Coaches and Directors
Program Director:
Lew Potter - Program Director & Staff Coach
Lew has over 25 years experience as a soccer coach and administrator. He has worked with and developed players of all ages and various ability levels, including; Club, Premier, High School, College, and ODP (Olympic Development Program). After years of success with older club/premier and college teams, Lew decided to focus more time developing programs to improve the technical development of younger players, while also bringing in and retaining more players in the sport of soccer. If we do a better job of developing players at 2-8, we will have much better players at U10-U16. Lew grew up playing soccer with his 3 brothers and now is father to 4 boys of his own - also currently playing soccer. Lew resides in Depew with his wife Michelle and sons Wyatt, Griffin, Austin & Leo.
- Head Coach, Women’s Soccer - D’Youville College 2009-2016
- Assistant Coach, Women’s Soccer - Canisius College 2016-2017
- AMCC Coach of the Year 2010 and 2012
- 2008 US Club National Champions - Girls U15
- 2009 NYSW State Cup Champions – Girls U16
- 2014 NYSW State Cup Champions – Girls U17
- 2015 NYSW State Cup Champions – Girls U18
- Licenses: NSCAA Premier Diploma, National Youth License, Director of Coaching Diploma, Goalkeeping Level I Diploma
Melanie Linsmair - Lead Coach
Mel is one of the best and most qualified coaches at SoccerRoos. She brings years of experience as a player and a coach. Mel had a decorated soccer career, winning multiple State Cup Championships with her AFC Buffalo team and went on to be a 4 year starter at Canisius College. Since college, Mel has coached high school teams and ran training for a couple youth premier teams in WNY.
Madison Wittschack - Lead Coach
Madison is one of our most requested coaches at SoccerRoos. Madison has years of playing experience, tremendous patience, and works really well with all types of players. Madison also coaches high school soccer for Buffalo Public School District in the fall.
Alana Rossi - Lead Coach
Alana brings a wealth of soccer experience to our programs. Alana was the starting GK at Canisius College for all 4 years of her collegiate career. She was a standout player during her younger years in Ontario.
More Coach Bios to come.