National Staff

Ryan Hodgson’s passion for PCDA stems from his experience as a former NCAA 1 collegiate player, former college coach, and former Director of Coaching across multiple states throughout the USA. Ryan holds the 2nd highest field coaching qualification in the world – UEFA B, United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma and is a national staff coach of United Soccer Coaches (Formerly NSCAA).

In the last 10 years, Ryan has seen former players be called up to national teams as well as earn professional playing contracts in the US and internationally.

Ryan’s experience traveling the globe identifying talent, and placing the athletes in various prestigious academies has seen the shift in how next level soccer is looked at in the USA.

The Pre-College Development Academy is now looked at as another pathway to further support the college and professional leagues around the world.

Ryan’s responsibilities are to oversee the “Next Level” planning or “Exit Strategy” for all athletes as well as the global growth of PCDA domestically and internationally. Through a meticulous approach, all athletes are provided with what has been described as a “crystal ball” looking into their future.

Mathes Mennell – National Director of Academics and Educational Partnerships

Mathes Mennell brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the development of excellence to his role as the National Director of Academics and Educational Partnerships at Pre-College Development Academy.

Serving in soccer for over twenty-five years, he has served in a variety of roles, from NCAA Division I Head Coach to serving as a Director of Goalkeeping for a MLS Academy. Throughout his career, Mennell has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to athletic success and academic achievement. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding teams to conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances while maintaining a focus on student-athlete development and academic integrity.

A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Mennell holds an Ed.D. from East Tennessee State University and an M.A. in General Education from Loyola Marymount University. In his role as National Director of Academics and Educational Partnerships, Mennell is well-equipped to help lead PCDA's unique efforts in player development, with a focus on PCDA players’ academic success.

Dave Widdison oversees the national Sports Performance of our athletes. Using a hybrid model of virtual, in person and app based programming, Dave has been responsible for the successful physical development of our athletes who have signed on to their next level. PCDA Sports Performance is arguably the most important element of the curriculum.