OUR STAFF

I’m a local guy born and raised in Naperville where I lived for 38 years. For the last 24 years I’ve lived in Aurora with my wife Sharon and kids Riley and Alex.

I spent 25 years of my working career selling wireless devices. I was with Nokia Mobile Phones for 10 years traveling the country managing the Cingular Wireless account. With young kids at home and tired of airline travel, I took a job in West Chicago running a company selling two-way radios across the Midwest. However, I’ve always had a passion for sports and for as long as I can remember I wanted to work in that industry. When an opportunity came about in January of 2023 to work for WAA, I was lucky enough to land my “dream job” !

Growing up in Naperville I played most sports but eventually focused on baseball. I played at Naperville North HS, COD, and Benedictine U. After college I continued my love for the game as a coach and eventually became a Ducks head coach in 2012!

My kids also fell in love with sports at a young age and started playing recreational soccer, baseball, and softball at WAA. Alex eventually played for the Ducks and Riley for the Spikes!

For over three years I’ve been fortunate to work with great people who are passionate about youth sports and working for WAA. It’s a pleasure to come to work every day! Also, for the last three years I’ve been giving baseball hitting lessons and love being able to share some of my baseball knowledge with young WAA players!

When not working I can be found on the golf course, spending time with family, or watching my beloved Cubs!

Mary has always had a strong passion for sports and has been a longtime part of the WAA community. She and her husband enjoyed watching their five children participate in WAA recreational, competitive and travel sports over the years. Mary believes organized sports provide children with valuable opportunities to learn teamwork, dedication and life skills that stay with them well beyond the playing field.

Mary first joined WAA in 1994, when her youngest daughter started school, and has had the opportunity to watch the organization grow and evolve over the past three decades. Today, she especially enjoys watching her grandchildren experience WAA and create their own memories through sports.

After an incredible 32 years with WAA, Mary will be retiring at the end of 2026. WAA is grateful for her many years of dedication, service and contributions to the organization and the families it serves.

Sarah joined the WAA staff in June 2020 after graduating from Carthage College, where she continued her volleyball career after playing at Harper College. She is currently in the process of earning a Graphic Arts certificate from Harper. Her love of sports, particularly baseball, came from her dad, which eventually led to an internship with the Windy City Thunderbolts in 2019 and inspired her to pursue a career in sports.

Now in her sixth year at WAA, Sarah enjoys combining her background in athletics, marketing and graphic design to promote WAA’s programs and mission. Outside of WAA, she enjoys watching Marvel movies, working out, cheering on the Chicago White Sox.

Cassandra’s love for sports began in northern Minnesota, playing every sport she could. After moving to Naperville in 1993, she pursued golf, softball, gymnastics, and basketball, ultimately playing high school softball at Naperville Central and NCAA Division I golf at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned a degree in consumer education and marketing. Now a real estate broker in Aurora, Cassandra lives with her husband, Tim, and daughters, Kendall and Addyson.

Cassandra’s passion for coaching youth sports stems from her own positive experiences. She began coaching WAA Rec Softball in 2013 and became a Spikes head coach in 2017, leading teams to multiple tournament successes, including many championship appearances & wins. In her 10th season as a Spikes head coach and 4th season as the director, Cassandra is dedicated to helping athletes develop a love for the game, improve their skills, and apply lessons from the field to life. 

Haley Tyson is the Assistant Sports Administrator at Wheatland Athletic Association. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in Business and a minor in Sport and Recreation. While at Iowa, she was a member of the Women’s Gymnastics Team and was named to the All-B1G Championship Team on floor. Haley is excited to be part of the WAA staff and looks forward to contributing to the organization and the community.

Soccer has been a big part of my life since I was a little girl I grew up playing right here in the area at Plainfield North and went on to play college soccer at Cleveland State University before transferring to DePaul University, where I studied Exercise Science.

I’ve been part of the WAA family for the past four years, where I oversee all things soccer, including Team Chicago and our Recreational programs. I love that my job allows me to combine my love for the game with the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our athletes and families.

While soccer will always be at the heart of what I do, my favorite part of working at WAA is the people. I especially love getting to know our families and seeing everyone outside of the traditional soccer setting at the different events and socials we host. Getting to watch our community grow, connect, and have fun together is the best part of my job!

Bio Coming Soon!

Matt currently holds his USSF B, UEFA B, and Coerver Coaching Licenses. With over 20 years of coaching experience across a wide range of countries and cultures, he has developed a unique perspective and passion for player development. His experience spans all levels of the game, from professional players to grassroots development, giving him the ability to work effectively with players of all abilities and backgrounds.

I have spent more than 15 years in soccer, working across grassroots, elite youth development, scouting, coaching, and leadership environments, including experience within MLS and MLS NEXT.

I hold my USSF B License, as well as FA and UEFA coaching qualifications and NSCAA certifications. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with players at different stages of their development and see firsthand what it takes to help talented young athletes reach the next level.

At Team Chicago, my focus is simple: put the player first and create an environment where every player has the opportunity to develop to their full potential. I believe development requires more than just quality training. It requires the right coaching, level of competition, mentorship, accountability, and a clear pathway forward.

I am passionate about identifying and developing talent while helping players understand what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the game. Most importantly, I want our players to leave Team Chicago not only as better soccer players, but as confident, disciplined and driven young people prepared for whatever comes next.

My goal is to help every player discover how far they can take the game and themselves.

Joining the club in 2021 has been great for my personal development and I have been Team Chicago's Technical Director since 2024/25 & beyond. With 10 years' experience across Chicagoland, I look forward to positively impacting the players development while providing soccer opportunities & growth in the community. 

Bio Coming Soon!

I first began coaching for Wheatland in 1983, during the organization’s formative years. Over time, I had the privilege of coaching my three children at various stages of their development, working with teams from kindergarten through U19. In 1987, I joined the board as secretary, attending meetings regularly and contributing to the decision-making process. By 1990, I was elected president, and under my leadership, Wheatland experienced unprecedented growth. Within six years, we transitioned from operating out of Lori’s basement to Schoger Road, and ultimately to Liberty Street, where we remain today.

This progress was achieved through the dedication of a strong board and the commitment of our community. In seven years, we advanced from one employee to a full staff and established a sustainable business model. In 1996, we purchased land and broke ground in May on the development of Play USA and the WAA fields. Our first games were played in the spring of 1997. Prior to that, we completed several significant projects, including the construction of Diller Baseball Field in 1992 at Gregory Middle School. That initiative also included soccer fields west of the school, later incorporated into the Park District’s baseball diamond. Another milestone was the Clow Elementary soccer field drainage project in 1989, our first major undertaking, which gave us the confidence to collaborate effectively with the school district.

By the end of 1997, Team Chicago was firmly established, our baseball program was thriving, and basketball was rapidly gaining popularity within WAA. More importantly, the school district continued to expand, with a second high school on the horizon.

In recognition of our 50th anniversary, this website will publish a series of articles reflecting on Wheatland’s early years. These accounts will highlight additional projects that enriched our community and enhanced the sports facilities we continue to enjoy.

I first became associated with WAA in about 1994, when my daughter and son were enrolled in recreation soccer. They progressed to Team Chicago travel soccer where I was asked to coach my son’s team. Through the years I continued my volunteer association with WAA coaching soccer, basketball and setting up the associations first website. I joined the WAA board in about 2005.

Bio Coming Soon!

Ryan Dorn serves as Treasurer of Wheatland Athletic Association, bringing more than 20 years of accounting, tax, finance, and business leadership experience to the organization. Professionally, Ryan is Vice President of Tax at IBEX, where he leads the company’s global tax function and advises executive leadership on international tax strategy, financial reporting, compliance, structuring, and risk management across the multinational organization. Prior to joining ibex, he spent 17 years with Accenture in various senior tax leadership roles, supporting complex global transactions, international structuring, transfer pricing, M&A, and the development of technology enabled tax solutions. Ryan has been involved with Wheatland Athletic Association for many years, serving on its Board of Directors as Treasurer, where he applies his financial and organizational experience to help support WAA’s long term financial stewardship and its mission of providing quality youth athletic opportunities to families in the community. A graduate of Bethel College with a degree in Accounting and a secondary emphasis in Communications, Ryan was also a four year varsity soccer player, giving him a lifelong connection to athletics and a personal appreciation for the role youth sports can play in developing teamwork, confidence, and character.

Executive Board Member. Tax Attorney and CPA in private practice for 40 years. Ray has organized, represented, and served as officer and board member of various charitable and sports organizations. Coached multiple recreational and travel sports since 1996. Varsity softball coach at Benet Academy for more than 20 years.

Bio Coming Soon!

Bio Coming Soon!

Drake and his wife, Lauren, reside in Naperville, IL and have 4 kids who all participate in Wheatland Athletics! Drake coaches his kids in all sports and appreciates the opportunity to serve on the board. Drake believes that youth sports, specifically team sports, help kids develop their social skills at a much more rapid pace. Outside of family and youth sports, Drake owns Valley Insurance Group which is headquartered in Naperville, IL.

Cassandra’s love for sports began in northern Minnesota, playing every sport she could. After moving to Naperville in 1993, she pursued golf, softball, gymnastics, and basketball, ultimately playing high school softball at Naperville Central and NCAA Division I golf at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned a degree in consumer education and marketing. Now a real estate broker in Aurora, Cassandra lives with her husband, Tim, and daughters, Kendall and Addyson.

Cassandra’s passion for coaching youth sports stems from her own positive experiences. She began coaching WAA Rec Softball in 2013 and became a Spikes head coach in 2017, leading teams to multiple tournament successes, including many championship appearances & wins. In her 10th season as a Spikes head coach and 4th season as the director, Cassandra is dedicated to helping athletes develop a love for the game, improve their skills, and apply lessons from the field to life. 

Rich Janor founded the Wheatland Ducks Baseball Program in 2003. Rich was the Head Varsity Baseball Coach at Montini Catholic High School in Lombard, IL. His achievements include being named High School Varsity Coach of the Year in 2011 and 2013 by the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association (IHSBCA) Area. Under his leadership, Montini Catholic reached the IHSA 3A State Finals in 2013 and advanced to the IHSA 3A Elite Eight in 2011.

WAA Board of Director since 2011.

As a Wizards Basketball Program Director & Head Coach for the Wizards basketball teams since 2014, Coach Dunc basketball teams have won multiple DuPage Youth Travel Basketball league championships on each level (Elite, Gold, Silver and Bronze). Coach Dunc teams have achieved 1st place in several tournaments throughout Illinois counties of DuPage, Cook, Will, Kane and out of state in Wisconsin and Indiana. He has been instrumental in player development for several past and current high school varsity, sophomore, and freshman basketball players in neighboring school districts of 202, 203, 204 and OCSD 308.

Coach Dunc was a 4-year letterman in football at Elmhurst University. Played semi-professional football in Gary, Indiana for Gary Golden Bears.

Coach Dunc was a 4-year letterman in football, and 3-year letterman in basketball at Crete Monee High School.

Coach Dunc is a Licensed Social Worker and currently the Executive Director at North Side Housing and Supportive Services in Chicago.

Matt currently holds his USSF B, UEFA B, and Coerver Coaching Licenses. With over 20 years of coaching experience across a wide range of countries and cultures, he has developed a unique perspective and passion for player development. His experience spans all levels of the game, from professional players to grassroots development, giving him the ability to work effectively with players of all abilities and backgrounds.

I have spent more than 15 years in soccer, working across grassroots, elite youth development, scouting, coaching, and leadership environments, including experience within MLS and MLS NEXT.

I hold my USSF B License, as well as FA and UEFA coaching qualifications and NSCAA certifications. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with players at different stages of their development and see firsthand what it takes to help talented young athletes reach the next level.

At Team Chicago, my focus is simple: put the player first and create an environment where every player has the opportunity to develop to their full potential. I believe development requires more than just quality training. It requires the right coaching, level of competition, mentorship, accountability, and a clear pathway forward.

I am passionate about identifying and developing talent while helping players understand what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the game. Most importantly, I want our players to leave Team Chicago not only as better soccer players, but as confident, disciplined and driven young people prepared for whatever comes next.

My goal is to help every player discover how far they can take the game and themselves.

Josh Bartzen has been the Director of Recreation Basketball since joining the WAA Board in 2013. Josh and his family—his wife, Kristen, and four boys, PJ, Tate, Charlie, and Cole—have enjoyed many WAA offerings over the years, including recreational and competitive baseball; flag football; and recreational, competitive, and travel basketball. Josh and his family are also active in local swimming and water polo clubs. Professionally, Josh is an Audit Director within the federal government. He holds a master’s degree from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. 

I first became involved in WAA back in 2002 when my son started playing Soccer and Baseball. I have coached WAA soccer, basketball, baseball and softball when my children were playing from 2002-2013. I was previously the Director for Outdoor Rec Soccer and Rec/Competitive Baseball. When the Flag Football Program started they roped me back in to train and schedule the officials. I took over as Flag Football Director in 2021. WAA is a fantastic program and I really enjoy being part of it.

I’m a local guy born and raised in Naperville where I lived for 38 years. For the last 24 years I’ve lived in Aurora with my wife Sharon and kids Riley and Alex.

I spent 25 years of my working career selling wireless devices. I was with Nokia Mobile Phones for 10 years traveling the country managing the Cingular Wireless account. With young kids at home and tired of airline travel, I took a job in West Chicago running a company selling two-way radios across the Midwest. However, I’ve always had a passion for sports and for as long as I can remember I wanted to work in that industry. When an opportunity came about in January of 2023 to work for WAA, I was lucky enough to land my “dream job” !

Growing up in Naperville I played most sports but eventually focused on baseball. I played at Naperville North HS, COD, and Benedictine U. After college I continued my love for the game as a coach and eventually became a Ducks head coach in 2012!

My kids also fell in love with sports at a young age and started playing recreational soccer, baseball, and softball at WAA. Alex eventually played for the Ducks and Riley for the Spikes!

For over three years I’ve been fortunate to work with great people who are passionate about youth sports and working for WAA. It’s a pleasure to come to work every day! Also, for the last three years I’ve been giving baseball hitting lessons and love being able to share some of my baseball knowledge with young WAA players!

When not working I can be found on the golf course, spending time with family, or watching my beloved Cubs!

Soccer has been a big part of my life since I was a little girl I grew up playing right here in the area at Plainfield North and went on to play college soccer at Cleveland State University before transferring to DePaul University, where I studied Exercise Science.

I’ve been part of the WAA family for the past four years, where I oversee all things soccer, including Team Chicago and our Recreational programs. I love that my job allows me to combine my love for the game with the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our athletes and families.

While soccer will always be at the heart of what I do, my favorite part of working at WAA is the people. I especially love getting to know our families and seeing everyone outside of the traditional soccer setting at the different events and socials we host. Getting to watch our community grow, connect, and have fun together is the best part of my job!

Brian is a former standout pitcher at Northern Illinois University where he received a Master's Degree in Sports Management. Brian coached and managed multiple collegiate and professional baseball teams including the Windy City Thunderbolts, the Rockford Rivets and the Madison Mallards. Brian is currently the WAA Manager of Programming as well as the Administrator for our Spikes Travel Softball, Ducks Travel Baseball and Wizards Travel Basketball. 

Bio Coming Soon!

Bio Coming Soon!