Columbia County Soccer Camp - Meet The Coaches

Meet The Coaches

Mary Barbato

Mary was one of a handful of young girls that formed the first girls youth soccer club in Columbia County, Taconic Youth Soccer Club during her upcoming 5th grade summer to 12th grade -- playing year-round. She was also a starter on the first Taconic Hills Girls Varsity Soccer Team in 9th grade that went on to win the Division in their second year.

A walk on, Mary played soccer and softball for Division 1 Springfield College, intramural soccer for Northeastern University and club teams in her years since. Mary's also been the Girls Modified Soccer Coach at Taconic Hills with a winning record by her second year. She is the Founder of CCSC and passionate about providing local girls the opportunities that open doors through affordable, high quality soccer experiences.

Alex Strompf

"I began playing soccer in 2nd or 3rd grade with the Taconic Hills youth league and continued through middle school, JV in 9th–10th grade, and Varsity in high school, graduating in 2004. I took a break from the sport until my late 20s, when I joined a weekly pickup group. Since then, I’ve been playing at least once a week—often twice—for nearly 10 years.
I currently play in the Capital District Over-30 rec league and serve as the team coordinator for Hudson FC. I also organize twice-weekly pickup games in Hudson, drawing 40+ players ages 15-65. The games are open to all levels, and I’ve taken on more of a mentoring role, rather than formal coaching.
I focus on building players' confidence, attitude, communication, and teamwork. I emphasize simple, team-oriented play and aim to mentor in a steady, supportive way. I’ll bring the same supportive approach to the girls, focusing on improving their first touch, passing technique, and spatial awareness on the field."

Ali Kochey

Dr. Ali Kochey is excited to join us for her first year as a CCSC coach, bringing a deep-rooted passion for sport, movement, and player development.
A former Division I soccer player at the University of North Florida, Ali was a multi-sport athlete growing up and has coached youth athletes across various levels.
Off the field, she is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and certified Pilates instructor, giving her a unique perspective on movement mechanics, injury prevention, and overall athletic performance.
Ali lives nearby with her husband and three kids, where they’re in the midst of restoring a historic home.

John "Pops" Naple

“I look forward to working with the players and Coach Barbato at the soccer camp. I played soccer for SUNY Plattsburgh and coached modified soccer at Galway Central School. I am now a long-retired biology and earth science teacher with children who excelled at soccer for Broadalbin-Perth Central School. I hope to help Coach Barbato teach skills and attitudes that make good athletes and citizens and have fun.”

Melanie Tauring

“Soccer has been a lifelong passion of mine. I played competitively for 33 years, starting at age nine, joining the boys' team in junior high, making my high school team as a freshman, and continuing to play at the collegiate level. After college, I played on a Women's Soccer Association (WSA) team in Minneapolis, as well as two co-ed teams. The sport was more than a game—it was my priority and my driving force. Unfortunately, an injury eventually sidelined me as a player, but my love for the game never faded. Now, as a volunteer coach at CCSC, I’m honored to pass on my knowledge and passion. I’m excited to mentor and empower young women, helping them realize their strength, resilience, and potential—both on the field and in life.”