LICENSE OR

CREDENTIALS

• M.S Sports Admin - Arkansas State
• B.S Kinesiology - Ouachita Baptist University
• USSF B License – U.S. Soccer Federation
• USSF -Club Technical Leadership (CTL) Level 1

EXPERIENCE

• Director of Boys Competitive Teams — Arkansas Rising Soccer Club
• Administrative Assistant — Arkansas United Soccer Club
• Men’s Assistant Soccer Coach — Ouachita Baptist University

BIO

Brandon joined Arkansas Rising in 2019 and oversees all aspects of member programming and the boys competitive program. Originally from Lewisville, Texas, he is passionate about creating positive soccer environments that help players grow on and off the field. He brings over seven years of experience in soccer operations, coaching, and player development. Before joining Rising, he spent four years with Arkansas United Soccer Club and also served as the Men’s Assistant Soccer Coach at Ouachita Baptist University, where he played collegiately as a midfielder.

LICENSE OR

CREDENTIALS

USSF

EXPERIENCE

New Paragraph

BIO

New Paragraph

LICENSE OR

CREDENTIALS

USSF A License – U.S. Soccer Federation

National Youth License – U.S. Soccer Federation

US Grassroots Instructor – U.S. Soccer Federation

Coerver Youth Diploma – Coerver Coaching

Goalkeeper Level I & II Diplomas – United Soccer Coaches

EXPERIENCE

Girls Technical Director - Arkansas Rising Soccer Club 

Director of Soccer Operations / Girls Director of Coaching - Arkansas United

Academy Technical Director - Arkansas United

Regional Director - Coerver Coaching Southeast

Assistant Director of Coaching - Little Rock Futbol Club

Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach - University of Arkansas at Little Rock 

BIO

Brittany Axford serves as the Girls Technical Director for Arkansas Rising Soccer Club, overseeing all aspects of player and coach development within the girls’ program. With over 15 years of coaching, leadership, and curriculum design experience, Brittany is passionate about helping players reach their potential through intentional development and a positive learning environment.

Since joining Arkansas Rising, Brittany has helped shape the club’s technical direction—launching the AR Rising brand, building a unified playing philosophy, and mentoring over 35 coaches to deliver consistent, high-quality training. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, growth, and the long-term success of every player and coach within the Rising community.

LICENSE OR

CREDENTIALS

• USSF Class C
• Arkansas State Soccer Association 2017 Classic Coach of the Year 
• Arkansas Rising 04G State Champions 

EXPERIENCE

• Academy Director - Director
• Arkansas Rangers Women's - Head Coach
• UALR Women's - Assistant Coach
• General Manager - The Soccer Center

BIO

Alex Burgess joins Arkansas Rising to lead our Academy Program.
Many in the community may recognize Alex from his time leading the Little Rock Rangers women’s team and serving as an assistant coach with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. With over 17 years of coaching experience, Alex brings a strong background in player development and is passionate about helping young players grow both on and off the field.

LICENSE OR

CREDENTIALS

• B.S. Clinical Exercise Sciences and Biomechanics - Harding University
• American College of Sports Medicine - CPT
• USSF Class D
• USA Track and Field - C1

EXPERIENCE

• Recreational Director - Arkansas Rising Soccer Club
• Assistant Director & Coach — Arkansas Rising Soccer Club
• Director of Coaching — Upstart Athletics
• Director of Intramurals — Bentonville Schools
• Assistant Soccer Coach — Republic High School

BIO

Luke Lines serves as the Rec Director for Arkansas Rising Soccer Club. He focuses on player development, communication, and creating training environments that help every player grow with confidence.

Before joining Arkansas Rising, Luke had a brief collegiate career as a defender and 400m specialist at Harding University. He later served as Director of Coaching for a youth soccer academy in Northwest Arkansas, a Pediatric and Trauma Specialist at Mercy Urgent Care, and Director of Intramurals / Teacher within the Bentonville School District. His background in healthcare, athletics, and education gives him a well-rounded approach to coaching and leadership.