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 can be found on the field playing soccer and on the rink playing ice hockey.
Ashley Riley
Director of Soccer Operations
ashley@coloradoignite.com
Ashley brings a diverse wealth of soccer knowledge from grassroots to professional. She has over 10 years of coaching and director experience in youth soccer. She has not only coached in Colorado, but in Arizona and Washington as well. Ashley is also involved with the Colorado Select program as the head coach for the 2009 girls age group.
Ashley has a Bachelors degree in Sports Management and a minor in Communications from Gonzaga University. Ashley played and started all four year at Gonzaga for the women’s soccer team. She is one of the all time leading goal scorers for Gonzaga. She also played 3 seasons with the women’s Sounders semi-professional team in Seattle, WA.
Ashley currently holds her US Youth A license and has a USC Advanced National Diploma. We are proud to be one of the only clubs in the state who will have a female in this leadership role.
“I am excited to be joining the Colorado Ignite Family!”
Ashley lives here in Colorado with her wife and twins (boy and girl). You can still find her on the soccer field playing games and on the slopes skiing with her family and friends.
Courtney Crandell
Director of Club Operations & Member Services
courtney@coloradoignite.com
Courtney came to Colorado in 2017 from North Carolina. She brings a wealth of not only administrative knowledge but club soccer knowledge as well. Courtney has worked as both a Director of Coaching as well as on the operations side of a club. She brings 3.5 years of Registrar expertise and is excited to bring new ideas to a new and growing club.
Courtney has a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Sociology from Auburn University. Courtney started her soccer career at University of North Carolina Charlotte and transferred to Auburn after her sophomore fall season. She finished her remaining 2 years of eligibility on the Auburn Women’s Soccer Team.
Courtney and her fiancé live in Firestone with their son Carter and 2 dogs Jordan and Apollo.
Kyle Cotter
Director of Coaching
Pre-Academy U4-U8 Recreational and Developmental soccer
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.
Hey you... are you interested in coaching? join our coaching staff!
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.
Official Sponsor of Colorado Ignite Soccer Club
