FRISCO, Texas (January 2, 2018) – West Region ODP names Greg Maas as the West Region Boys ODP Head Coach. This key position calls for an individual with strong leadership abilities and a vision for the Olympic Development Program. We are confident that Coach Maas, with his wealth of knowledge and years of experience, will be instrumental in directing this vital program to the next level.
“Greg Maas brings to US Youth Soccer ODP a high professional standard to coaching. Combined with his deep experience as a high performance player and coach, is his strong commitment to guide others in their soccer careers. Coach Maas will be a fantastic asset to the players and coaches participating in US Youth Soccer ODP in the West Region. I look forward to working with such a trusted colleague,” US Youth Soccer Coaching Director Sam Snow said.
A graduate of the University of Portland, Maas was a four-year, standout goalkeeper for the Pilots and played under legendary coach Clive Charles. Maas made history at his alma mater when he became the first goalkeeper out of the University of Portland to sign a professional contract where he played with FC Portland of the Western Soccer Alliance and the Portland Timbers of the American Professional Soccer League.
As the Technical Director for Utah Youth Soccer from 2001 to 2013, Utah experienced significant growth; doubling its membership from 25,000 to 50,000 members. Under Coach Maas’ direction, the Olympic Development Program flourished growing from one region pool player to 55 region pool players in just the first 5 years of his tenure. Coach Maas recently led the '99 boys ODP team to Utah's first and only US Youth Soccer ODP National Championship.
Maas holds a U.S. Soccer `A' License, U.S. Soccer National Goalkeeper License, U.S. National Youth License, and the NSCAA International Premier Diploma. Coach Maas is also an active National Staff Instructor with U.S. Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and the USC.
In 2013, Maas transitioned to Utah Valley University to become the first-ever head coach for the men’s soccer program. Building this NCAA Division I program from scratch, Maas has led the team to nationally rankings the past three years, and amassing a 45-27-7 record in its first four seasons of existence. Coach Maas has guided the team to the NCAA Tournament, a WAC regular season championship, he was named the WAC Coach of the Year, and was also recognized as one of the Top 10 coaches in Division I soccer by TopDrawerSoccer.com.
“The West Region has long been the standard for ODP on the national landscape, and it’s an honor and privilege to now lead and help to further our legacy moving forward,” Head Coach Greg Maas said. “Strategic planning and new collaborative programming will enhance the player development pathway and professional growth of technical staff at the state, region, and national levels — the future of ODP is more exciting than ever."
In addition to naming the Boys ODP Region Head Coach, West Region General Manager Marley Wilson has appointed Matt Broadhead as the Boys ODP Assistant Coach. Coach Broadhead has been with the Region ODP program since 2009 and was most recently assigned as the 2002 Boys Head Coach. He has coached for over 16 years and currently holds a U.S. Soccer ‘B’ License. Broadhead is a highly respected coach best known for his ability to identify, develop, and place players at the collegiate level. Broadhead enjoyed a solid professional career where he played for the Utah Freezz, San Diego Sockers, and the Utah Blitzz. Broadhead resides in Midvale, Utah where his is the Director of Coaching for AFC Apex.
“We are currently at a time where the evolution of soccer in the United States is rapidly evolving faster than ever before,” Assistant Coach Matt Broadhead said. “With several ambitious goals that have been set, I truly believe that we will take the West Region ODP Boys Program to new heights, and I look forward to immediately getting to work with our players and coaches."
Coach Maas and Coach Broadhead will begin their transition into these new roles with the West Region at the upcoming ODP Championships January 5-8, 2018 in Phoenix, AZ at Reach 11 Sports Complex.