February 8, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Charlotte Independence News Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 8, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the addition of Dave Dixon and Blake Ellis to the club’s technical staff. The duo joins returning Head Coach, Mike Jeffries, Assistant Coach, Dave Carton and Video Analysis, Jay Lockhart for the 2024 season.
Dave Dixon, Assistant Coach
Dixon previously served as an Assistant Coach with the Charlotte Independence for the 2019 and 2020 USL Championship seasons. He rejoins the staff from FC Carolinas where he was the Director of Soccer.
“I am thrilled to welcome Dave Dixon back on staff,” Jeffries shared. “He provides tremendous soccer insights and has a very comfortable manner when dealing with players. In addition, his ability to scout players and knowledge of both the youth and college landscape will be valuable as we continue to build our roster and look to develop young players.”
Previously, Dixon coached in the USL Championship with Indy Eleven and the Charlotte Eagles, reaching the league championship in 2013. At the USL League Two level, Dixon coached with the Charlotte Eagles and Mississippi Brilla FC. In 2015, Dixon was named USL League Two Coach of the Year. Two years later, the Charlotte Eagles were crowned USL League Two Champions under his leadership.
“I’m really excited to be back with the Independence and to work with Mike Jeffries again,” Dixon expressed. “Mike, with the support of ownership, has done a fantastic job creating a club and culture that can compete for championships. I will give everything I have to help the club lift a championship trophy!”
At the collegiate level, Dixon has coached numerous programs spanning from the NAIA level to Division I universities. As a student-athlete, Dixon was an All-American goalkeeper at Houghton College in New York. He went on to play professionally for the Charlotte Eagles. Dixon holds a US Soccer A Licence and a United Soccer Coaches Association Premier license.
Blake Ellis, Goalkeeper Coach
Ellis has worked with the Charlotte Independence Youth Soccer Club for over three years, including serving as the Goalkeeper Coach for the Independence USL League Two team.
“We are excited to bring Blake Ellis on board as our goalkeeping coach,” Jeffries commented.” In the times he has worked with our goalkeepers, he has done a great job of setting up and running sessions, bringing a good mentality and modern training ideas. In addition, we…