With a decade of coaching experience, Tyler Nolan is in his third season leading the Freedom High School Boys Soccer team. His journey into coaching was a natural progression from his playing career, where his analytical approach to the game made transitioning to a coach a seamless decision. Tyler is passionate about staying connected to soccer and passing on his knowledge to the next generation of players.

Tyler's coaching career is highlighted by his role in the 2017 DeSales University men's soccer team's conference championship. However, he finds just as much fulfillment in seeing the joy on his players' faces when they achieve success, both as individuals and as a team.

His playing career is equally distinguished. Tyler was a standout at Salisbury High School from 2006 to 2009, earning 1st Team All-Colonial League and Morning Call All-Area honors in his senior year. At DeSales University, he was a four-year starter, two-time team captain, and earned multiple all-conference and all-region accolades. He played a key role in securing the program's first NCAA tournament win in 2011 and finished his collegiate career as one of the school's all-time leaders in assists and matches played. Tyler also played for the Lehigh Valley Sonic in 2011 and 2012.

As a coach, Tyler is dedicated to helping his players make the best decisions on the field and preparing them for success in life. He stresses the importance of each player embracing their role within the team and has successfully guided several players to collegiate soccer, including Alexander Toto, Josh Sollars, Josh Whalen, Tristan Willey, and Corey James.

Off the field, Tyler emphasizes academic excellence, sportsmanship, and respect, holding his players to high standards. When not coaching, Tyler enjoys traveling with his wife, spending time with friends and family, cooking, and playing soccer.

AJ Schroettner brings 9 years of coaching experience to his role as the Assistant Head Varsity Coach of the Freedom High School Boys Soccer team, where he is now in his third year. AJ was inspired to become a coach to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young men. He is committed to guiding them through the challenges that sports present, helping them develop the skills to solve problems and adapt both on the field and in the classroom. AJ believes that the lessons learned through sports prepare his players for the broader challenges they will face in life.

Throughout his coaching career, AJ has achieved significant milestones, including competing for a National Championship with his 2004 team in South Carolina, winning a district championship at Central Catholic, and leading Freedom High School to a runner-up finish in 2023.

AJ’s own playing career was notable as well. He was a four-year varsity starter at Northampton Area High School and continued to excel at DeSales University, where he played nine different positions during his college career—everything except center back and goalie.

As a coach, AJ aims to instill leadership qualities in his players and guide them toward becoming servant leaders in their communities. He has successfully coached numerous players who have gone on to play college soccer, including Cole Sonday, Brady Vaclavik, Lucas Heberling, Seth Marstellar, Maksym Komperda, Anthony Cusumano, Gio Mazzola, Dart Dellilo, Joshua Zellner, Tristan Willey, and Nick Stephan.

AJ advises his players that success in college soccer is about more than just their abilities on the field; it’s also about who they are as individuals. He emphasizes the importance of being coachable, demonstrating leadership, maintaining a growth mindset, and adapting to life’s ever-changing demands.

AJ holds his players to high standards, expecting them to strive to be the best versions of themselves in all aspects of life. In his free time, AJ enjoys golfing and cooking out.

Derek Bast is in his second full season as a coach, stepping into the role of Goalkeeper Coach and JV Assistant for the Freedom High School Boys Soccer team. Having spent four years as a player at Freedom, Derek is excited to return to the program in a coaching capacity. His passion for soccer and desire to help younger players grow both as athletes and individuals inspired him to take on this new role.

Derek cherishes being back at the school where he once played and is motivated by seeing the current players display the same commitment and passion to represent Freedom High School and strive for success. As a player, Derek was a standout goalkeeper from 2015 to 2018, and he was part of the team that clinched the EPC and District 11 championships in his senior year.

In his coaching role, Derek aims to instill a love for the game in his players, emphasizing the enjoyment of playing soccer with friends while also focusing on personal growth. He advises his players not to compare themselves to others but to focus on pursuing their own goals, particularly when it comes to finding the right college.

Derek holds high expectations for his players, both academically and in terms of sportsmanship. He expects them to improve in the classroom and to show respect for their peers, teammates, opponents, and officials in all circumstances. Outside of coaching, Derek enjoys watching sports and spending time relaxing with friends and family.

Brad Turocy brings both passion and proven experience to the Freedom High School Boys Soccer program. A dedicated volunteer assistant coach, he has two years of coaching experience and joined the Freedom coaching staff in 2024. Motivated to remain connected to the game after his playing career, Brad views coaching as a way to give back to younger athletes and help them achieve their goals.

One of Brad’s most meaningful coaching experiences came while leading U7/U8 recreational teams. Watching young players embrace competition and develop a love for soccer reinforced his commitment to guiding emerging talent. Today, as a coach at his alma mater, he takes pride in helping current Freedom players strive for the same success he enjoyed as a student-athlete, Freedom High School’s 2019 league and district championship. 

Brad’s playing resume is extensive. He began in travel soccer with FC Freedom, later joining ENCO at the U15 level. At Freedom High School, he was a four-year varsity player and, in his senior year, scored 31 goals with nine assists to earn Morning Call and Lehigh Valley Live Player of the Year honors while helping his team win league and district titles. Brad continued his career at East Stroudsburg University, where he was a four-year starter and team captain for two seasons. During college he was twice named Second Team All-Conference and capped his career with a First Team All-Conference selection. He currently competes at the semi-pro level for Pennsylvania Prime.

As a coach, Brad aims to be a role model on and off the field. He encourages players to start exploring college opportunities early, cautioning them not to settle for the obvious path because it only takes one coach’s interest to open unexpected doors. 

He expects his athletes to show leadership in academics, sportsmanship, and behavior, both for the benefit of younger teammates and classmates.

Brad enjoys golfing with friends and spending time with his family.