MEET THE RGA Staff

Coach Amanda headshot
AMANDA FORESTER Kay

Founder, Owner and director of Goalkeeping


Building Goalkeeping Excellence and Cultivating Champions On and Off the Field

Driven by a passion for soccer and giving back to the community, Coach Amanda leverages over 30 years of experience to cultivate exceptional goalkeepers. Her athletic journey began at Virginia Rush Travel Soccer Club, culminating in a decorated career. She competed at the USL Super Youth League level with the Hampton Roads Piranhas, where she helped lead her team to the 2003 USL Super Y National Finals in Chicago, IL, later concluding her playing career competing at NCAA Division III level at Ferrum College.

Transitioning to coaching in 2004, Coach Amanda quickly established herself as a leader. At the remarkable age of 17, she was voted in by a Board of Directors at Old Dominion Travel Soccer club and became the youngest Director of Goalkeeping. Since then, her dedication has impacted countless goalkeepers through programs like the Roanoke Stars Soccer Club, Richmond Kickers, FC Richmond, Skyline Elite Soccer Club, SOCA, and her own Richmond Goalkeeping Academy (founded in 2008).

Coach Amanda's philosophy centers on holistic development, fostering well-rounded goalkeepers who excel mentally, physically, and as leaders. Her success is evident in the numerous athletes she's propelled to the NCAA DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, and JUCO collegiate levels, professional leagues, and beyond.

A testament to her expertise, Coach Amanda boasts a distinguished coaching career. Previously, she inspires the next generation of professional goalkeepers with the USL W-League Richmond Ivy, served as Goalkeeping Coach and Assistant Coach at Marymount University (Women's & Men's Soccer) and Longwood University Men's Soccer (NCAA DI Big South) - becoming the third woman in NCAA D1 history to coach men's goalkeepers. She has also held esteemed positions with the Virginia Olympic Development Program, Skyline Elite Girls Academy and ECNL Boys, and Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club.

Coach Amanda's influence extends beyond the field. A sought - after speaker, Coach Amanda ignites a passion for mentorship, coaching, and leadership in both aspiring athletes and established professionals. This dedication to community is further exemplified by her leadership of the Richmond Goalkeeping Academy's Annual Keeper Wars Charity Tournament.

This Charity Tournament, held in December of each year, raises vital funds that are donated each year to several worthy causes:

- Multiple local sports based and community non-profits
‍
- The purchase of Christmas and Holiday gifts for children that have to spend Christmas at our local Pediatric Hospitals at St. Mary's and Chippenham Hospital
‍
-The Nate Forester Legacy Scholarship, which honors Coach Amanda's late brother. This scholarship is awarded to a soccer player who experiences the sudden loss of a parent or primary caregiver, this scholarship covers up to one year of soccer dues, easing the financial burden during a difficult time.

Residing in Richmond, VA, Coach Amanda remains deeply committed to fostering the next generation of leaders in sport and community. Her combined expertise in business development, public speaking, and coaching empowers her to make a lasting impact.

Certifications Include: UEFA C License, Scottish FA Level 3 Licenses, Welsh FA Level 2 Licenses, PFSA Level 1 Certifications, US Soccer D License, United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeping Diplomas, CPR/First Aid/AED and Safesport Certified
SAMANtha leshnak Murphy

RGA Pro , Lead GoalkeepinG Coach & Film Analyst

Coach Sam's impressive soccer journey began in Liberty Township, Ohio, where she honed her skills with the Ohio Elite Soccer Academy ECNL. Recognized for her talent at a young age, she entered the US National Team cycle at just 13 years old.

Following a collegiate career that flourished at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill under legendary coaches Anson Dorrance and Chris Ducar, Sam etched her name in UNC History. During her senior year, she secured a record breaking shutout streak lasting 1,119 minutes and 23 seconds. Additionally, she became only the third Tar Heel goalkeeper to win a penalty kick shootout, joining the ranks of fellow UNC Alumni and USWNT member Ashlyn Harris.

After a successful collegiate career, Sam transitioned seamlessly into professional soccer. Signed by the NWSL NC Courage in 2019, she contributed to their victories in both the 2019 NWSL Shield and Championship. Her talent continued to shine in Iceland's Women's Professional Soccer League with Keflavik, where she quickly ranked among the top 5 goalkeepers after making 18 appearances.

In 2023, Sam took another step forward in her career, joining Piteå IF in Sweden's top-tier Damallsvenskan league. Signed to replace departing goalkeeper Mandy Haught, Sam made an immediate impact with 23 starts and helped lead her team to victory in the 2024 Swedish Cup Finals. In 2025, she signed with the USL Super League's Carolina Ascent making 11 appearances and helped lead her team to with the USL Super League's Players' Shield. After wrapping up her season in Carolina, Sam signed with FC Rosengârd one of Sweden's Division 1 professional women's soccer team. Sam has boasted 12 starts for the professional club and is currently playing there in 2026.
‍
Today, Coach Sam translates her passion for the sport into coaching. A cornerstone of RGA's goalkeeping development program, she leverages her extensive playing experience and coaching knowledge to empower and coach our athletes. Renowned for her dedication and holistic approach, Coach Sam fosters the growth of goalkeepers both on and off the field. Coach Sam mentors many of our goalkeepers virtually and coaches at RGA in her pro off season.

Certifications: Safesport Certified
‍
Sydney smith

Lead Goalkeeping coach

Sydney Smith as our Lead Goalkeeping Coach. Sydney brings an exceptional blend of high-level playing experience, academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for developing goalkeepers both on and off the field.

Sydney is a former standout goalkeeper at Washington and Lee University, where she established herself as one of the program’s most reliable and consistent performers. Over her collegiate career, Smith recorded an outstanding 0.73 goals-against average across more than 3,500 minutes played, along with a 0.801 save percentage in 45 appearances. Serving as the full-time starter during her junior and senior seasons, she finished her career with a remarkable 27-6-9 record and 17 shutouts, ranking seventh in program history, while her career goals-against average ranks sixth all-time.

Smith’s performances earned her All-ODAC Second Team honors, highlighted by nine shutouts and a 0.774 save percentage during her junior season, followed by an impressive 0.827 save percentage and eight additional clean sheets as a senior. Beyond her athletic success, Sydney demonstrated exceptional commitment in the classroom, earning Scholar Athlete recognition six times, four ODAC All-Academic Team selections, and two CSC Academic All-District honors. She also served as Secretary of Alpha Epsilon Delta (National Health Pre-Professional Honor Society) and was actively involved in the Red Cross Club and Pre-Health Club.

In Spring 2024, Sydney wrapped up her collegiate career earning the commendable award of 2024 NCSA All-American. Later in Fall 2024, she returned to her alma mater as one of the Washington & Lee University Assistant Coaches and GK Coach for the 2024-2025 Season.

At RGA, Sydney brings her deep understanding of goalkeeping fundamentals, defensive organization, and leadership development to help elevate the next generation of goalkeepers. Known for her ability to build strong relationships with players and communicate effectively, Sydney plays a vital role in delivering RGA’s high-performance training environment and commitment to goalkeeper excellence.

In addition to Coaching at RGA and providing on going support to our Owner, Sydney is in the process of going to Medical School.

‍Certifications: SafeSport Certified‍
Macklin robinson

lead tactical film analyst

Macklin Robinson serves as the Lead Tactical Film Analyst for Richmond Goalkeeping Academy, bringing a wealth of professional playing experience and high-level soccer knowledge to the RGA community.

A retired professional player, Robinson began his collegiate career at Ohio Dominican University (2012–2013) before transferring to DePaul University, where he competed during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. His strong collegiate performances launched him into the professional ranks.

In 2016, Robinson signed with the Carolina RailHawks (now North Carolina FC) of the North American Soccer League. During his two seasons with the club, he delivered standout performances, including matches against Swansea City—then competing in the English Premier League—and against the eventual NASL champions, San Francisco Deltas.

In 2017, Robinson was loaned to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the United Soccer League, continuing to gain valuable professional experience.He later signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2019. During his tenure, the Rowdies captured the USL Eastern Conference title and were named Co-USL Champions during the 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2022, Robinson joined expansion side AC Syracuse Pulse, continuing his professional career at a high level. Additionally while apart of AC Syracuse Pulse he retained the position as Goalkeeping Coach and Head Scout/Analyst.

Now at RGA, Robinson channels his extensive professional background into tactical education and film analysis, helping goalkeepers develop advanced game understanding, decision-making, and positional awareness. His experience competing against top-tier professional talent allows him to provide elite insight that bridges the gap between training and match-day performance, elevating RGA goalkeepers both on and off the field.

Certifications: Safesport Certified





‍‍
jordan ott

tactical film analyst

Jordan Ott is one of Richmond Goalkeeping Academy’s Lead Goalkeeping Coaches and Tactical Film Analysts, bringing elite collegiate playing experience, advanced game analysis expertise, and a strong competitive mindset to RGA’s high-performance environment.

A standout goalkeeper at SUNY Cortland, Jordan earned Fourth Team All-American honors from United Soccer Coaches and was named SUNYAC Defensive Player of the Year while also earning First Team All-SUNYAC and First Team All-Region recognition. During his record-breaking collegiate career, he set the program’s career shutout record with 30 clean sheets and the single-season shutout record with 13. In his final season, Jordan posted an outstanding 14-1-6 record, a 0.51 goals-against average, and a .891 save percentage, ranking among the top goalkeepers nationally. He consistently demonstrated elite shot-stopping ability, leadership, and reliability, starting every match and logging thousands of minutes in goal.

Beyond his playing accomplishments, Jordan has been recognized for his academic excellence, earning Academic All-American honors and multiple Scholar Athlete of the Year awards. At RGA, Jordan combines his technical knowledge, tactical film analysis expertise, and passion for goalkeeper development to help athletes improve decision-making, game understanding, and overall performance at the highest level.

Based out of Dallas, TX and New York.
‍
Certifications: CPR and Safesport Certified
‍

‍
Melissa lowder

RGA pro & Lead Tactical Film Analyst

Melissa Lowder serves as one of Richmond Goalkeeping Academy’s Tactical Film Analysts, bringing top-level professional playing experience and elite goalkeeper insight to RGA’s development model.An American professional goalkeeper, Melissa played collegiate soccer at Santa Clara University, competing for the Santa Clara Broncos before launching her professional career. She has been a member of multiple National Women’s Soccer League clubs, including the Utah Royals FC, Chicago Red Stars, San Diego Wave FC, and expansion side Bay FC.

Melissa made her professional debut with Utah during the 2020 NWSL Fall Series, earning her first start and helping the club secure a result in her debut appearance. She later expanded her experience internationally, joining Þór/KA in Iceland’s top division, where she made 21 appearances as a starting goalkeeper during the 2023 season. In 2024, she signed with Bay FC and was projected to enter the season as the club’s starting goalkeeper before suffering a season-ending ACL injury.

At RGA, Melissa leverages her professional experience at the highest levels of women’s soccer to provide advanced tactical analysis, game breakdown, and performance insight for developing goalkeepers. Her firsthand understanding of professional match preparation, decision-making, and defensive organization adds tremendous value to RGA athletes striving to reach the next level.

Based out of San Diego, CA.

Certifications: NASM Certifications and Safesport Certified

‍

Mario sequeira quesada

Seasonal Lead Goalkeeping coach

Coach Mario brings a wealth of experience and passion for goalkeeping to RGA. Since joining us as a Graduate Assistant Goalkeeping Coach Intern in 2020, he has played a key role in developing our goalkeepers both on and off the field. Many of his trainees have successfully excelled to levels in the game.

Prior to his coaching career, Mario enjoyed a distinguished playing career. He rose through the ranks of Deportivo Saprissa's youth academy starting at the age of 9. Playing for every age group, he eventually became the starting goalkeeper and captain of Saprissa's second team. His dedication culminated in a professional debut with the first team in 2016.

Mario's international experience includes competing in the U-20 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers and representing Costa Rica's U-20 National Team at the 2017 U-20 FIFA World Cup in South Korea.

Complementing his playing experience, Mario graduated from VCU's Sports Leadership Program with a Master's degree in Sports Leadership in December 2021. Mario has continued his professional coaching career in the College Soccer realm coaching locally at a NCAA Division 1 school.

Coach Mario has continued to follow his passion in coaching and leadership. The combination of his on-field expertise and academic knowledge allows him to effectively guide RGA's goalkeepers towards achieving their full potential. We are very grateful to have Coach Mario apart of our seasonal coaching staff.

‍Certifications: UEFA C Candidate, US Soccer D License, United Soccer Coaches GK Diplomas, SafeSport Certified‍
Jon Busch

RGA Staff advisor and mentor

Jon Busch brings over two decades of experience as a professional goalkeeper coach to RGA. Throughout his 21-year playing career in Major League Soccer, Busch excelled for teams like Columbus Crew, Chicago Fire, and the San Jose Earthquakes. Notably, he was awarded MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2008, a testament to his exceptional talent. Busch also represented the United States at various youth levels, including a shutout performance for the senior team in 2005.

Since retiring from the MLS in 2018, Busch has leveraged his extensive playing experience and transitioned to coaching. He currently serves as the Goalkeeping Coach and Assistant Coach for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, a Professional Soccer team in the USL Championship League. Previously, Busch sharpened his Professional Coaching career serving as the goalkeeping coach for Hibernian FC (Scottish Premiership League) and various collegiate programs and local soccer clubs.

For the past six years, Jon has been a constant advisor and mentor our RGA Staff and goalkeepers, providing virtual and in-person training for our goalkeepers. He focuses on technical, mental, and tactical development, helping them reach their full potential. RGA is thrilled to have Jon lead virtual trainings, camps, and guide our goalkeepers and staff towards excellence.

Certifications: USSF, United Soccer Coaches GK Diplomas, Scottish FA Goalkeeping Licenses, Currently United Soccer Coaches GK Educational Instructor, and Safesport Certified



‍‍
Laney Placido

Keeper Wars Ops Manager Volunteer

Laney previously played soccer for an NCAA Division 3 Marymount University where she played as a midfielder and obtained her Undergrad and Master's degree.

Laney has previously completed her internship with RGA and has worked at numerous summer camps, clinics, and events as an assistant coach with our Junior Goalkeepers and Operations Manager. Outside her professional Career and RGA, Laney also coaches a JV Boy Soccer Team at Yorktown High School in Arlington, VA.

We are excited to have Laney apart of our seasonal staff. She has been very diligent throughout her prior internship with RGA. She has served our goalkeepers, parents, volunteers and staff through numerous events and always goes the extra mile! Laney is in charge of a lot of the behind the scenes administrative work at RGA and oversees our Current Interns.
‍
Certifications: CPR and Safesport Certified

‍
Alice Funez

physical therapist &
Certified Strength & Conditioning COACH

Alice is known throughout the Richmond, VA youth strength and conditioning community. Currently she helps head up the Steward School Strength and Conditioning program as one of their coaches. Her specialties include ACL & injury prehab, progressive programing post PT rehab, strength and conditioning in speed, power, and healthy weight gain training.

She is a NASM certified personal trainer, a Mobility WOD Movement and Mobility Specialist, and is certified in Biomechanics and Human Movement, DBC Level 1. Alice is currently a Physical Therapist in the Richmond area and hold a doctorates in physical therapy from VCU School of Physical Therapy.

She is a huge asset and brings so much to our academy and gks. She will be leading the small group strength and conditioning sessions and is also available for private lessons with GKs, Field Players, and parents as well.

Alice resides in Richmond,Va with her husband and two sons. She loves family, fun, adventure and helping individuals achieve their personal and physical goals.
"Under Amanda's tutelage, my son progressed rapidly from academy GK to first string travel GK. His understanding of positioning and ability to read the intentions of players grew in ways that hard work alone could never have produced. Considering the cost of annual soccer dues, every hour with Amanda was a bargain."

- Philip Walker
Read More Testimonials