
MUKWONAGO AREA SOCCER CLUB
COACHING STAFF
Our youth coaches are dedicated and passionate individuals who believe in fostering a love for soccer among young players. They focus on creating a positive and inclusive environment where each child can develop their skills and confidence. With philosophy centered on teamwork, respect, and enjoyment of the game, coaches inspire the next generation of soccer enthusiasts to grow both and off the field. Their commitment to nurturing talent and a lifelong passion for soccer sets the foundation for a bright future in the sport.

Jake Basten
U8 ACADEMY BOYS
Jake has been coaching youth soccer for over a decade, sharing his passion for the game alongside his son, Jacob. He loves helping young players grow their skills, build confidence, and develop a love for the game.
Outside of soccer, Jake enjoys hockey, hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending time outdoors with his family. He and his wife are proud parents to seven kids, and it's safe to say that MASC runs in their blood. Jake is passionate about giving back to the club and helping create a positive experience for every player.

Mike Griep
U8 ACADEMY BOYS
Michael is entering his third year coaching with Mukwonago Area Soccer Club and is passionate about helping young players develop both on and off the field. In addition to coaching soccer, he spent three years coaching high school track. A lifelong soccer fan, Michael played for many years growing up and now enjoys sharing his love of the game with his own children. He believes soccer teaches valuable life lessons such as hard work, teamwork, respect, and perseverance—qualities he strives to instill in every player he coaches.

Joe Buhmann
U9 & U10 BOYS & TOPSoccer COACH
Joe has been a part of our club for the last few years, leading our U9 and U10 Boys Academy teams and volunteering with the TOPSoccer program. As a Mukwonago native, he grew up here and is now proudly raising four boys right here in his hometown. As a long time fan of German soccer, he pulls tactical inspiration from the highest levels of global soccer. On the pitch, his ultimate goal is to instill a deep, lifelong love for the game in every player he mentors. He brings this to life by encouraging young athletes to build confidence, make their own decisions, and truly thrive through their own autonomy.

Julie Klawitter
U11 BOYS
Julie has played soccer for MKSC for many years; she also played high school soccer for New Berlin West. She began coaching her kids pee-wee teams years ago, before making the move from her son’s Rec team to Academy. When she is not coaching, Julie enjoys spending time at the lake, golfing and volunteering at her kids’ school.

Ryan Vassel
U12 BOYS
Ryan grew up playing soccer, starting with a Waukesha parking recreation, and eventually playing high school level. He started assisting coaching three years ago with coach Eric for his son's team. Coaching has rekindled his love for the game and given me a new perspective. He enjoys watching the kids grow and develop throughout the season. When he's not coaching, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Eric Lee
U14 BOYS
Eric has coached with Mukwonago Area Soccer Club for the past seven years, working with multiple age groups at both the Academy and Select levels. A former MASC player himself, he now serves as a coach and director within the club, helping guide player development across programs. Eric also serves on the Mukwonago High School boys coaching staff. He says his favorite part of coaching is watching players grow over time and being part of their development both on and off the field.

Travis Schmid
U15 BOYS & U18 BOYS
A former Waukesha North standout and current Milwaukee Wave goalkeeper, Travis brings high-level playing experience and a strong passion for player development to the club. Along with his coaching experience at Waukesha North and SC Wave Waukesha, Travis is committed to helping players grow both on and off the field.

Erica Busch
U10 GIRLS
Erica Busch grew up in Mukwonago and began playing soccer with the Mukwonago Kickers at a young age. She played at Mukwonago High School before continuing her career at Cardinal Stritch University, where she was a four-year member of the women's soccer team. For the past 10 years, Erica has coached at multiple levels including recreational, select, and academy soccer, and enjoys helping young athletes develop their skills, confidence, and passion for the game.

Tim Gabrhel
U10 GIRLS
​Tim is currently in his 4th year coaching and will be coaching the U10 Girls Academy team this season. He has previously coached U8 rec, U9 academy, and assistant coached U11/U12 select. Tim first got involved with MASC when his older twins joined select at U11, and he has enjoyed being part of the club ever since. His favorite part of coaching is helping players build confidence, develop their individual skills, learn how to work together as a team, and continue growing their love for the game.

Lou DeLeon
High School Girls
With over 40 years of coaching experience, Lou has been with MKSC as a player, staff coach and Hall of Fame member. Lou has coached many different age groups, both boys and girls. As a student of the game, Lou is eager and willing to share his knowledge of the game, encouraging his players to be good role models

Kassy Buhmann
TOPSoccer COACH
Kassy is a Mukwonago native who discovered her passion for soccer through her husband and their four sons. With a background in special education and a lifelong commitment to inclusion, she was inspired to create a soccer program here in Mukwonago for youth with disabilities after her youngest children were diagnosed with autism. Working alongside Mukwonago Area Soccer Club and dedicated volunteers, Kassy helped launch Inclusive Kickers TOPSoccer, providing a fun, supportive, and accessible soccer experience for athletes of all abilities.

Leigh Emmett
GENERAL STAFF
Leigh has been coaching soccer since 2021 bringing both experience and a genuine love for the sport to every practice. Known for a thoughtful, discussion-driven approach, Leigh encourages players to ask questions, think critically, and understand the game beyond the basics. While development and strategy are always priorities, Leigh believes soccer should be fun — and isn’t afraid to be a little goofy to keep the energy high.
Interested in joining our team?
See our open positions and apply today!