Executive Staff

Title: Director of Marketing

After graduating from Edwardsville High School, attending college at SIUE and obtaining a Professional Studies Certificate in Financial Planning from Kaplan University, Nick has worked for eight years for a large investment firm in St. Louis where he has worked in customer service, sales, and marketing. Nick brings with him a keen insight into the marketplace, a creative approach to marketing and a vast knowledge of technology and software application. Nick also currently holds an elected position as Trustee for the Village of Hamel, IL.



Nicholas Karidis	Title: President, Owner, Managing Director Player Since: Age 5 Soccer Affiliations: West Torrens Birkalla (South Australia), Panathinaikos FC (Greece), Sydney Olympic FC (Australia), Kallithea FC/Paleo Faliro FC (Greece), Greek National Naval Soccer Team Soccer Commendations: Retired Professional European Soccer Player; South Australia Team 1982-1984; South Australia; State Player of the year 1982 & 1984; South Australia State Championship team member 1983 & 1984; Panathinaikos FC League and Cup Championship team member 1986 & 1988; U16 Greek National Team member; Golden Boot recipient awarded by Panathinaikos FC President G. Vardinogiannis Coaching & Licensing: USSF National "D" License, NSCAA National On-Line Soccer Academy Diploma, English FA Registered Soccer Star Coach, Official International Scout for Panathinaikos FC, Upward Soccer Coach Education: Associate in Claims, BS Psychology, MA Sociology
Robert Kowalski	Title: Director of Coaching, Player Development, & Futbol Affairs Player Since: Age 8 Soccer Affiliations: JC Sting, Camelot Knights, Collinsville Rowdies, Triad High School, Belleville Area College (BAC) Soccer Commendations: Retired high-level Soccer Player (due to injury); Starting Varsity player all 4 high school years, Full college scholarship to BAC, MVP as a freshman at BAC, 1987 All-Area Player Coaching & Licensing: USSF National "D" License; NSCAA National On-Line Soccer Academy Diploma, English FA Registered Soccer Star Coach, Upward Soccer Coach
Dr. Kari Karidis	Title: Vice President, Co-Founder, Director of College Planning and Coordination Education & Relevant Knowledge: 10 years in Education; Doctorate in Educational Leadership; coaching degree; 10 years coaching experience (various sports), Upward Soccer coach
Linda Kowalski	Title: Director of Internal Affairs Education & Relevant Knowledge: 14 years in Education; Master's Degree plus additional college course work in Education related fields
Joseph Caradonna	Title: Director of External Affairs Player Since: Age 5 Soccer Affiliations: Collinsville United Celtics, O'Fallon Storm, Metro FC, Collinsville United/Maryville Magic, Collinsville High School Soccer Commendations: 2nd Place Illinois State Cup with O'Fallon Storm Coaching & Licensing: National USSF "D" License
Bobby Barger	Title: Assistant Director of Coaching and Player Development Player Since: Age 6 Soccer Affiliations: Downtown Imprints, Metro FC, Scott Gallagher SC, Triad High School, Belleville Area College/Southwestern Illinois College, Mckendree University, Premier Arena Soccer League (PASL) Swanner United Soccer Commendations: 1st Place IYSA State Tournament (1991), 2nd Place IYSA State Tournament (1993), 2nd Place MYSA State Tournament (1995), 1st Place MYSA State Tournament (1996), 1st Place Midwest Regional Championships (1996), 1st Place MYSA State Tournament (1998), 3rd Place Midwest Regional Championship (1998), 4th Place NJCAA National Tournament (1999) Coaching & Licensing: Head Coach 7-8 grade girls at Queen of Peach Catholic School, Belleville (2004); National USSF "D" License Education: McKendree College - pursuing a major in Physical Education with a minor in Coaching
Nancy Parker	Title: Director of Piccolini Academy Nancy played both high school and select/club soccer, earning a gold medal in the 1984 Prairie State Games. She has over fifteen years of playing and coaching experience and is a registered nurse.
Nick Pieri	Title: Director of Marketing After graduating from Edwardsville High School, attending college at SIUE and obtaining a Professional Studies Certificate in Financial Planning from Kaplan University, Nick has worked for eight years for a large investment firm in St. Louis where he has worked in customer service, sales, and marketing. Nick brings with him a keen insight into the marketplace, a creative approach to marketing and a vast knowledge of technology and software application. Nick also currently holds an elected position as Trustee for the Village of Hamel, IL.