MEET OUR COACHES

2026-2027 Season

Coach (Mulholland) Nirsberger

Coach (Mulholland) Nirsberger is entering her 7th season as Director of Coaching and Coach at 970 United FC.  She has an extensive playing and coaching background and has been coaching at Shenendehowa for 24 seasons. 

She celebrated her impressive 300th career win during the 2025 Fall Season. In addition she has led her teams to:

  • 7 Suburban Council Championships

  • 4 Section II Championships

  • 3 Regional Championships

  • 1 State Championship

A few of her coaching accolades include:

  • 2x Suburban Council Coach of the Year

  • Section II Coach of the Year

  • New York State Class AA Coach of the year

  • NSCAA Regional Coach of the Year

  • NSCAA New York State Coach of the Year 

She was inducted into the Plattsburgh High School Hall of Fame in 2009 and most recently was inducted into the SUNY Cortland C-Club Hall of Fame in September of 2023.

Coach Jones

Coach Jones is entering her 7th season with 970 United as Administrative Director and Coach and has been with the club since its inception in 2019. Coach Jones is a Shen alum with over 35 years of playing experience. She was a four year Shenendehowa Varsity team member from 1994 - 1998. She led the team to two Sectional Championships and took a trip to the NYS State Championship in 1996. She was awarded First Team New York State in 1996 & 1997 and was the 1997 Troy Record Player of the Year. She went on to play Division I at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, where the team was ranked 17th in the country in 2000. She finished her D1 college career with 55 starts, 14 goals and 16 assists and was the second team leading scorer in 2001.

A few of her collegiate accolades include:

  • Six-Time Member of the Atlantic 10 Commissioners Honor Roll

  • Six-Time Member of the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll

  • Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team in 2001

  • All-Atlantic 10, 2nd Team in 2001

  • Awarded to the NSCAA / Adidas College Scholar East Regional Team in 2000

Following her college career she played semi-pro in the WPSL for the New York Athletic Club from 2003 - 2006. She coached U12 Girls at Downtown United Soccer Club and spent many years coaching at the Super Soccer Stars Academy in New York City.

Coach Szeli

Coach Szeli has an extensive career in the soccer world. He grew up in Newburgh, NY and played soccer at the College of Saint Rose from 2003 - 2007 where he was team captain both his junior and senior years.

His coaching experience includes:

  • United Soccer Coaches National Diploma

  • United Soccer Coaches Advanced Regional Diploma

  • Shenendehowa Girls Varsity Assistant Coach 2022-Present

  • 970 United FC Coach 2022-Present

  • Shenendehowa Girls JV Coach 2021

  • Union College Men's Assistant Coach 2009, 2013-2018

  • Shenendehowa Boys Freshman Coach 2012

  • Shenendehowa Boys Varsity Assistant Coach 2010-2011

  • NY Elite FC Boys Coach 2013-2021

  • Bethlehem Knights Premier Coach 2007-2012

  • U20 USASA National Cup Championship with Bethlehem Knights Premier 2010

  • U10 Technical Director Bethlehem Knights Premier 2009-2012

Coach Szeli’s dedication, knowledge, and experience are invaluable to the 970 United club. His passion for player development, combined with his exceptional tactical understanding of the game and its systems, sets him apart and brings tremendous value to our players and program.

Coach Messenger

Coach Messenger brings years of coaching experience across both soccer and track & field, along with a lifelong passion for developing athletes on and off the field.

Raised in Clifton Park, New York, Hannah had the opportunity to play under Coach Mulholland during her freshman year at Shenendehowa High School, where her love for the game and competitive athletics continued to grow.

She went on to become a starting player for Cairn University’s women’s soccer team, earning recognition on both the All-Conference and All-Tournament teams. During her senior year, she was honored with the Coach’s Award and served as team captain during both her junior and senior seasons. Hannah also helped lead her team to its second National Tournament appearance during her senior year.

While pursuing her master’s degree at University at Albany, Hannah coached middle school soccer at Mekeel Christian Academy. She also served as an assistant coach for Shenendehowa JV and Varsity indoor and outdoor track & field programs, specializing in hurdles and pole vault.

After relocating to Pennsylvania, Hannah coached a U9 girls travel soccer team before eventually returning to New York. From 2019–2025, her focus shifted toward volunteer coaching and recreational youth programs while raising and supporting her own children in athletics.

Today, Coach Messenger is passionate about helping young athletes build confidence, skills, character, and a love for sports through positive coaching and mentorship.

Coach Cramer

Coach Cramer is excited to enter her first year with the 970 Club coaching the U14 team.  Coach Cramer has a background deeply rooted in soccer in the capital district, playing for Tamarac High School in Troy, NY.  Her senior year she was recognized as the Section 2 Class C Player of the Year, the Troy Record Player of the Year and earned a spot on the All NYS team.

Continuing her passion for soccer, Coach Cramer played at Elmira College, Division III.  Her junior and senior years at the college, she was appointed team captain and was recognized both years as an All-Northeast player. Additionally, she was honored as Elmira College's Female Athlete of the Year during her junior year, coinciding with her team's historic first NCAA appearance, a milestone for the college's female athletic program. 

Beyond her playing career, Coach Cramer transitioned into coaching, where she spent almost 10 years coaching JV soccer at Shen. Following the birth of her first child, Coach Cramer left coaching at Shen.  As her children grew, and played themselves, she began to contribute to the soccer community by volunteering with recreational and travel teams.

Coach Cramer is excited to be working with 970 players and focusing on increasing soccer knowledge, developing a love for the game, and showcasing the power of being a member of a team.

Coach King

Coach King has immense soccer experience in Capital District soccer. As a former Ballston Spa High School, Albany Alleycat and College of Saint Rose soccer player he has developed a strong passion to enhance the game in the Capital District. 

His coaching experience includes:

  • Shenendehowa Girls Varsity Assistant Coach and Program Goal Keeper Coach 2023 - Present

  • Shenendehowa Girls JV Coach 2022

  • Eastern New York Goal Keeper Coach 2021 - 2023

  • Shenendehowa Girls Goal Keeper trainer 2018 - 2021

Coach King’s goal keeper and coaching experience provides a unique eye to our club that is truly valued. His experience and expertise are a great asset to the 970 United Staff!

Contact Us! We would love to hear from you!

Email: 970united@gmail.com

Follow Us on Instagram: 970United

Coach Silva

Emily is a 2023 graduate of Shenendehowa and had an outstanding high school career with Coach Nirsberger and the Shenendehowa Girls Soccer program. She was a 3 year varsity player and captain, earning accolades including:

  • 2x suburban council all star

  •  Section 2 All-star

  • New York State All Star.

She helped contribute to overall team success as she was an integral part of the 2020 Sectional Co-Champion, 2021 Sectional and Regional Champion, 2021 State Finalist, and 2022 Sectional Finalist teams for the Plainsmen. 

Coach Silva has been playing soccer since she was 5 years old and is a 970 United alumni. She has developed a deep passion for the game and loves working with children. She is committed to helping young players grow to achieve success and improvement with their technical skills and overall player development, but most importantly help them grow as people!

Emily is pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the Albany College of Pharmacy, and is a huge asset to the club!