All-State Players:
2023 – Sophia Korynta – Alexandria HS
2023 – Elle Heydt – Alexandria HS
2022 – Ella Westlund – Alexandria HS
2022 – Ellen Panther – Alexandria HS
2022 – Abbey Birkey – Grand Rapids HS
2022 – Kendal Swantek- Little Falls HS
2021 – Kylee James – Alexandria HS
2021 – Ella Westlund – Alexandria HS
2020 – Molly Panther – Alexandria HS
2018 – Gabbie Smith – Brainerd HS
2015 – Allyson Smith – Brainerd HS
Collegiate Soccer Players:
2017 to 2018 – Grace Sundberg, Brainerd HS, North Dakota State University
2016 to 2017 – Chloe Smith, Brainerd HS, University of Minnesota – Crookston
2017 to 2022 – Allyson Smith, Brainerd HS, Bemidji State
2017 to 2020 – Mara Roberts, Brainerd HS, College of St. Scholastica
2019 to 2022 – Molly Rudolph, Brainerd, HS, St. Catherine University
2020 to 2022 – Zetta Thurow, Brainerd and Rochester HS, St. Catherine University
2022 to Present – Kylee James, Alexandria HS, Concordia College-Moorhead
2022 to Present – Ella Shinn, Willmar HS, Concordia College-Moorhead
2023 to Present – Emma Sheflo, Brainerd HS, Concordia College-Moorhead
2023 to Present – Abbey Birkey, Grand Rapids HS, Macalaster College
2023 to Present – Ana Steadman, Little Falls HS, Bemidji State University
2023 to Present – Emma Balsley, Brainerd HS, University of Wisconsin – Stout
2023 to Present – Gabby Eckman, Brainerd HS, College of St. Scholastica
2023 to Present – Molly Hagelie, Brainerd HS, Bemidji State University
Jess holds a Class D license with USA soccer and a High School Soccer Diploma with NSCAA for coaching clinics specilizing in ball skills. Jess has coached under a board member of FIFA in Cambodia and has coached under various college level coaches. Jess is certified in Sports Performance (Velocity Sports), a Personal Trainer/Instructor, and certified in TRX. Jess is very passionate about the sport and has coached for more than 10 yers with multiple clubs and at various levels.
Most recently, Jess coached for the Rocky Mountain Futbal Club (RMFC) with the best soccer players in the state of Montana, where she pooled top talent to attend college showcase tournaments in the area. Jess also coached for BLITZ, a local club in Bozeman, Montana, and for the Brainerd Warrior girls program.
Jess’ primary role will be coaching our U17 team, however, she will also play an important role in player development for all age levels.
When Jess isn’t on the field coaching our players, you’ll find her instructing athletes and adults in personal and group fitness classes at Takedown Athletic Club. Jess will also be coaching soccer specific skills at Takedown in early 2019.
A Soccer Life Comes Full Circle
You can say that having Jess join our coaching staff was a stroke of good luck, as it is hard to find experienced soccer coaches in our small town. This story began over seven years ago on the sidelines of the high school soccer fields. We’ll let our Club Director, Ricky Lacerte, tell the story.
“I met Jess almost eight years ago when she joined the Brainerd high school coaching staff.” Lacerte recalls. “I was the assistant coach for the varsity team and Jess ran the junior varsity squad. We all quickly became friends with a shared passion for the game and developing young players. I later filled the head coaching position and Jess remained on board as the junior varsity coach.
We shared the same vision of a soccer powerhouse in central Minnesota, driven by passion, dedication and character.” Lacerte continues, “In the end, Jess left to pursue her dreams of travels and life experiences and a few years later I stepped down as head coach and pursued my dream of running my own soccer club.”
Years passed, Xolos Academy FC MN became a reality and the club made steady strides in supporting and promoting competitive soccer in central MN. “You can say we have come full circle and that a new era has begun at Xolos Academy FC MN.” Lacerte shares. “It won’t be long before Jess establishes herself as a positive presence in our club and the soccer community.”
We cannot wait for you all to meet her this season. If you happen to bump into her around town or at Takedown Athletic Club, we encourage you to say “hi” and introduce yourself.
Welcome to “La Familia” Jess!
#GoXolos
#WeAreSoccer