FC Wisconsin is excited to announce its coaching staff for the upcoming 2026-27 season, featuring a combination of new additions and familiar faces stepping into expanded roles to further enhance the experience for our players.

“Our club has grown bigger and stronger than ever and expanding our coaching staff was essential to maintaining the highest standard of player development,” said Executive Director Monica Gonyo. “We are proud to have a dedicated staff of experienced professionals with backgrounds at every level of the game. United by our club’s mission and development philosophy, our coaching staff is committed to helping each player reach their fullest potential.”

Coach Austin Backus will be promoted to ECNL Regional League Director with responsibility for the development and management of the club’s U13–U18/19 ECNL Regional League teams. The ECNL Regional League is a top-tier competitive youth league and a key pathway into the top-level ECNL.

“After two years at FC Wisconsin, I knew this was the right opportunity to continue growing with one of the premier clubs in the state and step into the ECNL Regional League Director role,” said Backus. “I’m excited to help lead the continued growth and advancement of the ECNL RL program while creating a competitive environment that challenges players, supports their development, and prepares them for success at the next level.”

Austin brings a diverse coaching background across the collegiate, club, and high school levels, most recently serving as an assistant coach at Marquette University. His previous experience includes roles at Madison College, Catholic Memorial High School, and FC Milwaukee Torrent. He currently oversees the ECNL Regional League program and is pursuing his U.S. Soccer National “B” License.

Joining Austin in the ECNL Regional League and new to the FC Wisconsin coaching staff is coach Tony Vogt. Tony is currently the head girls soccer coach at Waterford Union High School and previously worked as an academy coach at RKC Third Coast. He played collegiately at Beloit College before transferring to University of Wisconsin–Whitewater to continue his education toward an economics degree.

“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to join FC Wisconsin and be part of a club with such a strong reputation for player development,” said Vogt. “I’m looking forward to helping players continue to grow both on and off the field while also learning from the outstanding staff around the club.”

Another exciting addition to the staff is Jude Dobrinska, who will join the club as a goalkeeper staff coach. Jude graduated from FC Wisconsin as a goalkeeper in 2022 before continuing her playing career at University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she was a four-year starter and set school career records for most shutouts and all-time saves.

Following a standout freshman season in 2022, Jude earned WIAC Goalkeeper of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and First Team All-Conference honors while ranking among the program’s single-season leaders in shutouts. She later served as team captain during her senior season and graduated in spring 2026 with a degree in Human Health and Performance and a minor in Strength and Conditioning Coaching. Jude also works as a Strength & Performance Coach at Ethic Sports Performance.

“I’m excited to return to the club as a staff coach,” said Dobrinska. “The environment at FCW played a major role in my development and helped shape me into the player I was at the collegiate level. I truly believe this is the top club in the state for goalkeeper development, and I’m looking forward to joining the staff and contributing to the continued growth and success of the club.”

“We are excited to welcome both Jude and Tony to the coaching staff, and also to continue to expand the role Austin will play within the club,” added Director of Coaching, Andy Lee. “Both Tony and Jude already have significant coaching experience and will bring energy and passion to the club. Austin has a diverse coaching background, has invested himself in the club, and will continue to develop and grow the Regional League program.”

In addition to the coaches above, the club is excited to welcome another Youth Academy Staff Coach, Sam Wolff, a former FC Wisconsin youth player whose team earned four Midwest Premier League Championships and a Region II USYS Championship in 2004. She went on to play collegiately at Marquette University, appearing in 23 games during her career while earning Big East All-Academic honors.

“I could not be more excited to be joining the coaching staff here at FC Wisconsin this fall.” Said Sam. “Having grown up in the club, I’m so excited to be part of a program that fosters not only hard work and excellence in the sport, but also encourages community and relationships that last a lifetime.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Sam onto our Youth Academy coaching staff,” said Mackenzie Challoner. “She has done an outstanding job leading our Futures program, and her experience as both a youth and collegiate player makes her a tremendous addition to the Youth Academy. Her passion for the game and ability to connect with young athletes will play an important role in helping develop well-rounded players both on and off the field.”

The club’s full coaching staff list can be found on the FC Wisconsin website. Players interested in joining the club for the 2026-27 season are encouraged to contact the club at info@fcwisconsin.com.

Stay tuned as FC Wisconsin continues to announce coaching lineups for the 2026-27 season.

It is an exciting time to be a part of FC Wisconsin!