ABOUT RACHEL: FOUNDER/ TRAINER, MENTAL TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Rachel Wood is a former professional soccer player for the Boston Breakers in the NWSL. Prior to her career in the NWSL, she player professionally for HK/Vikingur in Iceland. She played collegiately for the University of North Carolina Tarheels for three years where she won 2 NCAA National Championships and finished her senior season close to home at UC Irvine.

Rachel grew up in Southern California and played at the highest level of competition from a very young age. She played for the well known club, Slammers FC. She was also a member of the Aliso Niguel High School Varsity team, Parade All-American, Region IV ODP team, and the U-17 and U-20 National Teams.

Rachel has experienced the joy of earning two national championships and playing in a positive environment. But, she has also experienced the challenges presented by illness, injury, and less than positive coaching. She takes very seriously the responsibility to give back and help young players reach their potential.  She is a sought after trainer for female and male soccer players at every level from youth through college athletes.

In 2013, Rachel received her degree in Psychology and Social Behavior. Summit Soccer has been the perfect marriage of Rachel’s passions for people and sports. It has given her an outlet to grow and developing people and, in turn, athletes.

**PLEASE NOTE ALL OF OUR TRAINERS ARE CORI’D AND ARE FULLY TRAINED IN THE SUMMIT STYLE OF POSITIVE COACHING, TEACHING PROPER TECHNIQUE AND OPERATE UNDER THE PRINCIPLES OF WORKING HARD, HAVING FUN AND MAINTAINING A HIGH LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM!**

A note from Rachel:

“I know what it takes physically and mentally to get to the top. However, this game has also given me the ability to completely and authentically empathize with and understand every single one of my players and the situations they face. Summit has given me a positive avenue to help me heal my past: to heal my past traumas, my past hurts and my past negativity I faced while playing this beautiful game.

That is why , at Summit, all of our trainers are former players. All trainers are educated in Summit’s Positive Coaching Curriculum. We coach the way we wanted and needed to be coached; with encouragement, information and belief. The very definition of coaching is: to guide and lead a person in the pursuit of personal or professional goals. We are constantly learning HOW each player needs to be guided so that he/she can each have as much personal success as he/she can.

Each day, the Summit Squad learns from our players, and we are grateful for all the gifts soccer has given to us. Come join our Squad on an awesome journey of curiosity, positivity and amazing athletic and emotional adventures! Let’s do this thing!!!”

 


About Rachel B: Expert Trainer (Due to NCAA regulations Rachel can only work with players 8th grade and younger)

Rachel Bloznalis returned to her alma mater as an assistant coach for Boston University women’s soccer in 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience from both collegiate and professional play. As a standout defender for the Terriers, she earned three Patriot League championships, was twice named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, and appeared on the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List in 2017. After graduation, she represented the United States on the U23 Women’s National Team, helping the squad win the 2018 Nordic Tournament, before embarking on a four-year professional career in Sweden, where she served as co-captain for both Umeå IK and Djurgårdens IF.

In her first season on staff, Bloznalis helped guide BU to an undefeated Patriot League record (5-0-4), culminating in the program’s fifth Patriot League title and 14th overall conference championship. The Terriers advanced past top-seeded Bucknell in the final via penalty kicks and continued their tradition of excellence under her leadership. Seven players earned All-Patriot League honors in 2024, including First Team selections Giulianna Gianino and Margy Porta, while Gianino and Morgan Fagan were recognized for their academic success.

Prior to her full-time role, Bloznalis served as a volunteer assistant coach with BU and as an assistant coach with New England Futbol Club. A native of Upton, Mass., she brings her experience of the game to Summit Soccer with the hopes of developing the passion and joy of the next generation of female soccer players.

**Please note we do not allow scheduling of privates or groups more than 30 days in advance. If you’re looking for a date outside that time limit, please check back in close to date of the desired session!


About Mary: Expert Trainer (All Ages) - STARTS MAY 12TH!

Mary Shimko ’14, head coach of Brandeis University women’s soccer since 2020, has steadily built a reputation as one of the top young coaches in collegiate soccer. A former four-year starter and team captain at Brandeis, Shimko helped lead the Judges to the NCAA Elite Eight in 2012 and was honored with the James McCully ’86 Award for her leadership and sportsmanship. Since transitioning to the sidelines, she’s added to her impressive resume by earning her USSF B License and completing the United Soccer Coaches Coach Credentialing Program in 2024.

Under her leadership, Brandeis has reached new heights, including a national ranking of 18th in 2023 and multiple postseason and academic accolades for her student-athletes. That year alone, two players earned Academic All-District honors, two were named All-Region, and ten were recognized for academic excellence. Shimko’s impact has been consistent since her first season on the field in 2021, which ended with an NCAA tournament appearance and a top-25 national ranking, and she has coached multiple All-Americans, including Juliette Carreiro ’22, a two-time Academic All-American and NCAA Woman of the Year nominee.

Shimko began her coaching career with assistant roles at Smith College and Holy Cross and led club teams at the New England Football Club before returning to Brandeis as an assistant in 2017. From 2017 to 2019, she helped guide the Judges to a 35-17-4 record and back-to-back NCAA appearances. Since becoming just the second head coach in program history, Shimko has combined a strong competitive vision with a commitment to academic and personal development, making her a standout leader in Division III soccer and a valuable addition to our Summit Squad.

**Please note we do not allow scheduling of privates or groups more than 30 days in advance. If you’re looking for a date outside that time limit, please check back in close to date of the desired session!


About Stuart: Professional Trainer (all ages)

Stuart McKenzie brings a strong blend of coaching experience, educational expertise, and a passion for player development to the Summit Squad. He has an extensive soccer background including the Dana Hall Varsity Assistant Coach in 2023 and was the Assistant Coach at Amherst College in 2017. He now currently serves as the Head JV Soccer Coach and a chemistry teacher at Dana Hall School.

Stuart began his soccer journey in Austin, Texas, playing at the club level with Lonestar SC, and later honed his coaching skills at Amherst College, where he coached the men’s club team and served as an assistant coach for both the Men’s and Women’s soccer varsity programs. He is most passionate about focusing on and developing technical skills for players.

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Stuart is a third-generation educator who believes in the power of sport to help players grow both on and off the field. With years of experience coaching at both the prep school and collegiate level, he is committed to helping athletes express themselves through their play and refine their skills with intention.

At Summit, we believe in the power of strong female coaches, but also showing players they can be coached by safe, kind men. Stuart is a highly qualified coach and an even better human being. His thoughtful, development-focused approach makes him a valuable addition to the Summit Soccer team.

**Please note we do not allow scheduling of privates or groups more than 30 days in advance. If you’re looking for a date outside that time limit, please check back in close to date of the desired session!


About Katerina: Professional GK Trainer (all ages)

Katerina Hassapis, grew up in North Reading, MA where she played for Aztec Soccer, as well as Varsity Girls Soccer and Basketball for North Reading Highschool. Before Bentley University Katerina was named the 2015 & 2016 Cape Ann League Player of the Year … three-time, first team Cape Ann League All-Star selection … North Reading’s team MVP in 2015 & 2016, and a Boston Globe All-Scholastic selection those years as well … named both All-State and an Eastern Mass. All-Star for 2016 season … served as team captain at both NR and for club team Aztec.

Her first year at Bentley, she was named to the Northeast-10 All-Rookie team ... also named second team All-New England. Katerina went on to help lead Bentley to their highest regular season ranking in program history leading to their first ever NCAA appearance in 2021. She was named 2nd team All-Northeast-10 Conference … voted to the NE10 Academic All-Conference team … also named first team All-New England by the NEWISA … started all 20 matches Bentley played … led the NE10 with eight shutouts … part of a defensive effort that contributed to a 531 minute shutout streak that spanned five-plus games … also part of a group that conceded just one goal in an eight game stretch from …

In 2020 won The Edward J. Powers Award as Bentley's Outstanding Senior Scholar-Athlete ... earned the Academic Achievement Award from the Div. 2 Athletic Directors Association.. and captained her team in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Katerina is an active player in the EMWSL, a player for the Boston Dream, a North Reading Youth Soccer Volunteer, and a coach/volunteer for the TOP Soccer Program.

**Please note we do not allow scheduling of privates or groups more than 30 days in advance. If you’re looking for a date outside that time limit, please check back in close to date of the desired session!


About Juliet: Professional Trainer (all ages)

Juliet Moncho brings a wealth of soccer experience and a deep passion for player development to Summit Soccer. A standout player in her youth, Juliet competed at the highest levels of club soccer with FC Dallas and Oklahoma City Energy before being recruited to play NCAA Division I soccer at Dartmouth College. As a member of the Class of 2023, she showcased her versatility on the field, excelling as both a right winger and a center back during her collegiate career. This unique understanding of multiple positions equips Juliet to train players across a variety of roles with exceptional insight and expertise.

Driven by a dual passion for soccer and science, Juliet relocated to Boston to pursue orthopedic research and academic studies at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Her dedication to the game extends beyond her playing days; Juliet previously coached privately in Oklahoma, helping young athletes refine their skills and grow as players.

Now a key member of Summit Soccer, Juliet is excited to share her knowledge, experience, and love for the sport with players of all levels. She looks forward to inspiring the next generation of athletes while continuing her coaching journey.

**Please note we do not allow scheduling of privates or groups more than 30 days in advance. If you’re looking for a date outside that time limit, please check back in close to date of the desired session!


About Mariel: Professional GK and Field Trainer (all ages)

Mariel Gordon began her soccer career in Dallas, TX. She played as goalkeeper for FC Dallas ECNL where she anchored the team in many national appearances from U10s to U19s. In high school, she captained the varsity team at Plano West Senior High School, was a State Final Runner-up, and received Texas U16 6A All-State selection. 

She was recruited to play at Dartmouth College from 2017-2021. She earned the starting position for every game in her first 3 years before losing her final year to covid. She was recognized as Honorable Mention All-Ivy, Ivy League Player of the Week, and 2020 Agnes Kurtz award winner, given to the woman who best combines proficiency in athletics with dedication to the furthering of women’s sport. She then went on to earn a Masters and play for St Andrews University (2021-2022) in St Andrews, Scotland. There she contributed to the team winning both the Scottish Cup and the League championships.

Mariel loves the game of soccer through and through. She is currently still an active player in the Eastern Mass. Women’s Soccer League for Garden City FC. When she’s not playing or watching soccer, she works as a full-time staff member of Boston Scores, a non-profit that provides free after school soccer and enrichment programs for thousands of kids in Boston.

SCHEDULE COMING SOON!


About Natalie: Professional Trainer (all ages)

Natalie grew up in Hillsborough, North Carolina and played throughout her youth at Triangle United Soccer Club as a left-back. In high school, she was named to the North Carolina 3-A All-State team, was the Big-8 Conference Player of the Year, and captained Orange High School to its most successful playoff run in school history.


A life-long Tar Heel fan, Natalie attended the University of North Carolina and walked onto the varsity team during the spring season of her freshman year. Throughout her time at Carolina, she and the team won an ACC Championship and competed in 2 National Championships. In 2019, Natalie won the Elite 90 Award — given to the athlete with the highest cumulative GPA across all teams competing at the Final Four (College Cup) site. Off the field, Natalie studied public health and environmental science and mentored freshman athletes as a part of the Richard A. Baddour Carolina Leadership Academy. Her senior year, she was named the Women’s Soccer Athletic Director’s Scholar Athlete and a university-wide Top 10 Scholar Athlete, finishing her collegiate career with a 4.0 GPA.


She went on to earn a Master’s degree at the University of St Andrews in St Andrews, Scotland where she also competed on the university soccer team. That year, she and the team won the League championship and Scottish National Cup for the first time in program history.

Throughout her youth & collegiate career, Natalie has coached private training sessions and staffed the UNC summer soccer camps. She is incredibly passionate about empowerment through sport and always aims to create a joyful, uplifting environment for players to learn and develop their love of the game. She looks forward to bringing this experience and commitment to the Summit Soccer team.

SCHEDULE COMING SOON!



STRENGTH BY SUMMIT

Summit Soccer Academy’s Injury Prevention, Strength and Conditioning and Running Mechanics Program


Classes coming Summer 2025