Staff
Pawel Otachel – Academy President – 11U, 19U Coach
Pawel Otachel has been playing soccer for over 20 years. After moving to Chicago from Poland, Pawel started playing for the AAC Eagles. Throughout his soccer career, he has had many accomplishments. While playing at Leyden High School, Pawel was named the MVP in 2000 and 2001. In 2001, he was ranked as the #3 player in Illinois with turning 80 points. Pawel continued to play soccer at UIC, where he was named the League All-Newcomer and All-League Second Team in 2004. He was also named All-League Second Team in 2005. In 2002, while Pawel was playing for the AAC Eagles, he along with the First Team won the following championships: US Open Cup Region 2, US Amateur Soccer Association Open Cup, and USASA Open Cup. Pawel and the Eagles also won the US Open Cup Region 2 Championship in 2005. In 2005 and 2006, Pawel was selected to join the Illinois State Select Team. In 2007, Pawel played in the National Cup Open with the Illinois State Team. In 2009, he played for the United States Adult Soccer Association against Republic of Ireland Amateur National Team in San Francisco. Pawel also played for Rockford Rampage in 2012, which is a professional indoor soccer team. In 2017, while playing for the First Team, he was able to add another championship under his belt: The State Cup. Pawel currently coaches the Eagles’s First Team, which his team won their first Indoor Championship and plays with the Eagles’s Over-30 Team.
Pawel holds a US Soccer D coaching license and is currently pursuing a C license.
Pawel Helinski – 11U, 19U Coach
Coach Pawel Helinski is a disciplined soccer coach who demands intelligence, focus, and commitment from every player. He creates structured sessions with clear expectations, accountability, and measurable challenges. With experience across multiple levels, he pushes players to grow, compete, and perform at their best. Currently leads both U11 and U18 teams, preparing athletes to succeed at the next level of the game.
Pawel holds a US Soccer D coaching license and is currently pursuing a C license.
Angel Gallegos – 13U Coach
Coach Angel Gallegos brings a strong competitive background to AAC Eagles in the YSSL league. As a former travel player, Coach Gallegos competed at a high level throughout his youth career, including time with the Chicago Fire travel program. He competed in nationally recognized tournaments including the Disney Presidents’ Day Soccer Tournament, USA Cup, and the Las Vegas International Showcase.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes technical development, discipline, and building confident players prepared to compete at a high level. Angel currently has a US Soccer Grassroots coaching license.
Carlos Gallegos – 12U Coach
Through his accomplishments, leadership, and record-setting performances, Carlos helped define an era of Steinmetz soccer and left a legacy at Steinmetz HS. Carlos left Steinmetz HS as the all-time leading goal scorer. A four year starter on Varsity, Carlos netted 61 goals over his high school career.
He earned Chicago Public League All-City Team honors 3 times (2005, 2006, 2007) and was named to the Illinois All-State Third Team in 2007. In his junior and senior seasons, Carlos was selected All-Sectional and All-Conference twice (2006,2007). Known for his work ethic and leadership, Carlos served as Varsity Captain for 2 seasons, setting an example for his teammates both on and off the field. His success on the field also translated off the field as well for he was recognized for his academic excellence as a member of the CPS All-Academic Team in 2006.
Carlos holds a Grassroots coaching license and is currently pursuing a D license.
John Kiwarkis – 10U Coach
A former collegiate athlete at Elmhurst University, John Kiwarkis brings high-level playing experience and a deep understanding of the game to every athlete he works with. During his time at Elmhurst, he competed at the collegiate level while developing leadership, discipline, and a strong tactical foundation. John currently holds a US Soccer Grassroots coaching license.
Ricardo Gallegos – 9U Coach
Ricardo has dedicated over 20 years to playing soccer, building a lifelong passion for the game.He began making his mark at Prosser Career Academy where he proudly served as team captain and earned All-City and All-Sectional First Team honors. Ricardo continued his playing career at Aurora University competing at the collegiate level for four years and further developing his leadership and competitive skills.
Ricardo currently holds a Grassroots license and is currently pursuing a D license.
Gera Gonzalez – 9U Coach
Gera grew up playing soccer but also excelled in basketball and football through college before returning to his first love—goalkeeping. Originally from Mexico, he moved to the U.S. at 19, played in local leagues, and recently earned his Grassroots coaching license.
Lulu Moreno – 9U Coach
Lulu is a passionate soccer coach dedicated to helping players grow both on and off the field. Her goal is to create a positive environment where athletes can develop their skills, build confidence, and learn the value of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Soccer has always been a big part of Lulu’s life and she loves sharing that passion with young players. As a coach, Lulu focuses on building skills, confidence, and teamwork while making the game fun and enjoyable for everyone. Her goal is to help each player improve and develop a love for the game.
Lulu currently holds a Grassroots coaching license.
Clifton McDugle – Goalie Coach
Clifton played club, highschool and college soccer growing up in Tennessee. He taught middle school for 10 years in Chicago and coached both boys and girls soccer at Francis W Parker highschool for 9 years as an assistant coach and head goalkeeper coach. He is now a Youth Development Director for the YMCA and has been coaching for the Eagles for the last 2 years as a Goalkeeper coach.
He is currently pursuing his Grassroots coaching license.
Arthur Ciszek – Club Manager
Arthur has been the Club Manager at the AAC Eagles Chicago Soccer Academy since 2019. Arthur brings his 23 years of experience in the insurance industry to management of the club applying risk management principles as well as people skills. He has been involved with the AAC Eagles since he was a child with his father playing for the Men’s teams and growing up in the club, with family vacations being centered around where the Men’s teams were competing across the USA. Arthur also played for the AAC Eagles youth teams in his younger years.
The family tradition continues with his twin boys Alex and Max competing for the Academy on the 2008 Red team.
Arthur holds a US Soccer Grassroots coaching license and a USSF Grassroots referee license. SafeSport certified.
Angelica Otachel – Assistant Manager/Social Media Manager
Maggie Urbanek – Assistant Club Manager
Maggie has a US Soccer Grassroots coaching license.
