ZenFooty.com - Reach For Your Game!

Coaches' Bio

Ed Hawkins is a Chicago area soccer enthusiast who learned how to play the "beautiful game" in New York where he earned All-America honors on four occasions. A product of the highly competitive Cosmopolitan league in New York City, Ed was drafted to play professionally in the North American Soccer League at the age of seventeen (Washington Diplomats #1 pick) and again at the age of twenty one by the Major Indoor Soccer League (Pittsburgh Spirit #1 pick). Ed has played in four National Sports Festivals and has trained at the Olympic Development Center on several occasions with the Olympic player pools. Ed was a member of the US National Team and was selected for induction into Division One Hartwick College's Athletic Hall of Fame alongside legends such as, the late Glen "Mooch" Myernick and the current USSF Director of Coaching, Jeff Tipping. Ed remains among the all-time leading scorers in Hartwick College history and was a recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Sportsman Award. He has recently been named to the Times Herald Record New York Area Top 50 athletes for the last 50 years. Ed has played for USSF Licensed Staff Coaches Jim Lennox, Nick Zlatar, and Jeff Tipping. He was personally mentored for 11 years by Hartwick College's first team All-America, USSF licensed coach, and Hall of Fame inductee, Tony Martelli.

Ed is often called upon by the news media for opinions and quotes on national soccer events as a resident soccer expert. His advice is often sought out by area kids and parents. He is known for his intense local "pick up" games featuring area boys and girls as well as his uniquely detailed personal training methods. Ed has been coaching for eight years in a variety of capacities ranging from AYSO to competitive traveling soccer. He demonstrates all of the activities for his players providing a step by step visual of all skills and tactics he teaches.

On the professional front, Ed has been a business and IT executive working for a variety of blue chip companies such as IBM, Exxon-Mobil, and RR Donnelley. He recently served as the Chief Operating Officer of Jet Support Services Inc., a privately held middle market aviation company. Ed has decided to dedicate himself to teaching and developing youth players in and around the Chicago area on a full time basis. His focus is on mastering the fundamentals of individual ball skills and tactical problem solving. His goal is to teach area players how to reach for the maximum performance within them.

ZenFooty.com, lead by Ed, is a business focused on player development. Personal training, player assessments, player education, specialty camps, and other developmental services offered are designed to supplement what area clubs offer. ZenFooty.com is targeted specifically on advancing each and every player on an individual basis. Ed's hope is that each player will enjoy the game more by achieving a higher skill level while continuing to build their character as a student athlete.

Ed and Eyleen Hawkins (an avid long distance runner) have three children: Eryka (Chicago Blast Soccer), Elyssa (Westmont Swim Club), and Edison (Westmont Wildcats Soccer).

Ed is accepting requests for personal and group training. He can be reached in (630) 321-1405 or (312) 316-9211 or on-line at ZenMaster@ZenFooty.com.

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