CLUB STAFF:

Director of  Coaching:


Leon O'Neill


Leon O’Neill comes to Henderson County Soccer Association with a wealth of coaching and playing experience. Leon has been involved at most levels of the game in America at some point, which includes, Olympic Development, Professional Development League, Club Soccer, NCAA and NAIA collegiate soccer. Before coming to play in America at college, Leon competed at an elite level in England, representing professional clubs at the youth and reserve level and Great Britain Under 19’s.

Leon played his college soccer at Walsh University, which is an Independent Catholic Institution that played in the NAIA. Leon was part of the 2005 nationally ranked team and was an NSCAA All Ohio Selection, 3 Time American Mideast Conference Selection and invitee of the All Ohio All Star College game during his time at Walsh. After Leon finished at playing at Walsh, he immediately took a position on the coaching staff, working with the Men’s Soccer Program as an Assistant Coach.

Leon then wanted to advance his coaching and academic credentials by gaining NCAA coaching experience and obtaining his Masters Degree, which he did at the University of Akron. While at NCAA division 1 school, University of Akron, Leon completed his Masters Degree in Physical Education with a concentration is Exercise Physiology. During this time Leon gained a wealth of knowledge into NCAA rules and regulations and how a successful division 1 women’s soccer program is operated. Also during this time Leon served as the Director of Coaching at Broadview Heights Soccer Club. Leon would also spend his summers with Baton Rouge Capitals, who play in The United Soccer League Premier Development League, serving as an Assistant coach and recruitment coordinator. Leon currently serves on staff for North Carolina Soccer Association and is involved with the Olympic Development Program.

Leon holds some of the top coaching licenses available through the United States Soccer Federation, UEFA and the NSCAA. While at Henderson County Soccer Association, Leon will continue to help the growth of the soccer program. This will be implemented through player development curriculum designed for the Associations Recreation, Academy, Challenge and Classic teams. Coaching education will also be offered through clinics and manuals to help coaches implement successful practice sessions and game day coaching. If you have any questions in regards to soccer at Henderson County Soccer Association, please feel free to reach Leon at 1-828-697-4884 or emailloneill@hendersoncountync.org.

Academy Director: Tim Hopkin

Tim Hopkin has been involved with the Henderson County Soccer Association since it's creation in 2000. Born in England but raised in Brasil as a youngster, Tim learned his soccer on the dirt fields and concrete courts of the country known for the "beautiful game".  After attending high school in England and playing for his school team across Europe, Tim moved to America where he attended Wittenberg University and played for the university team. After playing and coaching in Ohio, Tim attended North Carolina State University completing his Master's degree in Recreation Administration.

Tim is actively involved in club administration and holds his USSF National Youth License and National D coaching license. In 2007, Tim was named North Carolina Youth Soccer Association Director of the Year. Tim is also a USSF certified referee and referee assignor.


Staff Coach: Michelle Demko


Former Nebraska assistant and current UNC Asheville Women’s Soccer Coach, Michelle Demko has joined the coaching staff at Henderson County Soccer Association. Michelle will primarily work with the girls program.

Demko had been at Nebraska for three years and served as the Huskers recruiting coordinator. Nebraska has posted three straight winning seasons and improved its win total each year. Before coming to Nebraska, Demko spent four years with North Carolina State, helping to improve the Pack's record of 9-9-1 in 2003 to 11-9-1 in 2006.

Before her stint at N.C. State, Demko played professionally with the Philadelphia Charge. She was selected in the eighth round (63rd overall) by the Charge and played two seasons in the WUSA, leading Philadelphia into the WUSA Founder's Cup semifinals twice.

Demko, who played soccer at the University of Maryland under former U.S. National Team Coach April Heinrichs, was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference's 50th Anniversary Women's Soccer Team. While playing at Maryland, she served as a two-year captain and was voted MVP by her team. She also earned first-team All-ACC honors.

Demko played in three Olympic Festivals (1994-96), as well as being called into national team training camps in 1995, 1996 and 1997. Demko also owns a cap with the U.S. Women's National Team while playing against Germany in 1997.

A native of Largo, Fla., Demko received a bachelor's degree of science-kinesiology from Maryland in 1996. Prior to her arrival at Maryland, she played soccer at Barry University in Miami Shores, Fla. She helped lead Barry to the 1992 NCAA Division II national title as she scored in the championship match against Adelphi. Michelle also holds her USSF "B" Coaching License.

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