I believe that as coaches, educators, and mentors, we have a responsibility to help young people develop a lifelong connection to sport and physical activity. That starts with creating positive, welcoming environments where athletes feel they belong, are challenged to grow, and know they have the support to do so.

We also have a responsibility to model the same standards and behaviors we expect from those we lead. A coach's influence is never neutral. Every interaction has the potential to make a positive or negative impact, and I believe we owe it to young people to continually work toward being the best versions of ourselves.

Ultimately, success is measured not only by what young people accomplish in sport, but by the confidence, character, and lifelong habits they carry with them beyond it.

Jess Nash brings over 15 years of experience in soccer coaching, education, and organizational leadership. Prior to joining the Madison 56ers as Executive Director in September 2026, she served as Executive Director of Rush Wisconsin Soccer Club, where she led strategic planning, financial management, club operations, and program development.

Her coaching background spans the collegiate, high school, and youth club levels, including coaching women's soccer at Iowa Lakes Community College. She holds a U.S. Soccer A-Youth Coaching License and serves as a U.S. Soccer Coach Educator, supporting the development of coaches throughout the region.

Her experience also includes national leadership roles with Rush Soccer and U.S. Soccer, supporting coach education, mentorship, and the advancement of women in coaching. She currently serves as a U.S. Soccer SheChampions Mentor and is in progress of becoming a U.S Soccer Coach Educator Developer

Before transitioning into soccer administration, Jess worked in higher education at St. Ambrose University and Iowa Lakes Community College, focusing on student development, leadership, and athletics.

WWSAC Stay in the Game Award

To understand and embrace the work ethic/focus required for technical proficiency in a possession based game, with the mental flexibility to read the moments for direct play.

UW-Madison Women (Assistant); High School Varsity Boys and Girls: Edgewood, Oregon; ODP Girls Region 2 Staff; WI ODP Director; 56ers Youth and Women's Teams

WI Hall of Fame

Develop, Compete, Process, Holistic, and Autonomous. 

I believe in developing the whole player through purposeful training, meaningful competition, and a commitment to continuous improvement. I value the process over short-term results, creating an environment where players are challenged to grow, learn from adversity, and take ownership of their development. My goal is to develop confident, resilient, and independent players who can think for themselves, make decisions, and compete at the highest level of their ability.

- Develop — Prioritize long-term player development, building technical, tactical, physical, and psychological qualities appropriate to each player's stage of growth.

- Compete — Create an environment that challenges players to embrace competition, pursue excellence, respond to adversity, and consistently raise their standards.

- Process — Value the daily work, habits, decisions, and commitment that drive improvement. Focus on the quality of the process, not simply the outcome or scoreboard.

- Holistic — Develop the whole person, recognizing that confidence, character, relationships, well-being, and personal growth are connected to performance on the field.

- Autonomous — Empower players to think independently, solve problems, make decisions, and take ownership of their development. Develop players who can read the game rather than simply follow instructions.

- Honest — Build a culture of trust, accountability, and clear communication. Provide honest feedback, establish clear expectations, and treat players with respect.

30 years. All levels and ages of club including club and HS. 

My coaching philosophy is built on commitment, growth, and community. Success at the highest levels requires more than individual talent—it demands dedication to the team and a willingness to put collective goals ahead of personal recognition. I expect athletes to approach every practice, game, and team activity with discipline, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement, understanding that individual development and team success go hand in hand. In return, I commit to providing organized, purposeful training that challenges athletes to reach their potential while fostering a culture of trust, respect, and inclusion. I believe the strongest teams are those that embrace growth together, recognizing that “growth is fostered through challenge, where success is the reward rather than the goal.” When athletes fully commit to one another and the process, extraordinary results become possible.

• (Current) U17 Boys Red - Madison 56ers 
• (Current) U19 Boys White - Madison 56ers 
• U17 Boys White - Madison 56ers 
• U16 Boys Silver - Madison 56ers 
• U13 Boys Blue - Madison 56ers 
• U14-U19 Boys Red Assistant Coach - Madison 56ers
• U15 Boys Premier - Sun Prairie Soccer Club
• U14 Boys Premier - Sun Prairie Soccer Club
• Sun Prairie East High School Boys Soccer - JV and Varsity Coach
• Plymouth High School Boys Soccer - JV and Varsity Coach

In addition to working for the club, I own Simple Solutions.  A bookkeeping firm that focuses primarily on helping small to mid-size businesses as well as non-profits. I have been in business for 23 years.  I received a Business Management degree from MATC.  An early experience meeting the founder of Intuit helped to point me in this direction professionally.  I specifically enjoy working with non-profits that have a mission that creates a positive impact on the community. 

Shockingly, I can’t say that I have a connection to soccer specifically –but I have enjoyed working with the club since 2013.

I tell my clients “Let me do what I do so you can do what you do.”  I bring understanding, honesty and practical service to those that I work with.

My “day” job is consulting for ERP software, so I work with accounting systems, spreadsheets, and databases. I had no prior experience with soccer clubs before this, but my skill set of being able to learn software programs and create useful spreadsheets has been very helpful.

Both of my kids played for the club. My daughter from 5th grade until senior year (she graduated in 2017) and my son from 6th until junior year (he graduated in 2019). I managed both of their teams for at least part of the time. My husband coaches as well

Working with younger players, my primary focus is technical skill development and decision-making under pressure. My goal is for every player to get more than a thousand purposeful touches on the ball each week, with the majority of those touches in a small game environment. My training sessions constantly challenge players in 1v1, 2v2, 2v1, 3v2 and 3v3 situations aimed to improve each player's decision-making skills just as much as their technical skills, physical strength and stamina. My biggest challenge is finding creative ways to motivate players to take ownership of their own development and train just as hard outside of the team environment. 

• Sun Prairie Soccer Club 2011 - 2019
• Capital East Soccer Club 2019 - 2021
• Madison 56ers 2018 - present

My coaching philosophy is built on the belief that soccer is about more than winning games. It is about developing, building confidence and resilience, and creating an environment where players genuinely love the game. My goal is to help every player grow technically, tactically, physically, and mentally while fostering a lifelong passion for soccer.

I want to create an environment that balances hard work and high expectations with enjoyment, creativity, and a sense of belonging.  I believe in teaching the fundamentals, encouraging creativity, and allowing players to learn through both success and failure.

I believe that the process matters as much, if not more, as the outcome. Winning is a rewarding part of competition, but it should never come at the expense of player development. Success is measured by improvement, effort, decision-making, teamwork, and the courage to compete. I want players to understand that their attitude, commitment, and willingness to learn are just as important as the final score. When players focus on getting better every day, winning becomes a result of the habits and standards we build together.

Finally, I believe soccer is a powerful tool for teaching life lessons. Through the game, players learn accountability, discipline, communication, respect, leadership, and how to work toward a common goal. I strive to build a team culture where players support one another, compete with integrity, embrace challenges, and take pride in representing their teammates and community.

• 19 years with Madison 56ers
• 16 years as Director of Middleton United
• 2 years coaching Wisconsin Fire
• 2 years coaching ODP

• Herman Kluge Senior Athlete Award (UW-Milwaukee) - 2007
• NCAA Woman Athlete of the Year Nominee (UW-Milwaukee) - 2007
• Laura Moynihan Award (UW-Milwaukee) - 2006
• Susan Moynihan Award (UW-Milwaukee) - 2005

My philosophy is to develop confident, creative, and resilient players who trust themselves, embrace challenges and learn from mistakes. I strive to create a positive yet challenging environment where players are encouraged to push themselves beyond their comfort zones, reach their potential and continuously grow.  My goal is to help players support one another, develop their leadership skills and build confidence on and off the field. 

Started my coaching career back in 2016 with McFarland Soccer club. My senior year of college (2021) I began coaching at Madison 56ers.  Once I graduated college in 2021 I was a grad assistant coach with the Edgewood College Women's Team while pursuing my masters degree and began coaching at Madison 56ers full time.  I have been at Madison 56ers since then. 

Captain of the Edgewood College Women's Soccer Team

My outlook is student-centered - trying to help athletes reach their individual goals while also guiding them to understand their unique talents within a group.  I believe strongly in the importance of teaching students to think and adapt for themselves in performance situations, not be reliant on direction.  Constant education and development through numerous outlets, including classes, books, online resources, and collaboration, are how those goals are met.  I have come to understand my two biggest passions are soccer and teaching.

• Head Coach - Evansville Soccer Club - 3 years
• Director of Coaching - Evansville Soccer Club - 1 year
• Head Coach - Madison 56ers Soccer Club - 10 years

I believe that before players can reach their full potential, they need to feel valued, respected, supported, and connected. My goal is to build meaningful relationships with each player, getting to know them not just as soccer players, but as individuals.

23 years between Club & College

College Coach of the Year:

• x2 NJCAA region 4
• x2 NCAA D3 NACC Conference
• 1x NCAA D3 region 8

To help my players achieve their goals and grow their skills. Focusing on player and team development throughout the year. Practices designed to focus on different aspects of soccer, in order to build well rounded athletes. 

Third year with the club, first two years working as an assistant, and now this year as a head coach.

• 2 time all conference, in high school and college. 
• 3 state cup championships and one high school state championship. 

I aim to develop confident players on and off the pitch by offering technical and tactical training that enhances the soccer experience.  Skills worked on during the the season emphasizes the need for all players to possess the necessary skills to beat an opponent (1v1 & combination play) at any time anywhere on the field, thus enhancing their soccer experience.  

I have coached all levels and abilities from beginner to college age.

My coaching philosophy is built on hard work, accountability, and continuous development. I believe in developing confident, intelligent, and resilient players who take responsibility for their growth, compete with courage, and strive to reach their full potential both on and off the field.

• SUDA Soccer Academy
• Baraboo Soccer Club 
• DAYSA
• South Central Soccer Club (SCSC) - coach and DOC

Coaching with Madison 56ers 2009-present, Verona HS boys varsity coach 2005-2007

Enjoy the process, work hard, have fun, and become the best player, person, and teammate that you can be.

5 years

All NACC North

My coaching philosophy is built on the belief that attitude and effort are choices within every player’s control from the first whistle to the final second. On my team, mistakes are embraced as a natural part of learning, and positive encouragement fuels the confidence players need to play hard and try new things. No single player is more important than the team; we share a collective responsibility to work for one another, lift each other up, and celebrate our teammates’ success even louder than our own. 

3 years as head coach at 56ers. Assistant women’s coach at Edgewood University. 

• United Soccer Coaches Fourth Team All Region 2024, First Team All NACC 2024, CSC Academic All District 2022-2024, Honorable Mention All NACC 2023, Second Team All NACC 2022. 

Work hard, have fun.

• 2 years Assistant Coach Madison East High School Boys' Soccer
• 4 years Assistant Coach Monona Grove High School Girls' Soccer
• 3 years Assistant Coach/Interim Head Coach Madison College Women's Soccer
• 10 seasons Coach Madison 56ers

To understand and embrace the work ethic/focus required for technical proficiency in a possession-based game, with the mental flexibility to read the moments for direct play.

U7-U13 MAYSA and State League 

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.

• 21 years of Coaching 
• AYSO Certification
• Excellence Seminar (Kansas City) 

Captain of my team during my semi-pro years

I try to give players the tools and the framework to think for themselves, and to create a training environment where they have the freedom to try things and learn from their mistakes. I want my players to develop an understanding of the different ways the game can be played, how to assess and respond to the problems in front of them in thoughtful and creative ways, and to take ownership over what happens on the field rather than simply follow a coach's instructions. I try to build a team that competes hard, plays for each other, and enjoys the productive struggle of getting better through a challenging but fun environment. I try to foster a trusting relationship among the team that balances holding each other accountable with being supportive of one another. Winning matters, but how we play the game also matters; ultimately my goal is to help every player develop confidence and life skills that they will use throughout the rest of their lives.

5 years of MSCR coaching, 56ers: assistant coach u12 boys red, assistant coach u13 boys red, assistant coach u11 girls white, assistant coach u12 girls white, head coach u13 girls white, head coach u14 girls white

In my approach to coaching I want to focus on the development of my players and their enjoyment of the sport first and foremost. I want to teach my players technical and tactical skills and develop them into well-rounded players that feel comfortable on the ball. I also want to focus on encouraging teamwork and teaching my players how to work together and be good leaders. I want to be someone that the players can look up to and rely on, someone that they trust and respect and that they know will always build them up and have their back. I want my players to grow up believing that they can apply themselves to be successful in anything they’re passionate about and to be confident in their identity. In order to help my players get better I will build a good relationship with them so that they have a stronger desire to learn from me and I am able to give them more specific feedback and support. I want to never underestimate younger players as they can sometimes accomplish much more than they've been given credit for and I think it's good for them to be challenged and experience the pride and excitement in succeeding at a difficult task. 

December 2026 will be one year coaching with 56ers, working with U11 Girls Red is my first time being the assistant/head coach of a team. I coached "Soccer Tots" while in Syracuse which was around U6-U8 boys and girls soccer. 

ACC Top Six for Service award as a player at Syracuse University, Syracuse University Team Captain

I am passionate about youth soccer and its power to shape young athletes both on and off the field. I believe that effective coaching starts with trust. I work hard to build rapport with players and families to create a solid foundation for growth.

My core non-negotiables are work-rate, a positive attitude, and sportsmanship. I hold players to high standards based on these principles while providing positive reinforcement when they are upheld.

In training, I utilize the Play-Practice-Play model to keep sessions engaging, player-centered, and positive. As a coach, I am committed to continuous learning, regularly integrating new ideas and insights to ensure players receive the best possible development.

• Head Coach - U11 Girls Grey
• Regent Soccer Club (2020-2025) - Head Coach - U7-U8, U9-U10 Crew, and U11 Boys Azzurri
• University of Dubuque (2003) - Women's Assistant Coach
• Hyde Park Soccer Club (2001-2003) - Head Coach U11/12 Girls 

UAA All-Conference, University of Chicago

As it relates to coaching goalkeepers, footwork is at the foundation of all that we do because your hands make the save, but your feet get you to where your hands need to be!

• Apple Valley High School 1995-1997
• Madison 56ers 2001-present
• UW Madison Women 2001
• UW Madison Men 2002-2008

• UW Men: Bill Reddan Spirit of Soccer Award (1994)
• Minnesota Thunder Pro Soccer: Rookie of the Year (1995)
• Indiana Blast Pro Soccer: MVP (1998)

Positive attitude and collective high work rate. 

• Chicago Independent coaching 2016-2019
• Verona HS 2023-2025
• Madison 56ers 2023-present

HS soccer MVP Junior year and Senior year

My coaching philosophy centers on the holistic development of every athlete. I am committed to advancing each player's technical proficiency and tactical understanding while actively fostering the confidence and teamwork necessary to be a positive, impactful teammate

• Coached for the 56ers from 2000-2016
• MU Academy girls 9U 2024

Played Club Soccer for Mequon United Soccer Club. 

• 7 time State Champions.
• Back to Back Regional cup Champions.
• Placed 3rd and 4th, respectively at Nationals

Played for Cedarburg High School

• 3 time All-state.

Played 4 years for UW Madison.  

Develop the person and the player will improve. I aim to educate, encourage, and empower players to make decisions, collaborate on solutions, and have the courage to explore new ideas. I believe in players learning to lead themselves and others, embrace their strengths, and most importantly, play with joy. 

Madison 56ers 2022-current, Madison College Head Coach - Men's Soccer 2013-2019, Madison College Assistant Coach - Men's Soccer 2012, Verona SC 2016-2018, Magic SC 2010-2015

Player Development through differential learning. Always looking for progress not perfection. 

coached for the last 20 years 

My goal as a coach is to help players develop both as soccer players and as people. At the younger U11/U12 age group, that starts with building strong technical foundations.

Just as importantly, I want players to develop a competitive spirit and a genuine love for the game. I believe players improve most when they enjoy coming to practice, feel comfortable challenging themselves, and are pushed to get better in a positive, demanding environment. 

When I coach a team, I work to build a culture rooted in respect, resilience, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a positive attitude. My goal is to help every player grow in confidence, embrace challenges, and reach their potential.

I grew up playing for the Madison 56ers and went on to play collegiately and professionally. I spent 8 years coaching high school and college soccer, including serving as the Assistant Coach at West Virginia University (D1), Head Coach at Westminster College (D3), Assistant Coach at Edgewood College (D3), Regional ODP staff coach, and Girls Varsity Head Coach at Sauk Prairie High School. During that time, I earned my USSF A coaching license.    

I also earned my master’s degree in sports psychology and worked at IMG Academy, providing mental coaching support to elite youth and professional athletes.

Over a decade ago, I transitioned into business and software development. I returned to coaching when my son and daughter started playing youth soccer. My son now plays for the 56ers, bringing my soccer journey full circle.

To help youth develop a love for the game through play, growth in technical and tactical skill and understanding, and a competitive, fun environment. 

• 2011-2024 - volunteer and assistant Shotime soccer academy
• 2015-2018 - youth developmental coach EBU
• 2019-2022 - JV coach Oregon High School
• 2019-present - youth developmental coach 56ers

Academic All-Conference at Carroll University

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I encourage kids to break out of their comfort zone, while still having fun in training sessions. By challenging kids in a technical aspect, there can be fun in it too. My goal is to develop technically sound players to allow them to be the best at the next level.

• Camp Shutout
• Clark Keeper Training
• Edgewood High School Girls JV and Varsity
• Edgewood University
• Madison 56ers
• Oregon SC

• Edgewood University Career Saves Leader
• Edgewood University Season Saves Leader
• All-NACC Honorable Mention 
• NACC Scholar-Athlete

Pursue personal and collective excellence by focusing on continuous growth, building positive relationships, and creating an environment that helps athletes develop a lifelong love of sports and learning.

• Edgewood University 2026-Present
• Madison 56ers 2018-Present
• Madison West High School 2016-2017
• Regent Soccer Club 2014-2018