August Newsletter 2025
Welcome to the Kings Hammer New Albany August Newsletter! This edition features, Ready to Compete this Fall, Future Stars Meet the Buckeyes, Fall Juniors, Coach Ulry Named Dispatch Boys Coach of the Year, Coaches Spotlight, and more! If you have a player, coach, or team to be highlighted in future newsletters, please send photos and stories to dfry@kingshammer.com. Each newsletter will be posted on our website as well as our social pages.
Ready to Compete this Fall
Best of luck to all Kings Hammer New Albany players as they step onto the field for their first games and upcoming tournaments! You’ve worked hard in practice, and we’re so proud of your dedication. Go out there, compete with heart, lead your teammates, and represent KHNA with pride!
Future Stars Meet the Buckeyes
What an unforgettable experience for our U10 players, Rowan and Evelyn! After practice, they had the incredible opportunity to kick around on the field with The Ohio State University Women’s Soccer team following their tie against Clemson.
Moments like these inspire our young players to dream big, work hard, and see firsthand what dedication to the game can lead to. We’re so proud of Rowan and Evelyn for representing Kings Hammer New Albany and making memories they’ll never forget!
Fall Juniors: Kick Off the Season with Us
Kings Hammer New Albany’s Fall In-House Juniors Program is the perfect way for young players to take their first steps in soccer within a fun and supportive environment. Designed for players ages 4–8, Juniors blends energy, excitement, and skill-building to set the foundation for long-term growth.
Program Highlights:
- Begins Wednesday, September 3
- Led by Grassroots Director Noah Davidson and staff
- Emphasis on fundamentals, teamwork, and confidence
- Open to both new and returning players
- A great place to make friends and develop a love for soccer!
Whether your player is just starting out or eager to grow their skills, the Fall Juniors Program is where soccer journeys begin.
Register now for the Fall Juniors Program!
Coach Ulry Named Dispatch Boys Coach of the Year
Congratulations to our General Manager, Johnny Ulry, on being named The Columbus Dispatch Boys Coach of the Year—across all high school boys sports in Central Ohio! This award, voted on by Dispatch.com readers, is a true reflection of Coach Ulry’s dedication, leadership, and impact on the game. We’re proud to have him leading the way at Kings Hammer New Albany!
Click here to read the full story!
Coaches Spotlight: Jaden Poole
How long have you been coaching?
“This is my third-year coaching overall and my second year here with Kings Hammer.”
What inspired you to become a soccer coach?
“My love for the game is what first inspired me to coach. Even while I was still playing, I always knew I wanted to step into coaching one day as a new challenge. Being able to give back to future players has been incredibly rewarding. Finding the right club was also important to me—I wanted to be surrounded by people who push me to grow and become better every day.”
What is your favorite coaching memory so far?
“My favorite coaching memory so far has to be winning districts with Grove City High School in overtime against Dublin Coffman. Even though I’m no longer there, that senior class will always hold a special place in my heart.”
What do you enjoy most about being part of Kings Hammer New Albany?
“What I enjoy most about being part of Kings Hammer New Albany is the coaching staff. We truly feel like one big family—always supporting each other and growing together. That kind of culture is rare to find in clubs today, and it’s something I really value.”
Do you have a favorite soccer player or coach you look up to? Why?
“Lately, I’ve really looked up to Emma Hayes with the USWNT. I love the way she has taken over and built a healthy, competitive environment that constantly challenges her players in both training and games. Her ‘no-excuse’ culture and the poise she carries on the field are qualities I strive to bring into my own coaching.”
Tell us a fun fact about yourself! (Any hobbies, favorite food, or hidden talents?)
“In my free time, I love to stay active by competing in sand volleyball leagues, hiking, and kayaking.”
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
“I have a miniature Bernedoodle named Nico, who’s about to turn 2. He constantly insists on going for walks and, surprisingly, loves to watch thunderstorms.”
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
“If I could have any superpower, it would definitely be teleportation. Imagine being in London one minute and back in New Albany for training the next—sign me up!”
If you could play soccer anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
“If I could play soccer anywhere in the world, I would choose Japan. It would be amazing to immerse myself in a different culture and experience the game there. Plus, it holds personal meaning to me since my mother was born in Japan.”
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to young players looking to improve their game?
“I always tell my players not to seek comfort during training or games. The moment you become comfortable on the field, you become predictable. Push yourself 100% of the time—learn new skills, go hard into those 50/50 challenges, and never stop challenging yourself to grow.”
From the National Technical Desk: Dedication & Parental Support
At Kings Hammer, we believe the environment around the player is just as important as the training sessions themselves. Last week I shared a note with our families about the role parents play in creating a positive game-day experience. If you missed it, you can check it out here. The message is simple: coaches coach, players play, and parents support. When each of us leans into our role, players are free to grow, learn, and enjoy the game. This is how we create the best environment for each individual.
As we kick off the fall season and competition ramps up, we want to be known for having a firm three-legged stool of support: the club, the player, and the family. Each carries the weight of development together, standing firm with all the tools needed to succeed. I challenge everyone to use the Levels of Dedication Journal (also available in your PlayMetrics account under Club Resources) as a guide. It was created to give families and players the tools to dig deeper and elevate growth not only on the field but also off it. This week, I encourage you to sit down with your kids, or for older players take ownership yourselves, and set aside time after training or games to reflect. Players can rate themselves in the journal, and parents can join the conversation by asking questions and listening. These small moments help keep growth at the center of the journey.
The journal focuses on four key areas of dedication:
- Teachable – being open to instruction and feedback.
- Vocal – using their voice to encourage and support teammates.
- Physical – giving maximum effort in each drill and moment.
- Emotional – showing selflessness, resilience, and a team-first mentality.
When players are self-reflective in these areas, they become like sponges, soaking up lessons from every practice, game, and challenge. Instead of focusing on wins or stats, try asking, “How teachable were you today?” or “How did you show emotional dedication for your team?” These conversations build habits that last far beyond one season and strengthen each leg of the stool, all pointing toward the vision of full individual development.
Together, with coaches guiding, players striving, and families supporting in the right way, we can create an environment where every player thrives.
As always, I look forward to being out on the fields, seeing our players, coaches, and teams representing. Go Kings Hammer!
-Bronson Gambale, KH National Technical Director
Connect with Kings Hammer New Albany
Be part of the KHNA community! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X to stay connected with the latest game highlights, club news, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Engage with us by tagging @KHNewAlbany in your photos and stories — we love celebrating our players and families, and your post might even be featured on our page!
Thank You to Our Club Sponsors!
