received the Fan Favorite Award, as well as being named as a member of the 2011 MLB All-Star team that went to the far East taking on the Chinese Taipei National team in the Taiwan All-Star Series.

In addition to these accolades, Ryan learned an immense amount about his ability to rally a team together, the intricacies of team dynamic and the humility needed to not only be a good teammate but to be a leader for his team.

Retirement

Now, retired from MLB, Ryan, his wife (Kim), and four children (Hudsyn, Lyric, Beckham, and Kazmyn) live in Nashville, TN, where Ryan works at a Private Christian School with their budding Athletic Program and teaching in various areas. He is involved in several sports, working individually with the kids to help them develop their skills and more importantly—something Ryan knows a great deal about—a great mental attitude that will help them overcome the many obstacles life has to offer.

Early Life

As a child, Ryan Roberts (Texas-born-and-raised) displayed an athleticism that made him stand out among his peers. He played Shortstop for the entirety of his youth. In high school Ryan was awarded as an All American in 1999, had the 7th highest batting average in Texas baseball history (.580), played in the Texas High School All-Star Game at Texas Rangers Stadium, and lettered as a sophomore through his senior year at a 6-5A Division High School.

College Career

During his college years, Ryan played Shortstop, 2nd base, and got drafted as a 3rd baseman after only playing the position for only a short time.

Ryan led in all three categories for Division 1 Texas JuCo hitters in Fall 2000 and in all three triple crown categories (batting, HR’s, RBI’s) with 17 homers in 21 games. In 2001 Ryan’s team won the NJCAA National Championship. In 2002 he was named SLC Newcomer of the Year, Player of the Year, and Hitter of the Year. He is a two-time All-SLC (Southern League Conference), and ABCA 2003 NCAA Div. I South Central All-Region First Team. He led SLC in batting (.422) and home runs (16) and his 69 RBI were two shy of giving him the SLC Triple Crown, although his 97 base hits were also the most in the league. Tabbed SLC All-Tournament team after ending his University of Texas Arlington career batting .500. He currently owns or tied for 7 single-season UTA records. His name appears in a total of 19 single-season or career top-10 school record books. As he progressed through his high school and college career, it was clear that his God-given talent wasn’t the only thing that would catch the eye of MLB recruiters. It was his tenacity, work ethic, and mental attitude that would set him apart from his competition, ultimately leading to him being drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2003.

Teams

Toronto Blue Jays 2003-2007
Texas Rangers 2008
Arizona Diamonds 2009-2012
Tampa Bay Rays 2012-2013
Chicago Cubs opted out after ST signed with Boston Red Sox 2014
Kansas City Royals opted out after ST signed with Oakland Athletics 2015
- Retired after Nashville Sounds AAA season

Elizabeth Kagay

Director of Pre-Academy (Girls)

Growing up in Honolulu, HI, Elizabeth Kagay (Kalama) found a passion for athletics that translated into developing as a multi-sport athlete throughout her youth. Surfing, volleyball, basketball, softball, track and field, you name it, Elizabeth loved it. She ultimately found her athleticism flourish best on the soccer pitch, and developed a love for the game that has surpassed her playing career, and now finds herself at NFC as our Girl’s Program Lead Coach. Elizabeth’s passion is the accessibility for young girls and their development in youth soccer. Her coaching philosophy revolves around nurturing exceptional technical skills, tactical intelligence, and a profound understanding of the game while prioritizing inclusivity and creating a supportive environment for continuous growth. With over 30 years of playing and coaching experience, Elizabeth’s gifts in fostering player development and their holistic growth is a vital asset to our coaching staff here at NFC.

Coaching Career

Has 20 years of experience coaching youth ages 5-14 at the recreational, club, and middle school levels.
Holds a US Soccer Grassroots Coaching License in 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11

Playing Career

Straight Up Club (HI) (1997- 1999)
Leahi Soccer Club (HI) (1999 -2001)
Honolulu Bulls Club (2002- 2003)
- Multiple National/Regional Tournament Appearances
Played 4 years at Point Loma Nazarene University (2003-2006)
- 4 year starter at the midfield and defender positions
- All GSAC Conference Player of the Year (2005)
- NAIA National Tournament Team (2005)

Stephanie Bartlett

Club Administrator

As a Southern California native, Stephanie Bartlett (Cates) is no stranger to the world of competitive youth soccer. Her playing career included multiple high level youth clubs, including Arsenal FC (now Sporting Cali Club), and 4 years at the collegiate level, playing for Point Loma Nazarene University at the NAIA level. She held the all time single season scoring and assist records at San Dimas High School (2003), where she later returned to coach and give back to their girls soccer program. Stephanie transplanted to Nashville, TN in 2008, and continued coaching for local schools, clubs, and soccer programs throughout the Nashville area. While coaching, she worked for over a decade as a manager and administrator for one of Nashville’s leading event companies. Currently, Stephanie is one of NFC’s lead club administrators, using her experience in nonprofit and for profit administration. Her passion is to provide an accessible, healthy, and enjoyable experience for young athletes (and their families!) to holistically develop through the game of soccer.

Coaching Career

Has 20 years of experience coaching youth ages 5-14 at the recreational, club, and middle school levels.

Playing Career

La Verne Lazers Soccer Club (1995-1998)
Claremont Stars Soccer Club (1999 -2001)
Arsenal FC (now Sporting Cali Club) (2002- 2005)
San Dimas High School (2000-2004)
- 4 Year Varsity Letter Winner
- Valle Vista League MVP (2003)
- Southern CA Section All-Team accolades (2004)
- San Dimas High School Scholar Athlete of the Year (2004)
- Held SDHS all time scoring and assist records for women’s soccer.
Played 4 years at Point Loma Nazarene University (2004-2007)
- Multiple NAIA National Tournament appearances (2006, 2007)

Heather Maute

Director of Pre-Academy (Boys)

Heather Maute is a dedicated and accomplished coach, hailing from Springfield, OH, and now based here in Nashville, TN. With experience coaching youth soccer since 2014, Heather's coaching style emphasizes a player-centric approach, focusing on the development of technical skills, interpersonal skills, awareness of the field, and the overall holistic development of young athletes. Heather spent her college career with Trevecca Nazarene University, and her youth club career with Ohio Galaxies FC. She currently head coaches in our Academy Program, and assists our 2011 Boys. Her dedication to shaping young athletes both on and off the field has made her a remarkable mentor in the soccer community.

Coaching Career

A decade of experience coaching youth ages 5-14 at the recreational, club, and middle school levels
- Assistant coach for TSIAA 2023 champions, Junior High Soccer Team for the Academy for GOD Phoenix
- Head Coach for the NFC u10 boys
- Assistant Coach for the NFC u13 boys
Holds a US Soccer Grassroots Coaching License in 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11

Playing Career

Ohio Galaxies FC (2004- 2007)
Northwestern High School, Springfield, OH (2003- 2007)
- All-Region and All-Conference player
- Inducted into NWHS Athletic Hall of Fame
Trevecca Nazarene University ( 2007-2008)