Local soccer legend and former USMNT Midfielder Mike Sorber joins Academy staff
St. Louis CITY SC Academy today announced its coaching staff for the upcoming 2025-26 MLS NEXT season, featuring a mix of returning leaders and a few exciting additions, headlined by former U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder and longtime MLS coach Mike Sorber.
“We are excited to welcome several new members to the St. Louis CITY SC academy coaching staff who all bring a strong coaching and professional resume to our club,” said Academy Director Dale Schilly. “As we continue to build our academy, these new additions will help to create a challenging and competitive training environment, which will help further the development of these young players.”
Sorber, a St. Louis native, joins the academy as the head coach of the U16 team, bringing with him a wealth of coaching experience from the professional and international level. Sorber most recently served as an assistant coach/technical director with Toronto FC and held front office and coaching roles at LAFC, Montreal Impact and the USMNT. Additionally, Sorber spent time as an assistant coach for his alma mater, Saint Louis University. Sorber started his professional career with Liga MX side UNAM, making 51 appearances before making 166 appearances in the first four seasons of Major League Soccer. He made 67 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team and was a member of the 1994 FIFA World Cup team.
Larsen Hackworth, a former St Louis CITY2 midfielder, joins Sorber’s staff as a U16 assistant coach. Hackworth played two seasons with CITY2, appearing in 17 matches. Due to a season ending injury, Hackworth has made the decision to work through the rest of his contract this season while rehabbing. A product of UNC-Asheville (2020-2022) and Missouri State University (2022-2023), Hackworth earned multiple accolades including the United Soccer Coaches Player of Distinction and Big South All-Tournament Team while at UNC-Asheville.
Santiago Castillo joins as an individual development coach and assistant coach of the U15s, working alongside head coach Anthony Wallace. Castillo was previously the Manager of Soccer Development at Lou Fusz Soccer Club, helping to develop and implement the club’s playing style. Castillo’s coaching background also includes stints with Louisville City FC academy, St. Louis Scott Gallagher and collegiate roles at Missouri Baptist University and Saint Louis University.
The full coaching staff is listed below:
Academy Director – Dale Schilly
U18 Head Coach – Luis Swisher
U18 Assistant Coach – Charles Renken
U16 Head Coach – Mike Sorber
U16 Assistant Coach – Larsen Hackworth
U15 Head Coach – Anthony Wallace
U15 Assistant Coach/IDP Coach – Santiago Castillo
U14 Head Coach – Kyle Riebeling
Director of Player Pathway/U14 Assistant Coach – Megan McCormick
Academy Fitness Coach – Evan Shirkey
Academy Fitness Coach – Preston Secrest
Goalkeeper Coach – Michael Ritterbeck
Goalkeeper Coach – Mark Pais
IDP Coach – Sean Reynolds
