NEK soccer
About
NEK Soccer provides a platform for young girls and boys to showcase their soccer skills in a friendly yet competitive homeschool environment. We are excited to continue our tradition of developing not only talented soccer players but also young men and women with strong character. Our focus on integrity, respect, and sportsmanship allows us to deliver an experience for our players that extends beyond the field. We strive to help our athletes build not only physical strength but also spiritual growth. We promise to challenge and encourage every player to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams
Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.
Colossians 3:23
Our Coaches
Matt Mercer
Head Varsity GIrls Soccer Coach
Matt has been active in sports his whole life with playing football, soccer, basketball and tennis throughout K-12 school years. He played on the Emporia State University Men’s Club soccer team as a defender his junior and senior year of college after he transferred from Johnson County Community College.
Matt has a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with major in Mathematics and minor in Psychology from ESU.
Matt and his wife Gretchen have five children – Marianna, Andrew, Mariah, Justin and Monica. They have been homeschooling their children since 2001.
Rich Lorenzo
head Jr High Girls Soccer coach
Rich is an accomplished professional with a background in law, business, and community leadership. Originally from Miami, Florida, the son of a Cuban immigrant who fled a Communist regime, he moved to Douglas County over 29 years ago to attend the University of Kansas. After obtaining both a law degree and an MBA from KU, Rich worked at a large law firm in Kansas City for 3 years before leaving to start a successful financial firm with friends in Lawrence.
In addition to his business ventures, Rich has been actively involved in the Douglas County community, serving on various boards. Ten years ago, Rich left the business world to lead a local non-profit organization that serves college students. He has also dedicated over twenty years to coaching youth sports and mentoring the next generation, making a positive impact on the lives of young people across Douglas County.
Rich and his wife have been married for 21 years and have five children.
Al Barranco
Head Varsity Boys Soccer Coach
Al participated in men’s recreational leagues and trained a National top 40 team from 2002 to 2004. Additionally, he coached various selections such as KSHSAA All-City, All-League, All-Region, and All-State first teams. Al’s main goal was to instill a love for the game of soccer in young individuals and emphasize the importance of teamwork and fair play.
Al grew up in Topeka, KS, where he met his wife, with whom he have been happily married for over 30 years. They have two daughters, both of whom he had the pleasure of coaching in soccer and softball.
Brad Gentry
head Jr High Boys Soccer coach
Trish Stewart
Assistant Coach
Rob Romesburg
Assistant Coach