Brent Ridenour, Director

Brent Ridenour will be entering his tenth season as head coach for the men’s soccer program at Ohio Northern University. In his first nine seasons, he has led the Polar Bears to a national level. His teams are a combined 108-63-16 including the first ever NCAA Tournament appearance and victory, three Conference Championships, six Conference Tournament Appearances and nine consecutive non-losing seasons. He has produced 39 All Conference players, six Conference Players of the Year, one All American, and eight Academic All Americans. He has extensive camp experience and has been the Camp Director for Great Lakes Soccer Academy for ten years.

Mark Batman, Director

Mark Batman will be entering his third season as Head Coach for the Women’s Soccer team. In his first two seasons, Mark has guided the Polar Bears to an impressive 22-14-2 record, including one trip to the Conference Tournament. He has produced 8 All Conference players, and 2 All Region players. Mark holds a NSCAA Premier Diploma and Goal Keeping Level II License. Coach Batman also works with the Ohio North Olympic Development Program. This will be Mark’s third year with Great Lakes Soccer Academy.

Reid Ayers, Director

Reid Ayers is coming off a successful season as fourth-year Head Coach of the men’s and women’s soccer programs at Baldwin-Wallace College. Ayers led both teams to the Conference Tournament posting a 27-11-4 record in 2005. Reid holds a USSF A License and is a member of the Ohio North and Region II Olympic Development Staffs. This will be Reid’s fourth year with Great Lakes Soccer Academy.

Dave Knapp, Assistant Director, Goalkeeper Training

Dave Knapp is currently an Assistant Coach and the Goalkeeper Coach for the men’s soccer program at Ohio Northern University. While playing at Ohio Northern, Dave enjoyed an incredible four-year career, compiling 486 saves, still tops among all goalkeepers in ONU history. He will be leading all of the goalkeeper sessions for the Academy.

Academy Staff

The Academy staff will consist of college and high school coaches. 

Our Staff Guarantee:

“We guarantee you that the staff at Great Lakes Soccer Academy will be do everything it can to ensure you an environment conducive to learning soccer, team building, and having a great time”