Welcome to SKGK Training ⚽️

Steven "Coach Steve" was born in Key West, Florida, and moved to Wilson, North Carolina at the age of four. It was there that his passion for soccer began, eventually leading him to Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia. During his outstanding high school career, he was a three-time Team MVP and a three-time Virginia Independent Conference All-Conference selection.

Following graduation, Steve represented North Carolina at the World Scholar-Athlete Games as the starting goalkeeper on an international championship team composed of players from South Africa, Ireland, Spain, the former Yugoslavia, and other countries. In recognition of his achievements at Hargrave Military Academy, he was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame, and his jersey number was retired in 2015.

Following family tradition, Steve attended Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he continued his successful goalkeeping career. He earned All-Conference Goalkeeper honors, Academic All-Conference recognition, and was named the 1995 Umbro NCAA All-New England Collegiate Goalkeeper.

After stepping away from the game for several years, Steve returned to coaching in 2018 when he agreed to help a struggling goalkeeper at Smithfield High School. That experience led to the creation of his goalkeeper development program. He served as Smithfield High School's goalkeeper coach for four years, helping develop elite talent throughout Rhode Island. One of his first students went on to become Rhode Island Goalkeeper of the Year and is now a starting collegiate goalkeeper. A few years later, another of his goalkeepers earned the same statewide honor. Several additional players have received RIIL All-Division and All-Conference recognition, and three of his goalkeepers are currently competing at the collegiate level.

Steve later became the head coach at Burrillville High School following a season in which the team won only two games. In his first year, Burrillville advanced to the Rhode Island State Quarterfinals. The following season, the team reached the State Finals. During those two years, seven players earned All-Division or All-Conference honors, while one player was named Division III Player of the Year. In 2025, Steve was recognized as the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) Division III Coach of the Year.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Steve has an extensive academic background. He earned a Bachelor's degree in History from Saint Anselm College and a Master's degree in History from Providence College. He also completed a Certificate in Russian Area Studies at Providence College and spent time studying in St. Petersburg, Russia during his graduate education.

Professionally, Steve served for seven years as a part-time Adjunct Professor at the institution formerly known as the New England College of Business and Finance.

Steve has currently spent 24 years in the financial industry. 

Coaching Licenses

• ISSPF  Professional Certificate in GK Coaching Science (Pro Youth Level)

•  USSF 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11

•  USSF 9v9 in person session.

•  USSF 11v11 in person session.

• USC  Advanced Technical Training: Individual and Pairs Defending.

• 11v11 Formations and Systems of Play.

•  USC Advanced Technical Training: Passing Patterns and Functional Training. 

•  USC Attacking Transitions and Counter Attack.

• USC GK1.

• USC GK2.

• USC 9v9, 11v11.

I have worked with keepers of all ages and skill sets. My goal is to improve each player mentally as well as the physical component of the game. I focus heavily on the mental aspect of the position as this is an important part of athletics that is often overlooked and I learned can be detrimental to kids if not addressed. Each player is different. That and proper technique are keys to a successful keeper.