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Alexis Vizarelis named Goalkeeper Coach for Energy FC

By Josh Evans, 01/09/18, 1:00PM CST

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Energy FC announced today the addition of Alexis Vizarelis to the coaching staff of Head Coach Steve Cooke. 

Most recently, Vizarelis served as goalkeeper coach for the University of Oklahoma women’s soccer team.  During his first season at OU, he helped lead the team to a program-record 14 wins, its first-ever win in the NCAA Championship and helped goalkeeper Kassidie Stade to a school record nine shutouts.

Prior to joining the staff at OU, Vizarelis worked as an assistant coach of the men’s and women’s teams at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) for 14 seasons.  During his tenure at USAO, he won 10 different Sooner Athletic Conference titles and nine trips to the NAIA National Championships.

In addition to his strength as a coach in the collegiate ranks, he has enjoyed success at the youth competitive level in Oklahoma City as the Director of Goalkeeping at OFC since 2005.  He has acted as head coach of several teams that have won state championships, led teams to top-three finishes in the Premier League West and was named 2016 Oklahoma Soccer Association Girl’s Competitive Coach of the Year.  He also has experience with NASL and WPSL teams.

“I am delighted to add Alexis to the Energy FC coaching staff. The combination of his international experience, high-level coaching credentials and his wealth of OKC community knowledge makes Alexis perfect for our club,” said Head Coach Steve Cooke.  “He will be instrumental in the training and peformances of our senior goalkeepers and play a big role in the development of our young academy players.  I’m excited to begin our preseason program with our coaching staff and I know Alexis will be a central part of our daily planning and long-term vision.”

Before turning to coaching, Vizarelis, a five-time member of the USAO Honor Roll, graduated from USAO with a Bachelor of Science in physical education and Bachelor of Arts in Communications.  As a player, he is one of the most decorated goalkeepers in USAO’s history, at one time holding every school goalkeeping record.  He notched 21 clean sheets and was inducted into the Drover’s Hall of Fame in 2006.

“It did not take long to decide to join the team.  Energy FC is an established team with an amazing fan base that is committed to providing excellence both on and off the field,” said Vizarelis.  “Thanks to Steve, Tim McLaughlin, Bob Funk Jr. and Jason Hawkins and the Energy FC staff for this opportunity.  I am motivated to be part of this team’s bright future.  I believe with my knowledge of goalkeeping, I can impact all goalkeepers at the club from the first team to teams playing with OEFC.”

A native of Chemsford, Essex, Vizarelis holds his USSF “A” License.  He and his wife Janice have two children, Dimitri Cruz and Darci Mae.

With Energy FC, he will serve as Goalkeeper Coach for the first team and the club’s Director of Goalkeeping. 

Energy FC has 13 players officially signed and under contract for the 2018 season including: forwards Miguel Gonzalez, Jose Angulo and Jonathan Brown; midfielders Juan Pablo Guzman, Jose Barril, Philip Rasmussen, Callum Ross and Alex Dixon as well as defenders Kyle Hyland, Richard Dixon, Shawn McLaws and Coady Andrews and goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel.

Become a Season Member with Energy FC for as little as $10 per month.  Call 235-KICK (5425) to learn more.