RICHMOND, Va. (JULY 17, 2025) - The ECNL is proud to announce that Chris Leahey has been promoted to ECNL Girls Commissioner, Andy Coverstone has been promoted to ECNL Regional League Boys Commissioner, and Mikayla Hampton has been promoted to ECNL Regional League Girls Commissioner.
Leahey joined the league in 2023 as the ECNL Associate Commissioner after a career as a coach and Executive Director at Matchfit Academy (NJ), and was promoted to be the first-ever ECNL Regional League Commissioner in 2024. During those periods, the ECNL Regional League saw an unprecedented period of growth and success expanding to include nearly 700 clubs in 24 boys leagues and 23 girls leagues for the 2025-2026 season, cementing the impact of the league on top players, clubs and teams nationally. Leahey oversaw the integration of top-performing ECNL RL teams into selected ECNL national events throughout the season, and the creation of the ECNL RL Leaders Cup which will debut in 2026. Under Leahey's leadership, the ECNL Regional League also introduced the Continental Tire ECNL Regional League Selection Games, awarded the first Kwik Goal ECNL Regional League Boys and Girls Coaches of the Year, and saw thousands of players reach their dreams of playing collegiate soccer.
Leahey will replace Ralph Richards, who will step down from his position as ECNL Girls Commissioner at the end of the month to return to his former club St. Louis Scott Gallagher as their Elite Girls Program Director.
"The ECNL and the ECNL Regional League work closely together to serve all the clubs and to enhance the experiences and outcomes for every player, team and club," Leahey said. "This collaborative approach will facilitate a seamless transition into my new role, for which I extend my sincere gratitude to (ECNL Boys Commissioner) Jason Kutney and to Ralph. I am honored and enthusiastic to be a part of the ongoing innovation that has defined ECNL Girls since its inception 15 years ago and established the ECNL Girls as the undisputed pinnacle of female youth soccer in the nation."
With Leahey's promotion to ECNL Girls Commissioner, the ECNL will split his former role into two new positions, so that both the ECNL Regional League Boys and ECNL Regional League Girls will have full-time executive leadership to provide the same level of professional and administrative support to all clubs in all leagues. Andy Coverstone and Mikayla Hampton will step into their roles as ECNL Regional League Boys and Girls Commissioners, respectively, after years of success within the ECNL's League Services and Operations departments.
Hampton joined the ECNL in 2022 as an Events Manager, was promoted to Senior Events Manager in 2023, and then promoted again to Associate Commissioner of Events in 2024. In those roles, Hampton has led the charge on countless ECNL and ECNL Regional League national events, helped with restructuring ECNL and ECNL Regional League conferences and leagues, and also assisted in the launch of the ECNL Coaching Education Center, powered by The Coaches' Voice. An alum of the league, Hampton played for Ohio Elite Soccer Academy for 10-plus seasons and played collegiate soccer at Northwestern and Louisville.
"During my time working at the ECNL, I've seen the ECNL Regional League grow significantly in size, strength and quality through strong leadership, great club support, and a steadfast commitment to bringing the league's mission and vision to life," Hampton added. "I'm honored and excited to step into this new role and eager to work alongside club leaders and league operators across the country to continue that growth and to reinforce the ECNL Regional League as a leading national platform for player development where competition, innovation, and opportunities for player and team growth are prioritized."
Coverstone began working with the ECNL in 2018 as a part of the league's social media team. At events, Coverstone served as the social media MC, interacting with players and broadcasting games live from the field. In 2023, Coverstone joined the ECNL League Services department, working with clubs in the South territory. While a part of the League Services team, Coverstone continued his broadcasting duties, calling games with Dean Linke at both ECNL and ECNL Regional League Boys National Playoffs and Finals. He also has served as a coach for LV Heat Surf since 2018, coaching in ECNL Boys, ECNL Girls, and ECNL Regional League Girls.
"The ECNL Regional League's tremendous success and impact over the past several years is attributed not only to the competitive opportunities it provides to both clubs and players but also our commitment to elevating the standards of youth sports," Coverstone said. "The decision to create two new commissioner roles to focus on the ECNL Regional League Boys and ECNL Regional League Girls shows a commitment to maintaining the integrity and the quality of all ECNL RL competition. I plan to work closely with club leaders to continue to raise the standards of the ECNL Regional League in order to provide the highest quality experiences in the best environments for young athletes in any sport."
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About the ECNL:
The ECNL is the nation's leading youth soccer development platform. The ECNL respects and celebrates the unique individuality of every youth soccer player and club, supporting and enabling them to unleash their unfettered passion and fierce tenacity in striving to achieve their potential.
The ECNL mission to Raise the Game is a total commitment to create the best possible environment for players, coaches, referees and administrators, with a determination to constantly question convention and challenge the status quo in youth sports.
The ECNL Commitment:
We will lead, set our eyes on new horizons, and pursue them relentlessly. Born out of the belief in a better way. Continued in the ever-evolving pursuit of excellence.
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