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.

James Riley, Director of Coaching & Technical Director

James Riley serves as Director of Coaching & Technical Director, leading Highline’s club-wide soccer program through coach development, technical standards, player pathways, and program quality. His work centers on building strong coaches and a consistent player-development experience.

James brings more than two decades of experience in professional soccer and club leadership. He played 11 seasons in Major League Soccer, including three with Seattle Sounders FC, before leadership roles with Major League Soccer, Rush Soccer, Eastside FC, and Ballard FC.

James holds the U.S. Soccer National B License and Director of Coaching credentials and is pursuing his National A-Youth License. At Highline, he works with the Boys and Girls Directors of Coaching to strengthen curriculum, coaching standards, and long-term player development.

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.

Kelvin Mizen, Boys Director of Coaching

Kelvin Mizen serves as Boys Director of Coaching, supporting player and coach development through clear standards, consistent training environments, and a shared approach to the game.

He holds both a US Soccer B License and a UEFA B License, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Football Coaching, Development and Administration from the University of South Wales. His experience includes Washington Youth Soccer EPD, and Valor Soccer, where he coached within Girls Academy and MLS NEXT programs. He also serves as a futures coach and academy scout with Seattle Sounders FC.

At Highline, Kelvin focuses on coach development, player evaluation and movement, and reinforcing a consistent approach to training and competition. His work supports an environment where players are challenged, supported, and able to continue their development within their local community.

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.