Coaching Staff

Rob Battisson

Rob Battisson brings over 10 years of coaching and 17 years of competitive playing experience to Cleveland FC. In his second season as an assistant coach at Akron, Battisson was hired in March 2007.

Battisson served as head men’s coach at Division II Chowan University (N.C.) during the 2005-06 season. Prior to his time at Chowan, he was assistant women’s coach at D-II Northwest Missouri State from 2003-05. Additionally, Battisson served as a girl’s staff coach for the Kansas City Olympic Development Program in 2004 and was camp director of Joe Machnik’s No. 1 Soccer Camps from 2000-04.

As a student-athlete, Battisson was a three-year captain at D-II Lock Haven University in Lock Haven, Pa., where he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in English literature. He earned a master of arts degree from Northwest Missouri State in 2005.

Doug Coreno

Doug's coaching experience includes:

Four years head coach for Berea's boys varsity team, in which he coached the team to the first regional semi-finals in school history.

Three years head coach for J.F. Barnes Academy boys varsity team. In 1999 he coached the team to the state quarter finals, and in 2000 he coached the team to the state semi-finals.
Doug is currently the Medina High School head coach.

Doug's playing experience includes:

Scholarship athlete, starter as a freshman at Francis Marion University (NCAA Division II)He played for three years before multiple ACL injuries put an end to his playing career.

Benny Dargle

Benny's coaching experience includes:

15 years director - soccer camp. Head Coach - Brunswick High School, Magnificant High School, and Midpark High School receiving "Coach of the Year". Head Coach for the Canton Invaders. Assistant Coach for Ashland University.

Benny's playing experience includes:

College - University of Akron

Professional - (outdoor) Cleveland Cobras, Seattle Sounders, Detroit Express, and Washington Diplomats.

Cleveland Force (MVP 1985-86), Cleveland Crunch, and the Canton Invaders.

Pete Demonte

Pete's coaching experience includes:

Pete holds a USSF C License

Head coach for the Strongsville JV boys team

Assistant coach for the Strongsville varsity team. Pete was named Ohio Assistant Coach of the year by the Ohio Soccer Coach's association.

Pete's playing experience includes:

North Royalton High School varsity all four years.

Baldwin Wallace College started all four years.

Nick Heyniger

Nick's coaching experience includes:

Austintown Fitch HS{Youngstown, OH}- Boys assistant {1988-99}
Firestone HS{Akron, OH}- Boys/girls assistant {1992-94}
Director, Strongsville Goalkeeping Acadamy {2007-present}
Staff coach, Strongsville HS Girls soccer program {2008-present}

Nick's playing experience includes:

Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS-Washington, DC {MD state champions '80, '82, '83}
NorthWest Soccer Club-Washington, DC {McGuire Cup '81, '83}
Allegheny College-Meadville, PA {D-III}

Brian Jankowski

Brian's coaching experience includes:

West Michigan Edge Y League and the Strongsville Soccer Club

Coached the 92-93 girls during their U13 year. The girls won their third State Cup championship and were Regional Semi-finalist that year!

Brian's playing experience includes:

Over the years, Brian has played at all levels of soccer. He played professionally with the West Michigan Edge (2002-2003) where he led the team in game winning goals. He was a scholarship athlete at Mercyhurst College. He was named Freshman of the Year and went to went to the NCAA Final Four in 1998. He was the captain of the team in his Senior year. Brian played for Strongsville High School and was the captain of the 1997 State Championship team. He also was on the ODP Ohio North State teams from U16 through U18.

Ross Nicol

Ross' coaching experience includes:

Ross holds a USSF B License and USSF National Youth License

Worked for Challenger British Soccer for 2 years in New England, Ohio and Texas coaching for premiere clubs in Connecticut and Texas. He directed soccer camps in the above states for challenger British soccer. Ross was the Wadsworth amateur soccer association "club trainer" for 3 years. He also has a Scottish Football Association Kids and youth coaching badges and club coach certificate.

HND in sports coaching with development in sport (Glasgow college of nautical studies)

Ross' playing experience includes:

Ross has been playing since the age of 4. He was captain of the Milngavie Boys Club Amateur FC 3 years 9-12 - then was scouted for the Glasgow Celtic Youth Academy 2 years 12-14. Also played golf for Scotland for 4 years

Joachim Walker

Joachim played professionally with the Indiana Invaders (2003), where he started and achieved success as a forward. He was a scholarship athlete at both Mercyhurst College and Cleveland State University. At Cleveland State University he was named the Horizon League's Newcomer of the Year. While growing up in the Cleveland area, Joachim played for Bay Village High School and Ohio Premier. He was also a member of the Ohio North ODP State Team from U-14 - U-18.