Kelly Thomson
Executive Director and Founder
kelly@coloradoignite.com
Kelly is a proud Colorado Native and grew up playing soccer for NASA (North Area Soccer Association) in Thornton, CO. She then went on to play at Metro State and LCCC in Cheyenne, WY while completing schooling for Dental Hygiene.
Kelly continued her soccer career by handing down her love for the game to the next generation by coaching. She also worked for another CO club as director of growth and development.
“Soccer has given so much to me and truly saved my life as a kid. I felt safe and loved with my teams growing up. I also loved the challenge that the game constantly gave me. I still can always find something to learn and take away. Bad days on the field teach us just as much as the good days, just as they do in life.”
Kelly and her husband live in Erie with their 2 daughters. Both girls play 2 club sports each and can be found on the soccer field, volleyball court and basketball court. “Supporting athletes across all sports is something I am very passionate about. Player’s shouldn’t have to chose a specialty in elementary school. By playing multiple sports we create stronger, more dynamic athletes.”
Russ Hutchison
Technical Director
russ@coloradoignite.com
Russell was born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia, and graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1996. He played Division One college soccer at the University of Maine from 1996 to 2000. During his college years, he also played two seasons of amateur soccer in the Premier Development League (PDL), with the Sioux City Breeze in 1998 and the Vermont Voltage in 2000. In 2001, Russell signed a professional contract with the Connecticut Wolves, competing in the second division of U.S. Soccer. The following year, he had a brief stint with the A-League’s Minnesota Thunder before joining the Virginia Beach Mariners, where he played for six seasons until retiring from professional soccer in 2007.
Russell’s coaching career began with summer camps at the University of Maine, and he gained further experience coaching in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) for Region 2. He also served as an assistant coach at the University of Maine. From 2002 to 2012, he coached with the Virginia Rush and became the Director of Coaching in 2007. In 2008, he contributed to the Virginia State ODP.
In 2014, Russell moved to Colorado, and in 2020, he partnered with Kelly Thomson to help launch Colorado Ignite. He served as the Board President from 2020 to 2023.
Outside of coaching, Russell enjoys spending time with his fiancée Brianna Robinson and their children Keegan, Reed, Kieryn, and Maddox. He also loves riding bikes, skiing, hiking, and backpacking.
Kyle Cotter
Director of Coaching – Girls
kyle@coloradoignite.com
Kyle started his soccer journey in America in 2015 when he moved from his home in Limerick, Ireland to play collegiately in Ohio. Seven years later Kyle has amassed a wealth of knowledge coaching in over 12 different states for numerous clubs, companies, & organisations, working with players aged 2-18 years.
Kyle is set to graduate College in December with a first-class honour from the University of South Wales, UK, where he is undertaking his BSc degree in football (soccer) coaching & management. A current UEFA C license holder, Kyle is also finishing his UEFA B license with the Football Association of Wales where he is learning modern, holistic approaches to coaching & development.
“I’m thrilled to be joining this brilliant community and club”
Kyle lives with his Fiancée in Thornton and is a huge Liverpool fan. It’s rare you’ll find Kyle doing anything other than soccer whether it’s coaching, playing, watching, or reading, Kyle is soccer obsessed.
Alastair Woods
Director of Coaching – Boys
Ali@coloradoignite.com
Alastair was born and raised in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. He graduated in 2017 from Liverpool Hope University in England with a degree in Sports and Physical Education. During his time there, he played soccer for the college team and managed the team in his final year.
In 2021, Alastair obtained his Master’s in ‘Leadership in Sport’ from the University of Wales, completing his internship at Wheat Ridge Avalanche Soccer Club, where he served as the Director of Coaching for Competitive and Academy teams from 2021-2024.
Alastair’s coaching journey in the United States began in 2014, allowing him to gain valuable cultural experiences by coaching and managing programs in over 15 states before moving to Colorado in 2018. He also has experience in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) as the assistant coach for the 2011 boys. Through his varied experiences, Alastair has worked towards his UEFA B licence and completed courses with TOVO, Coerver, USSF and United Soccer Coaches.
When he’s not on the field coaching, Alastair enjoys playing golf, skiing, boating, playing soccer, supporting Leeds United (despite the heartache it brings), and spending time with his fiancee, Chandler and their dog, Milo.
Hailey Comer
Director of Coaching
Recreational Program
hailey@coloradoignite.com
Hailey is a Northern Virginia native and grew up playing soccer in the Washington D.C. area. She played into high school as a goalkeeper and went on to earn her degree in Criminology and Intelligence Analysis at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.
When Hailey was a player, she stuck around after her practice to help coach the younger teams as well as one-on-one goalkeeper training. She loves being able to develop players and pass down the love of the game to the next generation.
“I’m incredibly thankful and excited to have this full circle moment as a coach and an
opportunity to give back to the sport that has given me so much!”
Hailey lives in Firestone with her family. She’s a huge sports fan and loves being outdoors or on a boat. When she isn’t on the soccer field you can find her cheering on the Washington Capitals, at a Rockies game or near a body of water.
Daphnée Morency
Club Administrator
daphnee@coloradoignite.com
Daphnée is originally from Quebec, Canada but moved to Colorado when she was 2 years old and has been here since. She grew up playing for local clubs, Trebol and Boulder County Force. She won two state championships in high school, both with her club and with Fairview High School.
She ended up going to Montréal to play for McGill University for five years and then moved back to Colorado after to work for FC Boulder as an administrator. She took a break from the soccer world and did sales for a few years but is very excited to be back in the game; especially with a club as special as Colorado Ignite.
Daphnée lives in Lafayette with her husband and soon to be baby. In her free time, she likes to explore new restaurants, be outside, snowboard, play soccer and spend time with her family and friends.
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We are always looking for motivated and qualified coaches to join our team. Please complete the below form and our Director of Soccer Operations will contact you.
