OL Reign Academy Adds Elliott Miller and Ben Willis to Coaching Staff
OL Reign Academy today announced the hiring of two new coaches, Elliott Miller and Ben Willis. Miller will coach the U10 / 2013 team and Willis will assist for the 2008 Bleue team.
Miller joins OL Reign Academy from Western Michigan University, where he was an assistant coach for the men’s soccer team. Prior to that, he spent one season as the Director of Operations with the Kalamazoo Football Club's men's and women's teams, helping them to two division titles.
"We are excited to have Elliott join our OL Reign staff. His coaching style, personality, and desire to support youth players in a fun, supportive and challenging environment aligns with our REIGN core values,” said OL Reign Academy Technical Director Nicci Wright.
She continued, “Elliott’s interest in implementing the club model and joining forces with the current staff and players is key to continued unity, growth and an environment that fosters learning in the club’s development pathway. We welcome Elliott to our OL Reign family!”
Miller has coached at the youth level and was the head men's and women's coach of Central Michigan's club soccer teams.
“I’m eager to join OL Reign Academy and assist an organization that is fostering women’s soccer at the youth level with strong intention. It’s an organization that I feel confident will challenge me to continue to develop and one that I can bring my own personality to contribute to the strong culture that has already been established. Despite being new to the Seattle community, this is a club that I feel strongly represents the characteristics that I hold high,” said Miller.
Also joining OL Reign Academy is Ben Willis. Willis Ben played collegiate soccer at Gonzaga University while earning his bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. He went on to play professional soccer within the Houston Dynamo organization. Following his playing career, Willis pivoted into the coaching space, coaching soccer and obtaining his ACSM Certified-Exercise Physiologist certification, as well as his ACSM Certified- Inclusive Fitness Training certification.
“I have watched Ben coach from afar for a couple of years while he was at Bellevue College. I noticed his attention to detail and interest in the game and individuals that make up a team. It was clear he has a gift of holding himself and players accountable as they step into new challenges; a leadership quality I hold in high regard. Ben was most recently working with Washington Premier, stepping away to focus on working with Stephanie Cox, at University of Puget Sound, USL’s Ballard FC and now OL Reign Academy,” said OL Reign Academy Executive Director Amy Griffin.
Willis was also a part of the women's soccer staff at the University of Puget Sound in the spring of 2022, working with legendary OL Reign player Steph Cox. His experience in goalkeeper training includes stints with Bellevue College, Seattle United FC, and Rio Grande Valley FC.
“I am really excited to join such an amazing staff and help develop the next generation of soccer players,” said Willis. “This club has such a great reputation of teaching the game and helping players enjoy the journey on the field and in life. I can’t wait to be a part of the great culture and environment the players and staff have created!”