MARK HARRISON, MLS NEXT DIRECTOR

Mark Harrison, originally from Glasgow, Scotland, is a seasoned soccer coach and the current Boys ECNL Director at ALBION SC Colorado. With a deep passion for player development and a wealth of international experience, Mark is dedicated to fostering excellence both on and off the field. His coaching journey, which spans multiple top-tier soccer clubs in the U.S., has been marked by his ability to push athletes to reach their full potential while emphasizing hard work, resilience, and a continued love for the game.

Mark’s playing career was accompanied by an academic path that led him to Cumberland University in Tennessee, where he earned his BSc in Health & Human Performance (2014). During his collegiate playing years at Cumberland, he was recognized as an All-Conference Soccer Team Selection in the Mid-South Conference, further solidifying his understanding of the game and its demands. He also holds a Master’s in Sport Management (2016), which has given him a well-rounded perspective on both the technical and administrative sides of soccer.

After moving to Colorado in 2016 to pursue soccer full-time, Mark quickly became a key figure in youth soccer. He began as a Director of Coaching at Trebol Soccer Club, where he honed his leadership and teaching skills. Mark’s next step saw him become the Boys 11-14 Academy Director for FC Boulder, followed by the Boys 11-19 Academy Director role at Boulder County United. In 2024, he joined ALBION SC Colorado, where he now leads the Boys ECNL program, further cementing his impact on soccer development in the region.

Mark is a USSF A-Youth License holder, a USSF B Coach Educator, and has completed the USC Advanced National Diploma, along with the Scottish FA Youth Badges 1-4. His educational and coaching credentials reflect his commitment to staying at the forefront of coaching methodology and player development.

Mark’s coaching philosophy centers around helping athletes become comfortable with being uncomfortable, encouraging them to embrace adversity on the pitch. He believes that growth comes from stepping outside of one's comfort zone, whether it's pushing through challenging moments in a match or by setting standards and competing in the training environment.

Now residing in Erie with his Bostonian wife, Reilly, and their "wee dug," Scotia, Mark brings a bit of Glasgow's green and white spirit to the pitch every day. His goal is to continue developing players, creating opportunities, and shaping quality humans as they move onto their next chapters in life.

STEPHANIE HEMPEN, GA DIRECTOR

Stephanie Hempen grew up in Palos Verdes Estates in California where she played soccer for Southern Cal Blues and represented Palos Verdes High School while earning a selection to the California Regional ODP team. Hempen would continue her career professionally for Ajax Women where she won the US Open Cup’s National Championship and the Raleigh Wings winning the W-League. These successful seasons would earn her a spot on the U.S Soccer Women’s National B-Team. She would later earn a World Master’s Games Gold Medal in 2017 in Auckland for Soccer.

Hempen has coached at Ajax Youth Club, South Torrance High School, UC Irvine, College of William and Mary, Duke University, North Carolina ODP before coming to Boulder County. During this time, she has been awarded her USSF A License, USC Advanced National, Me-Mentor Certification, Personal-Trainer Certification, TRX Certification, held EMT Certification, and is now actively pursuing her CTL-1 Certification. Hempen has also been awarded BSCS Coach of the Year, WPSL Coach of the Year, and a nomination for Colorado Coach of the Year due to her dedication in the sport.

Stephanie Hempen aims to teach life’s skills in an environment where the players will continue to grow through a positive, safe and enjoyable experience. Hempen has previously worked as a ski patroller at Aspen Highlands, has 2 Children: Lucas 23, who just graduated Pacific Lutheran after playing 4 years of soccer, and Emma 25 who lives and works in the Boulder Community. She is married to Bill Hempen who is on staff as the 2011 GA coach, and loves to travel to broaden life’s perspective.