The Academy

ELITE GOALKEEPER TRAINING PLATFORM

THE ACADEMY IS TGK's ONLY INVITE ONLY TRAINING PROGRAM

COMMON QUESTIONS

How does a goalkeeper get evaluated?

Primarily through our weekly training sessions, goalkeepers would have worked with Tiger Goalkeeping coaches on more than one occasion where they have shown to have advanced and consistent technical abilities and great tactical understanding of the position. Also, they have proved to have the type of competitive attitude that we strive to create in our environment each Academy session.

Is the evaluation process open to anyone?

Yes. Goalkeepers of all ages and levels can opt-in to be evaluated for the Academy program

What if I believe my goalkeeper should be in Academy sessions?

Start by filling out the form with a detailed description of your goalkeeper's playing experience and background. From there, we will reach out for a conversation, which will result in an invitation to either a future Clinic for evaluation or a session with the Academy as a trial.

Are Academy spots limited?

Yes. To maintain a strong coach-to-goalkeeper ratio and create a competitive training environment, Senior Academy spots are limited at each location. This allows our staff to provide detailed instruction and meaningful development opportunities for every goalkeeper in the program.

Can I buy a TGA uniform?

No. Unfortunately we do not sell any Academy apparel.

SENIOR ACADEMY

Tiger Goalkeeping Senior Academy is our highest-level goalkeeper training environment, designed for ambitious goalkeepers who currently compete at top club levels — or demonstrate the technical ability, decision-making, and potential to perform at those standards.

Our mission is to provide a focused and challenging development environment for like-minded goalkeepers serious about advancing their game. The Academy curriculum centers on each goalkeeper's individual growth, with sessions designed to develop the technical, tactical, physical, and mental qualities required to succeed at higher levels of the game. Each training session is multi-faceted and emphasizes “repetition without repetition,” allowing goalkeepers to improve their decision-making, adaptability, and execution in realistic game scenarios.

The Senior Academy is open to goalkeepers ages 14–19, and all interested goalkeepers are welcome to participate in an evaluation trial period regardless of current club level or experience. Following evaluations, goalkeepers will be assessed, and at the end of the trial period, goalkeepers will either be offered placement within the Academy or receive a detailed evaluation outlining their strengths, current level, and areas for development toward future acceptance.

Our current Academy goalkeepers compete across a variety of high-performance platforms, including MLS Pro Academies, USYNT Talent Identification pathways, MLS NEXT, ECNL, Girls Academy, regional leagues, and collegiate programs.

ACADEMY DAY 2025

About Academy Day

This once-a-year event is designed to bring together goalkeepers from both Tiger Goalkeeping Grand Rapids and Metro Detroit Academy for a full day dedicated to collaboration, growth, and shared learning. Academy Day offers a unique opportunity for our Academy goalkeepers from each program on both sides of the state to connect, compete, and develop through a blend of on-field instruction, high-level training sessions, and off-field discussions focused on the technical, tactical, and leadership aspects of the position. Hosted at the TGK Headquarters, the day also includes classroom sessions aimed at deepening each goalkeeper's understanding of the game and reinforcing the values that define the Tiger Goalkeeping culture.

Looking ahead, the future of Academy Day is bright—with plans in place to make it a semiannual event, giving our goalkeepers more regular opportunities to learn and train with one another, and continue raising the standard across both Academy programs.

Evaluation Form

All TGA participants undergo an evaluation period. We receive numerous seasonal inquiries from goalkeeper families interested in joining Academy sessions. To ensure that our staff can uphold the program's intended standards, this evaluation period assesses development placement based on the participant's current skill level and age.

Michigan training locations; Grand Rapids & Metro Detroit

2026 ACADEMY STAFF

Chris Taborn

Director

Dan Hesselbein

Coach

Tori Christ

Coach

2026 ACADEMY GOALKEEPERS

Alen Deppe

ECNL-RL

Avery Gunn

Girls Academy & ODP National Team

Evan Johnson

MLS Next - NE Revolution Academy

Ezra Spira

'27 Commit - Haverford College

James Mayer

MLS Next

Jocelyn Tiedgen

Girls Academy

Joe Drake*

MLS Next II

Jordon Rokos

MLS Next - Columbus Crew Academy

Kael Fernando

MLS Next

Kasin Gordon

MLS Next

Kenzie Bendrey

'27 Commit - Western Michigan Univ.

Mary Russell

Girls Academy & GA Talent ID

Sabin Ingram

Club Premier & ODP Regional Team

Sebastian Medina

MLS Next & USYNT Mini Camp

Spencer Peruski

MLS Next II

Susie Sahtoe

ECNL-RL

Alexis Hazamy

ECNL

Alyssa Rankin

ECNL - 2025 National Champion

Ava Novack

ECNL

Bryce Grabow

MLS Next

Emily Outlaw

Girls Academy

Fiona Kennard

'27 Commit - Northwestern State Univ.

Gavin Dyer

MLS Next

Ingrid Kennard

ECNL

Jack Bauer

MLS Next

Langston Montney

MLS Next - St. Louis City

Lily Albertson

Girls Academy & USYNT Mini Camp

Maya Dhruna

ECNL - 2025 National Champion

Mya Bremerkamp

ECNL (2026 NSG) & U.S. Talent ID

Riley Davis

Girls Academy

Tony Martinez-G.

MLS Next

Academy Graduates

See where our Senior Academy goalkeepers continued their soccer careers

Aidan Spagnuolo

University of Green Bay (D1)

Brady Doyle

Aquinas College (NAIA)

Kadance Radwanski-Balogh

Northwestern University (D1)

Kailey Walcott

Spring Arbor University (NAIA)

Kennady Steinagel

Stony Brook University (D1)

Maddie Paulson

Cornerstone University (NAIA)

McKenna Hoebeke

Calvin University (D3)

Parker Pancy

Albion College (D3)

Sydney Goldman

Wayne State University (D2)

Contact us today to learn more.

Embrace Messy Learning

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Weekly Training Clinics

Our Weekly Clinics provide the premier training environment for goalkeepers of all ages and skill levels, emphasizing technical development and sharp decision-making through realistic, game-like scenarios each week. It’s where consistent, high-quality training builds confident and complete goalkeepers.

Train With Us

Seasonal Camps Series

Our Seasonal Camps — including our Summer Saves and Tune-Up Camp series — offer a fun, competitive environment where goalkeepers learn from our experienced coaching staff and train alongside other motivated goalkeepers. Each camp delivers focused instruction, energy, and opportunities to grow every session.

Upcoming Camps