Our Coaches

Caity Heap - Founder/Lead Coach

Coach Caity grew up in McKinney, TX where she attended McKinney Boyd High School and played varsity all four year; winning a State Championship in her junior year. Caity played club soccer for Sting ‘95 and won three national championships throughout her time as a Sting lifer. She then went on to play college soccer at Texas Tech University where she won a Big 12 championship in her senior year. She recently retired from playing professionally for 6 years in the NWSL and across Europe.

Niles Obar - Lead Coach

With a Marine Corps upbringing, Coach Niles was fortunate enough to travel the world and experience diverse cultures, but one thing that always remained constant was his love for soccer. During his 6 years in Japan, he played club soccer, soaking up all the skills and knowledge he could. After moving to Frisco, TX, Coach Niles continued to excel, playing club soccer for FC Dallas and high school for Frisco Independence. He also found a passion for cross country, even going on to compete as a student athlete at DBU.

Nick Arbelaez - Lead Coach

Coach Nick is a former NJCAA D1 and NCAA DII soccer player, he brings firsthand experience to his coaching. With an impressive coaching career spanning various organizations and levels, Nick has served as a head coach at Lake Tahoe Community College, Bishop Gorman High School, and Neusport Football Club, among others. He has been involved in player development, collegiate placement, and achieved remarkable accolades, including multiple state championships.

Miranda Larkin - Lead Coach

Coach Miranda grew up in Mesquite, TX. She later attended Rockwall High School and played varsity all four years. Miranda grew up playing goalkeeper for D’Feeters Soccer Club and Sting ‘95, and won three national championships throughout her time with Sting ‘95. She went on to play college soccer at the University of Oklahoma. After two years at OU, Miranda transferred to Kansas State University where she helped create their first women’s soccer program. She took her talents to a different part of the pitch and became an assistant coach at Kansas Wesleyan University. She is currently teaching middle school in the DFW area.

Alli Murphy-Palisch - Analysis Expert/Lead Coach

Coach Alli grew up in Plano, TX, playing around the community, but most notably with North Texas club, Dfeeters. She later went on to play at Texas Tech University, where she helped lead her team to the NCAA Big 12 Championship. Her success early on and at the collegiate level helped take her game to the next level, as she was drafted to the NWSL’s Washington Spirit directly after graduating. During her time playing professionally in the United States, her talents were recognized overseas – That’s when she decided that a transition abroad would be a pivotal part of her career. In working with teams like the Irish National Team, as well as her current Watford FC, Alli’s stride in Europe has been an elemental part of her professional development as a player, and something she looks forward to continuing for years to come!
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