The Euro Soccer Academy Board of Advisors serves as a key leadership group, providing guidance and support for the continued growth and success of the club. Comprised of dedicated parents, professionals, and soccer enthusiasts, the Board works hand-in-hand with coaches and club leadership to ensure the best experience for our players and their families.
With a focus on transparency, collaboration, and innovation, our Advisors play a crucial role in shaping the Academy’s future, driving strategic initiatives, and overseeing club operations. We believe in fostering a community where every player can thrive—on and off the field.Being physically active is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Sam Rubinstein serves as the President of the Euro Soccer Academy Board of Advisors. With a background as a Patient Access Supervisor at Mercy, Sam brings exceptional organizational skills and dedication to her role. While she doesn’t have personal soccer experience, she has been a devoted soccer mom since 2018, supporting her son Brennon, who plays on the Fulltron team.
A Glendale graduate, Sam is currently pursuing a teaching degree part-time. Outside of her professional and soccer commitments, she enjoys staying active, watching her son play sports, and spending time with her family. As a fan of Taylor Swift, she channels the pop star’s positive and resilient spirit to “shake off” challenges and tackle obstacles with enthusiasm and grace.
Sam’s dedication, leadership, and personal passion make her a dynamic leader for our board and a valuable asset to Euro Soccer Academy.
Jessica Burns has been practicing law for 21 years, with a strong focus on family law for the past 18 years. In addition to representing clients, she has served as a Guardian Ad Litem, advocating for the best interests of children, and has spent the last eight years as a family law mediator, helping families find resolutions outside the courtroom.
While Jessica doesn’t have a soccer background herself, she is fully immersed in the soccer world through her son, Jackson, who played two years of recreational soccer with the Nixa Community Center and is now starting his third season of club soccer.
As Secretary of the Euro Soccer Academy Board of Advisors, Jessica brings organizational expertise and leadership to the club. Her previous experience includes six years on the board of the Ozarks Literacy Council, followed by time on their advisory board, where she gained valuable experience in non-profit management, fundraising, and program oversight.
Outside of her professional and soccer commitments, Jessica loves traveling, especially road trips, and is an avid reader. She enjoys cooking and baking, always looking for new recipes to try. Much of her free time is spent with her kids—whether it’s playing board games, hiking, swimming, or visiting local attractions like Urban Air and Jump Mania.
Jessica’s legal expertise, leadership experience, and passion for family and community make her a key asset to Euro Soccer Academy.
Melinda Baker has been the owner and operator of a successful barbershop and salon in Springfield for the past 10 years. With a Bachelor’s in Business from Missouri State University, she brings nearly 20 years of industry experience, specializing in business management, bookkeeping, marketing, and team leadership. Her expertise in marketing and promotion makes her a natural fit for her role as Treasurer on the Euro Soccer Academy Board of Advisors.
A dedicated soccer mom for over eight years, Melinda is now in her third year working alongside Coach Alik. Her two children, Knight (10) and Isla (6), have kept her deeply involved in the club soccer community.
Outside of her professional and soccer commitments, Melinda enjoys watching her kids compete in various sports and activities. She is a die-hard fan of St. Louis City SC, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the St. Louis Blues. When she’s not on the sidelines, you can find her hiking in Colorado, relaxing on the beaches of Gulf Shores, or rewatching classic 80s and 90s movies with her kids.
With her business expertise, passion for the game, and commitment to the soccer community, Melinda plays a vital role in the success and growth of Euro Soccer Academy.
Mary Jones is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the proud owner of Gateway Counseling Center, where she dedicates her career to helping others navigate life’s challenges. But her story isn’t just about counseling—it’s also about a deep-rooted love for soccer that has been a defining part of her life.
Mary and her husband didn’t just play soccer growing up—they lived it. That passion has been passed down to their children, who have been playing since the age of four. Over the years, both Mary and her husband have been more than just soccer parents—they’ve also coached, helping to shape young athletes on and off the field.
Beyond soccer, Mary and her family are passionate about the great outdoors. Whether it’s camping, hiking, or spending time at the river, they embrace every opportunity to enjoy nature. When they’re not on an outdoor adventure, they can often be found cheering for just about any sport.
In her quieter moments, Mary enjoys the simpler joys of life. She is an avid baker, cook, and gardener, always creating and cultivating—whether in the kitchen or her backyard.
Mary’s experience, leadership, and passion for both soccer and community make her a valuable member of the Euro Soccer Academy Board of Advisors.
Michael Tonarely has spent nearly 20 years working in homeless services, with the last nine years focused on data-driven service delivery. He currently works with the state of North Dakota and the city of Boise, Idaho, supervising teams and collaborating with community leadership to enhance data quality, expand federal funding, and improve homeless service systems.
Michael’s soccer journey began as an adult when his first child was three years old. Over the past 14 years, he has been actively playing soccer and even helps organize the largest adult pick-up soccer group in Southwest Missouri. His love for the game has grown alongside his three sons, all of whom started playing club soccer at a young age. While only one of his sons, Sebastian, continues to play organized club soccer with the Cyclones, Michael and his other two boys still enjoy weekly pick-up games together.
As a member of the Euro Soccer Academy Board of Advisors, Michael brings leadership and a deep passion for the game.
Beyond soccer, Michael is a dedicated Liverpool FC fan who rarely misses watching a live match. He is also an avid outdoor enthusiast, enjoying floating, hiking, and camping—often with his wife, Katie, by his side.
Michael’s experience in leadership, community engagement, and his lifelong passion for the sport make him an invaluable part of the Euro Soccer Academy.
Cindy Woodruff brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as a Euro Soccer Academy Board Member. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SMSU, Cindy applies her background in organization and problem-solving to her professional role as an Accounting Generalist at Mid Missouri Bank.
Her passion for youth development and community service is evident in her eight years of involvement in scouting. Cindy has actively participated in family camps, monthly meetings, and fundraising efforts, holding key leadership roles such as Advancement Chair for Cub Scouts Pack 289 and Co-Activities Coordinator for Troop 239.
Beyond scouting, Cindy is also involved with Christ Episcopal Church, where she assists with Sunday school, enriching her community through service and mentorship.
With a decade of experience in youth sports, Cindy has supported teams in soccer, baseball, t-ball, and flag football, often stepping in as a dugout mom for baseball. She loves cheering on her sons—one of whom plays competitive soccer, while the other excels in cello performance and orchestra competitions.
Outside of her many commitments, Cindy enjoys watching cooking shows, especially those featuring Gordon Ramsay, and is inspired by the humor and heart of Ted Lasso. She also finds balance through yoga, using it as a way to unwind from her busy schedule.
Cindy’s mantra for her boys is simple yet powerful:
"Have fun, do your best, and if we are in it, we’re in it to win it."
Her dedication, leadership, and passion for youth development make her a valuable asset to Euro Soccer Academy.