Washington Spirit Announces Reserves Coaching Staff and Roster
Washington, D.C., (05/17/2022) – The Washington Spirit Reserves team is officially back for the first time since 2019 after the program was put on pause due to COVID-related restrictions. The roster will consist of 32 top Division I college players from the DMV area. A full training program will occur this summer, overseen by the first team coaching staff. A full roster can be seen below.
The 2022 Reserves coaching staff will consist of head coach George Hales, assistant coach Michele Rodriguez-Smith and goalkeeper coach Alyssa Whitehead.
George Hales, Michele Rodriguez-Smith and Alyssa Whitehead each bring impressive professional experience to the Reserves squad and aim to create a competitive and professional training environment. Reserve players will be held to the same standards as the first team. Hales previously spent five years with the Spirit in multiple roles, from assistant technical director to Reserves assistant coach.
Reserves Roster:
| GK | Cayla White |
| GK | Celia Braun |
| GK | Marisa Shockrock |
| GK | Suzanne Shobeiri |
| D | Brenda Aleman |
| D | Claire Constant |
| D | Grace Franklin |
| D | Laila Booker |
| D | Lauren Flynn |
| D | MK Barnes |
| D | Victoria Gillis |
| D | Victoria Haugen |
| D | Virginia De La Cruz |
| D | Zara Chavoshi |
| F | Alice Walker |
| F | Angela Caloia |
| F | Brina Micheels |
| F | Carrie McIntire |
| F | Ellie Wheeler |
| F | Erika Harwood |
| F | Leyah Hall-Robinson |
| M | Alexis Theoret |
| M | Cami Taylor |
| M | Eliza Turner |
| M | Jordan Felton |
| M | Julia Leas |
| M | Kayleigh Shackford |
| M | Kenna Zier |
| M | Lacey McCormack |
| M | Lauren Teuschl |
| M | Lily Render |
| M | Natalie Wilson |
About George Hales
George Hales previously worked with the Washington Spirit for five years, serving in roles from assistant technical director to Reserves assistant coach. Upon leaving the Spirit, Hales became the Academy Director at Virginia-based girls academy Metro United, a position he held until rejoining Washington. Hales also brings experience coaching youth club, high school, college club and futsal teams among others to his role. George holds a USC Premier Diploma, USC Futsal License, USSF A License and Master’s degree in business administration.
About Michele Rodriguez-Smith
Michele Rodriguez-Smith joins the Spirit Reserves after working as the Girls Director at Washington Capital United and in various Division I college programs including William & Mary and Notre Dame of Maryland. Her expertise at the youth level comes through head coaching positions with U.S. Youth Soccer National, Elite Development Programs and Elite Clubs National League programs. On top of her coaching experience, Michele has worked with U.S. Soccer as a scout, identifying and tracking top talent for the U18-U20 national teams. Michele also holds a Master’s degree in sport administration, a Bachelor’s degree in behavioral and social sciences and a USSF C License.
About Alyssa Whitehead
Alyssa Whitehead brings extensive playing and coaching experiences to the Reserves. Before coaching, Alyssa put together a decorated playing career at Samford University. Breaking all school goalkeeping records, Alyssa became the first soccer player to be named to the Samford Hall of Fame. Upon turning pro, Alyssa played for the USL W-League’s Charlotte Lady Eagles, two Swedish clubs and the Jamaican women’s national team. She continues to work as a staff member and goalkeeper coach with the Jamaican Football Federation with both the youth and top women’s national teams. Alyssa holds a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and a USSF C License.
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