Management

Christopher Campasano

President & Founder

Chris is a highly-respected sports professional in local, regional & international circles, within the football (soccer) community. He is the President and Founder of several sport focused companies, including Passing Hope, a non-profit charity that works with those who are either economically or physically challenged through The Beautiful Game and has been working in Haiti and with the less fortunate since 2010. He has held executive positions with several companies, including a leading design and marketing company based in NYC and has worked directly with Fortune 500 companies manage their branding and marketing collateral. He has also been instrumental in the launch of various sports properties, including the Texas Pro Soccer Festival, a 4 team Major League Soccer pre-season training and pre-season tournament. Chris was also been a key member of several expansion groups looking to obtain a professional soccer franchise.

Chris started his career in the sports industry as the Operations Manager of the High Altitude Sports Training Complex (HASTC) in Flagstaff, Arizona, which was the preferred high training facility for elite athletes, including national teams from various sports, such as the Australian National Swimming Team, US National Swimming Team, Dutch Rowing Federation, German U15 National Team, Canadian U15 National Team, and many others. The athletes that trained at this facility amassed over 215 Olympic Medals and numerous World Championships in their respective sports. Chris’ educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from Arizona State University, and a Masters in Organizational Management from The University of Phoenix. Chris is married with two children and resides in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Mark Lincir

Sr. Director of Recruiting

Mark is a former professional soccer player, having played three seasons in the United Soccer League. He played four years of college soccer at Cal State University Dominguez Hills where he was a two-time All-Conference selection and a three-time Academic All-American. He was also named the CSUDH Male Scholar Athlete of the Year for three consecutive years.

Mark is currently one of the longest tenured Directors of Coaching in the State of Arizona, a position he has held for almost 20 years with the Fountain Hills Soccer Club, and has run hundreds of weeks of soccer camps during his years as a professional soccer trainer and has also taken youth teams to participate in European tournaments. He has coached at the club, high school and junior college levels and holds a USSF “B” National Coaching License. He has coached many future collegiate, pro, and even national team players, including:

Tony Cascio – University of Connecticut & Houston Dynamo
Jason Cascio – Seattle University & Seattle Sounders
Kiersten Dallstream – Washington State University, Seattle Reign, & US Women’s U20 | U23 Teams
Kayla Pedersen – Stanford University & Connecticut Sun (Women’s National Basketball Association)

Mark is also an accomplished journalist, author and blogger as he has written for numerous football magazines, including 90:00 Magazine, and has written several books in the soccer genre including “A Soccer Life in Shorts.”, “The Gift of Stoppage Time”, and co-authored “How to Prepare for a College Soccer Career”. Mark lives in Gilbert, AZ with his wife and son.

Our Experts

Allen Hopkins

Performance Specialist

Allen Hopkins enjoyed a highly successful collegiate soccer career at Westmont College in Santa Barbara – the NAIA’s all-time most successful men’s soccer program. Allen continued his playing career as a professional in both the 3rd (USISL) and 2nd Divisions (A- League) in the US and also coached college soccer at both the NCAA Division I and NAIA level. Allen continues to work at the grassroots level of coaching and was honored as the 2010 Cal South Nike Developmental Soccer Coach of the Year. He has not only worked as a leading broadcast personality on Fox, NBC and ESPN, he also has vast experience working with NCAA College Football National Champions, Florida State University, Texas A&M University Athletic Department, Major League Soccer, and was an advisor and member of Jürgen Klinsmann’s staff with the US Men’s National Team. Allen will be working with Ethos College assisting our athletes with some of the most crucial parts of the recruiting process and during their career as a collegiate-athlete, as well as identifying potential recruits within his network.

Thomas Alward, Ed.D.

Director of Academics

Dr. Alward has been involved in Higher Education during his nearly 20 year career in the field. Dr. Alward has worked and taught for several University and/or Colleges, including the University of Phoenix, Kaplan Higher Education, and Corinthian Colleges. During his time in the industry he also has held management and C-Level positions, including Academic Counselor, Director of Student Retention, and Academic Dean. His experience and knowledge in this field will provide Ethos College a depth of insight and guidance on the academic needs and pathway for each of our student-athletes. Dr. Alward holds a B.S. Degree in Communications at Arizona State University, M.A. in Organizational Leadership at University of Phoenix, and a Ed.D in Organizational Leadership from NorthCentral University

Recruiting Directors

Ryan Shiffman

Recruiting Director - New Zealand

Ryan graduated from West Genesee High School where he was a New York State Section III Champion in 2002. He is a graduate of Niagara University where he played his freshman season for Niagara’s D1 Men’s soccer team
before deciding to get fully involved in coaching. Ryan is currently the Director of Coaching for Ellerslie AFC in Auckland, New Zealand. This is one of the biggest clubs in the country with over 1000 players 5-19 years old. In the last 5 years, Ryan has coached players who have gone on to play in the US college system, become a contracted professional player, and players who have been selected for the U17, U20, Men’s and Women’s National Team for New Zealand.

Tom Shaw

Recruiting Director | Wales

Tom played with the Welsh Schools Football Association and Aberystwyth Town FC. He started his journey in the US at nationally ranked, Barton Community College where he is still one of the all time assist leaders at the school and had all region and conference honors. He then transferred to Adelphi University where he helped the Panthers win their regular season and tournament championships. After the 2010-11 season, he transferred again to St Peter’s University where he finished career making 17 appearances and played in the MAAC Tournament in Orlando, Florida. After college, he played for the Nashville Metros in the USL Premier Development League for the Nashville Metros and became an assistant coach for St. Peter’s University, in which he was responsible for the team’s recruiting.

Nick Webster

Recruiting Director| California

Nick Webster is a former coach at Occidental College (NCAA Division III), in Los Angeles, where he helped lead the team to a 2nd place finish in the SCIAC. He then became the Head Boys Soccer Coach at Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, CA, and Head Girls Coach at Beverly Hills High School in Los Angeles. Webster is currently the Head Boy’s Soccer Coach at Windward School in Los Angeles, California and 1st Team Coach for Cal FC, a high level amateur club in the United States Adult Soccer Association, under the management of former US Men’s National Team player, Eric Wynalda. In May 2012 he coached Cal FC to an historic feat in the US Open Cup as they became the first amateur club to defeat an MLS team (Portland Timbers) in the Open era.

John Barata

Recruiting Director | Massachussets

John played college soccer at Assumption College (NCAA D2) in Worcester, MA where he was the Captain of the Men’s Soccer Team from 1997-1999. He was an All-New England All-Star selection in 1999 and was a three time member of the NE-10 All-Conference Team. John received the highest athletic accolade from the college — The Premier Male Senior Student-Athlete Award — as well as defensive, offensive, and most valuable player of the year awards. He was inducted in the Assumption College Hall of Fame in October 2011. John also trained briefly with the New England Revolution and Portuguese club, Benfica. He currently is the Director of Coach and Player Development for Easton Soccer.

Niko Alexopoulos

Recruiting Director | New Jersey

Niko was a four year starter for his high school’s varsity team, and earned a scholarship to play college soccer at Davis & Elkins University (NCAA Division II). At age 19 he took a shot at going back to Europe and trying his hand a professional football and was successful as he received offers from a couple of second division teams as well as from Olympiakos F.C., in which he played on both an amateur and professional contract. Niko transitioned into the corporate world becoming a Mortgage Banker, but his love for football continued as he continued to play in the semi-pro leagues around New York and New Jersey. He is the President and founder of the soccer-focused company, SoccerSkillz, and is the New Jersey Academy Owner and Director of Just4Keepers. He is also involved with several local youth clubs and select programs in New Jersey as a Coach and Trainer.

Ray Lyngdoh

Recruiting Director | India

Ray is a graduate of Anderson University and holds a Bachelors Degree in Sociology (and minor in Athletic Coaching). He is familiar with the college recruiting process, as he was slated to play college soccer for Anderson University, but decided to focus his attention entirely on studies and opted to play for the University’s Club Rugby Team. Ray has extensive experience various industries, including the NGO | Non Profit sector, in which he worked with World Vision International, focusing on Child Relief and Development projects as part of their North Korean Office. His brother, Donald, played soccer at the NCAA D3 region and also is the Athletic Director for an international school in Qingdao, China.

Jennifer Womack-Michelsen

Recruiting Director | California

Jennifer won a NCAA Division II National Championship with Cal State Dominguez Hills in 1991. She was a three time captain (1991-1994) who had All Conference Honors, as well as CSUDH Senior Scholar/Athlete of the Year award in1994 (Most Valuable Player Award) and is still the #2 all time assist leader at the school. Prior to her collegiate career, she was one of the top prep (high school) prospects in San Diego, being recruiting by United States International University, Chapman University, University of California – Berkeley, and CSUDH. Prior to her collegiate career, she was one of the top prep (high school) prospects in San Diego, being recruiting by United States International University, Chapman University, University of California – Berkeley, and CSUDH.

John Plaugic

Recruiting Director | New Jersey

Plaugic played goalkeeper for one season at Monmouth University (NCAA D1) and then finished his collegiate career at Caldwell College (NCAA DII) College. At Caldwell College, Plaugic was a 3 year starting goalkeeper, team captain, 2009 Regular Season CACC Champion and a two time All-CACC selection for the Cougars. Plaugic was a graduate of Kearny High School, and a 2002 NJSIAA Boys Group IV State Champion at Kearny. Plaugic previously was a staff member for Red Bull NY Regional Developmental School (RDS) as the Head Goalkeeper Coach at the Pre-Academy level. Plaugic was the Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach at St. Benedict’s Preparatory School, widely recognized as one of the top H.S. Boys Soccer program in the US, and has trained GK at Rosenborg Football Club in Norway.

Darren O’Connor

Recruiting Director | Ireland

Darren played for several youth teams in Ireland and the UK, including Lakewood Athletic FC (where he was named Cork Schoolboys League Overall Player of the Year) , Colchester United, and Cork City FC. and won a Youth Olympic Bronze Medal with the Ireland National Team. Darren started his collegiate career at the University of Texas at Brownsville (NAIA) and led the Scorpions to a Red River Athletic Conference Championship. Darren transferred to NCAA Division I program, the University of Delaware, and made the All-Tournament and All-Conference team in 2010, and Captained the Blue Hens to the Colonial Conference Champions in 2011. Darren made the Regional All-American team, All-Conference, and Playoff All-Tournament Team. Darren also played for Reading United in thee USL Premier Development League.

Our Scouts

Kely Jacobson

Soccer Scout

Kely played at Cal State University, Chico (NCAA D2) from 1991-1994 and was named 1st Team All-America in 1993. He played professionally in Germany, Holland, Zimbabwe, South Africa, USA, Australia & Peru. He was also a member of the US Beach Soccer Team from 1997-2000. He coached with two top soccer clubs in California, the Santa Cruz Cartel and the San Diego Surf Academy, & currently teaches and coaches in Seoul, South Korea.

Camille Smith

Volleyball Scout

Camille was an standout player for Cal State San Bernadino (NCAA D2), where she was a 4 time AVCA All-American, 3 time All-CCAA, and Daktronics West Region Honorable Mention athlete. She led the team in aces in 2012, and is the #7 all time Dig leader and #5 all time assist leader at the school. After graduation, Camille has experience coaching volleyball at The Webb School, St Lucy Priory High School, and Capistrano Valley High School in California.

Brad Keller

Recruit Placement

Brad played college soccer at the University of Washington (NCAA D1), where he played every game in his 4 year career. He made Pac-10 All-American Honorable Mention his Sophomore Year, and was named Pac-10 Player of the Week. He was also co-captain his Senior year and made the Pac-10 All-Academic 2nd Team. Brad played professionally in Mexico and the US and currently coaches at Sereno Soccer Club in Phoenix, AZ.

Julia Bazi

Soccer Scout - Women

Julia was an All-American, All-conference and All region player at Martin Methodist College (NAIA), where she won 4 conference championships, 2 regional championships and 2 national championships while being captain. She is also a member of the Australian Women’s National Team, played professionally in Iceland, Australia, Canada and the US and is the Assistant Coach at St. Peters University (NCAA D1)

Kyle Segebart

Soccer Scout

Kyle played for University of Rio Grande (NAIA), won the Region IX title & advanced to the national tournament. He moved to Cedarville University (NCAA D2) & made the All-AMC South Division 2nd Team. Kyle played with the Cincinnati Kings, Mississippi Brilla FC & Cascade Surge (PDL) and played pro in New Zealand. He coached at the University of Dayton, Midland University, and currently is Asst. Coach at Saginaw Valley State University

Chris Langdon

Tennis & Golf Scout

Chris was a three time Big Sky Conference tennis champion with Boise State University (NCAA D1) He went on to play on the pro tour against some of the best in the game, including Stephan Edberg & Andre Agassi. Chris returned to Boise State as Head Tennis Coach from 1986-1989. He owns the Arizona Tennis & Golf Academy, a member of the USTA & USRSA, and has studied under Jerry Breaux, former pro golfer on the PGA and Senior Tour.

Maury (Mo) Samilton

Basketball Scout

Mo played college basketball at Foothill Junior College (NJCAA), where he was named a Junior College All-American and broke 12 scoring records, then transferred to Boise State University (NCAA D1). He played professional basketball in Australia and tried out with the Chicago Bulls. He has coached at the High School and College level and currently is a Coach and Athletic Director at Precision High School in Phoenix, AZ

Ethos College also has experts in a variety of other sport that work closely with us to assess those athletes looking at other sports in the US College System including:

Rowing: Former NCAA Division I Men’s Rower
Swimming: Former NCAA Division I Women’s Swimmer
Baseball: Former NCAA Division I and Major League Baseball Coach

We want to ensure that we will have success with every athlete that works with us, so our pre-assessment process not only confirms that our recruits can play at the college level, it also identifies what level it ultimately will be.