January 30, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, Va. – Head Assistant Coach and Director of Methodology and Player Development Mika Elovaara is set to depart the Richmond Kickers to pursue a new career opportunity after four successful seasons working with the pro team and nearly a decade developing the sport in the greater Richmond area.
“I can’t put into words how grateful I am for my time with the Kickers,” Elovaara said. “I have been involved in the game all my life, and I know how rare it is to find the kind of community we have here with the Kickers leadership, staff, team, and fan base. I am forever indebted to Rob Ukrop for his belief in me and for the way he has led us through the most unusual of circumstances, allowing us the time to build a winning culture and create new history for all of RVA to be part of and enjoy.
“It is no accident that our club has earned recognition on and off the field in the past couple of years – from media and various front office awards to our regular season championship in 2022 – as camaraderie and work ethic run deep in the organization.”
Elovaara capped off his time with the Kickers in 2022, sharing the bench with Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky, as the club enjoyed its first regular-season title since 2013 and hosted its first home playoff game since the 2014 season. On top of setting the new league milestone of 54 goals scored in a single season, the club saw two of its top developing talents in Ethan Bryant and Stuart Ritchie move to MLS Next Pro sides as they continue their ascent up the American soccer pyramid.
Overall, the Kickers saw marked improvement in each of the three seasons that Sawatzky and Elovaara coached together, and the team finished with a winning record in every season and featured Emiliano Terzaghi who earned league MVP in all three seasons.
“Working with Mika over the past three years has been a blessing, and his influence on the professional team here will be felt for years to come,” Sawatzky said. “He is well educated and certified in the game. His day-to-day work helping players reach higher levels both on the field for us and in the opportunities he has helped players to earn is remarkable. Mika wore many hats in our club, but his understanding of player development and his tactical acumen made us all better in a very competitive environment. He will make every coach and organization he is around better.”
In Sawatzky…