St. Louis CITY SC Academy has unveiled its coaching lineup for the 2025-26 MLS NEXT season, combining familiar faces with fresh talent — including a hometown star with deep professional roots.
The headline addition is former U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder and seasoned MLS coach Mike Sorber, who will take over as head coach of the U16 team. “We are excited to welcome several new members to the St. Louis CITY SC academy coaching staff who all bring a strong coaching and professional resume to our club,” said Academy Director Dale Schilly. “As we continue to build our academy, these new additions will help to create a challenging and competitive training environment, which will help further the development of these young players.”
A St. Louis native, Sorber brings decades of expertise from the professional and international stage. His coaching résumé includes assistant and technical director roles with Toronto FC, LAFC, Montreal Impact, and the USMNT, plus a stint coaching at Saint Louis University. As a player, Sorber launched his professional career with Liga MX’s UNAM, making 51 appearances before racking up 166 in MLS’s first four seasons. He earned 67 caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team, including a spot on the 1994 FIFA World Cup roster.
Joining Sorber on the U16 bench will be Larsen Hackworth, a former St. Louis CITY2 midfielder. Hackworth played 17 matches over two seasons before a season-ending injury led him to transition into coaching while rehabbing. A standout at UNC-Asheville and Missouri State University, he collected honors such as the United Soccer Coaches Player of Distinction and Big South All-Tournament Team.
The U15 squad will also see a boost with Santiago Castillo stepping in as assistant coach and individual development coach alongside head coach Anthony Wallace. Castillo previously shaped the style of play at Lou Fusz Soccer Club and has coaching experience with Louisville City FC Academy, St. Louis Scott Gallagher, and collegiate programs at Missouri Baptist University and Saint Louis University.
2025-26 St. Louis CITY SC Academy Coaching Staff
- Academy Director: Dale Schilly
- U18 Head Coach: Luis Swisher
- U18 Assistant Coach: Charles Renken
- U16 Head Coach: Mike Sorber
- U16 Assistant Coach: Larsen Hackworth
- U15 Head Coach: Anthony Wallace
- U15 Assistant Coach/IDP Coach: Santiago Castillo
- U14 Head Coach: Kyle Riebeling
- Director of Player Pathway/U14 Assistant Coach: Megan McCormick
- Academy Fitness Coaches: Evan Shirkey, Preston Secrest
- Goalkeeper Coaches: Michael Ritterbeck, Mark Pais
- IDP Coach: Sean Reynolds
With this revamped staff, St. Louis CITY SC aims to strengthen its player development pipeline and keep the academy among the most competitive in MLS NEXT.
