Mark Girard
Founder/ Head Coach
Mark, the founder of The Edge Soccer Programs, has over 20 years coaching experience. Many players whom he trained have advanced to the top level clubs, colleges, and professional teams. Mark has coached and trained teams for CASL (including U23s), TFC, Cary Clarets PDL, and Raleigh Elite. He was also an Assistant Coach for the Carolina Railhawks.
Karen Retzlaff
Business Operations

Karen is The Edge's office manager that handles all aspects of day-to-day business operations including our go-to "mom" for anything and everything. She has worked in the soccer industry for over 11 years and a true soccer mom at heart. She cheers her oldest son who plays for NC State University and plays on the U23 North Carolina FC team (during the summer) and watches her youngest son play for Heritage High School & NCFC and also train in our Edge Black program.

Jared Girard
Lead Coach
Jared played youth soccer for CASL and was named 2009-2010 CASL Club Captain. He played college soccer at Campbell University and Drexel University. Jared played professional in Sweden and Germany. He has coached and has provided youth technical training for 3 years.
Logan Paussa
Coach
Logan played youth soccer for CASL and collegiately. He has also coached and provided youth technical training for the last 3 years. Logan has a background in personal fitness and developed the Sports Performance program at The Edge.
Chris Girard
Lead Coach/Business Development
Chris played youth soccer locally for CASL and Green Hope HS. He graduated from UNCC with a B.S.B.A in 2010. His background includes 10 plus years of youth soccer coaching experience. Chris concentrates on developing and growing businesses and has several years of experience devloping and maintaining professional relationships.
Anna Fields
Coach
Anna played for FVAA, TFCA when the two clubs combined, and for the Fuquay Varina HS team. She is currently studying Psychology at North Carolina State University, with ambitions to become an Occupational Therapist. Anna works with the Little Edgers and loves contributing to the development of their skills.
Brian Shriver
Coach
Originally from Clearwater Florida, Brian played college soccer at UNC Chapel Hill. He was drafted by FC Dallas. Has been playing professional soccer for 10 years in the NASL and USL. He has played for Miami FC, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Carolina Railhawks, Tampa Bay Rowdies, North Carolina FC, Jacksonville Armada, and the Richmond Kickers.
DJ Taylor
Coach
Dj grew up playing for Casl and the NCFC academy teams. He also has played professionally in Spain and is Now is about to begin his second season with NCFC’s Professional team. DJ graduated from Panther Creek Highschool and obtained his UEFA B Coaching license in Spain.
ERIN BRATCHER
Sports Performance Coach

Erin holds a Masters in Exercise Science with concentrations in Performance Enhancement and Corrective Exercise Prescription. Erin is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, one of the most highly regarded certifications in the industry.  She has worked with a wide range of athletes and adults across the Triangle from middle school to the professional level. The combination of her athletic background and education, along with her coaching experience over the years not only makes her one of the most qualified coaches in the area but also allows her to provide optimal programming and intentional training methods to help EBA athletes reach their individual goals.