Nick McDonald, Head Coach

Hometown: Kansas City, MO                      College: Rockhurst University

Nick McDonald has spent his last five years as an assistant coach at Rockhurst University. McDonald has helped lead the Hawks to a 60-15-11 record while winning three regular season GLVC titles and two GLVC tournament titles. He was also a key part of the coaching staff that helped the hawks reach three straight NCAA Final Fours in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Nick has also been the director of player development throughout his time at Rockhurst. He has taken charge of running the Development Squad at Rockhurst University and helped create and run a Development League with five other colleges in the Kansas City area.

In addition to coaching at Rockhurst University, Nick has also been the assistant coach at Pierce County FC, who play in the NPSL. He also has spent time coaching for various youth clubs throughout Kansas City. Nick has also done private soccer trainings since 2013. For more information on private lessons, you can reach him at his email listed.

Nick started all four years at Rockhurst University from 2010-13. He helped lead the Hawks to three NCAA tournaments and the NCAA Final Four in his senior season. Nick was voted All-GLVC and All-Region three years.

Nick also has a lot of experience playing for various semi-professional and professional teams. While in college Nick played for the Kansas City Brass. After college, Nick had stints at West Virginia Chaos, Des Moines Menace and Pierce County FC. Nick also played professional indoor soccer for the Tulsa Revolution and currently plays for the Kansas City Comets.

Kenny Mayer, Assistant Coach, Goalkeeper Coach

Hometown: Kansas City                         College: Lindenwood University

This is Kenny's second season with Sunflower State Football Club and his first season coaching in the MASL 3. Mayer is no stranger to the indoor game however. He has been with the Kansas City Comets of the MASL for 8 years now. Helping them win a Championship in 2014. Mayer grew up in the Kansas City area. Where he played with the Olympic Development Program. Attending St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He was a MVP in both Soccer and Tennis. Mayer moved on from there to play collegiate soccer at Lindenwood University in St. Louis. He saw playing time professionally for the Kansas City Wizards now Sporting KC.  Mayer also coaches at the college and semi pro levels. He won a State Title with Cinto Elemento

Ann Murphy, Assistant Coach

Hometown: St. Louis, MO                        College: Missouri Valley College

Coach Ann Murphy holds a USSF "C" license and has been coaching club level youth soccer since 2011. She also holds the Urban Coaching Diploma and is an instructor for the United Soccer Coaches Foundation. From 2013 to 2019, Coach Murphy served as the head coach of the KC Lutheran High School Varsity boys soccer team. In 2015 Coach Murphy was named Coach of the Year by Sporting LS Academy. In 2016, Coach Murphy received the Youth First award from Lees Summit Parks and Recreation. In 2017, Coach Murphy was named Co-Coach of the Year for KC Lutheran's district for the MSHSAA 1A High School Varsity Boys. In 2017, Coach Murphy also was a recipient of the National Positive Coaching Alliance Double-Goal Coaching Award. In 2018, Coach Murphy was named the regional MLS Works Sporting KC Community MVP and received the Kindest Kansas Citian Award from Synergy Services. In 2019, Coach Murphy received the prestigious Yeagley Award during the United Soccer Coaches National Convention.

Competing and serving as a Captain for the KC Courage the last seven years in the WPSL, as well as playing at the NCAA Division 1 and NAIA levels, Coach Murphy brings a wealth of playing experience to others. Coach Murphy is a current player for Sunflower State FC, competing at the UPSL. Coach Murphy attended Saint Louis University as well as Missouri Valley College. While attending Missouri Valley College, Coach Murphy received the "Coaches Award" for the 2005 and 2006 seasons. In 2018 and 2019, Coach Murphy was named one of the WPSL Conference All-Star players. In 2019, Coach Murphy was inducted into the Rockwood Summit High School Hall of Fame. Most recently, Coach Murphy has been honored with also being inducted into the Missouri Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame. 

As the founder and executive director for Youth RISE, Coach Murphy specializes in mentorship and utilizes her love for the game of soccer as a tool to teach and facilitate various life skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem solving, goal setting, pursuing higher education, and resilience in players. Recently, Youth RISE was selected by Relevant Sports as the 2019 Legacy Award recipient for the International Champions Cup. Coach Murphy is a Police Officer with both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Criminal Justice and a PhD in Public Policy & Administration.