Club Coaches & Staff

James Conroy, Executive Director

James Conroy leads Highline Premier FC with a focus on building a development-driven, community-rooted club. As Executive Director, he oversees strategy, operations, budgeting, staff support, coach education, and player and family engagement.

James holds a BA from the University of San Francisco, a USSF National B License, advanced diplomas from United Soccer Coaches, and additional certifications through La Liga and the Spanish Soccer Federation. His work blends academic training, global perspective, and practical experience across all levels of the youth game.

He views every staff member as a steward of the club’s mission and works to ensure a consistent, inclusive, and high-quality experience grounded in HPFC’s core values of effort, accountability, discipline, respect, and creativity.

Alex Dixon, Director of Coaching

Alex Dixon serves as Director of Coaching, guiding Highline’s development pathway through clear standards, shared language, and coach education. His work centers on building thoughtful coaches, complete players, and a consistent club-wide playing identity.

Alex holds a BBA in Sports Management, an MS in Physical Education with a coaching emphasis, and a Washington State Teaching Certification. His experience spans club, school, and college environments, including Lonestar SC’s Girls Development Academy, Seattle United, Indiana State University, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

With a USSF A License, National Youth License, and United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma, Alex leads curriculum development and coaching alignment while reinforcing HPFC’s core values in daily training environments.

Marissa Villegas, Girls Director of Coaching

Marissa Villegas is dedicated to expanding opportunity and access for girls in soccer. A Greater Seattle native, she combines on-field coaching experience with leadership across club and semi-professional environments.

Marissa holds a US Soccer C License. She is a co-founder of USL W League side West Seattle Rhodies FC and served as the club’s Chief Marketing Officer during its inaugural season.

At Highline, Marissa focuses on strengthening the girls program by supporting coaches, building relationships with families, and fostering a culture rooted in accountability, joy, and love for the game.

Colleen Harker, Director of Member Experience

Colleen Harker leads the family experience at Highline Premier FC, overseeing registration, communication, and club-wide programs to ensure a clear, supportive, and inclusive journey for every family.

She brings more than 25 years of professional experience across operations, marketing, IT services, and small business management. This background shapes her work in systems, communication, and relationship-building across the club.

Before joining staff, Colleen served four years on the club’s Executive Board as Vice President of Competition, where she managed league participation, team formation, tournaments, and introduced family and coach feedback systems. A lifelong soccer player, she remains deeply connected to the game and the community it builds.

Jake Zwaller, Programs Manager

Jake Zwaller oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of Highline Premier FC’s programs, helping ensure consistency across camps, clinics, seasonal offerings, and club initiatives. His role focuses on translating the club’s development philosophy into well-organized, accessible experiences for players and families.

Holding a US Soccer B License and multiple diplomas from United Soccer Coaches, Jake brings a strong understanding of player development and age-appropriate programming. He works closely with coaching leadership and operations staff to support program quality, communication, and year-round engagement.