Meet the CoachesBehind Drive GK
Drive GK is led by founder Tom Paparounis and a staff shaped by collegiate, youth club, professional, and goalkeeper-specific coaching experience.
Tom Paparounis, Founder & Director
Tom Paparounis has more than 25 years of coaching experience working with Division I collegiate athletes, club players, high school players, and developing youth goalkeepers. His background includes Loyola University Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, Roosevelt University, Concordia Chicago, USL League Two, W League, ODP Illinois and North Texas, and more than 20 years in youth club soccer. Tom holds an Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma from United Soccer Coaches and a National C License from USSF. As a player, he competed collegiately at Salisbury University and professionally with the Carolina Dynamo.
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Drive Goalkeeping Coaching Staff
Stephen Tuang
Staff Coach
Stephen Tuang has been a dedicated member of Drive Goalkeeping for over a decade, growing within the program as both a player and coach. He has helped develop goalkeepers across the Chicagoland area, guiding athletes from the youth level to the collegiate ranks. Known for his energy and attention to detail, Stephen blends Drive’s proven methodology with his own modern, dynamic coaching style.
Stephen currently serves as a collegiate goalkeeping coach at Roosevelt University (NCAA Division II) and Dominican University (NCAA Division III).
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science from Roosevelt University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. During his collegiate career, he played for the Roosevelt Lakers men’s soccer team and previously represented Malcolm X College, where he was recognized as All-Academic and Student-Athlete of the Year.
License and Certifications
Stephen holds a USSF “D” License, United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeping Level 1 Diploma, and USSF Grassroots Licenses (7v7, 9v9, 11v11). A lifelong student of the game, he is passionate about helping goalkeepers reach their full potential both on and off the field. Did you know? Stephen is a devoted Manchester United fan, and his favorite goalkeepers of all time are Iker Casillas, Edwin van der Sar, and David De Gea.
From Drive GK Families
Quotes from athletes and parents across Chicago, the suburbs, and beyond.
At age 11, before I began training with Tom, I had no real goalkeeper background. Tom taught me all of my basic technical skills and my development skyrocketed while working with him at such a young age. I will be playing Division 1 soccer at Fordham University next year. Tom is great with goalkeepers of all ages, from beginners to professional players. I still train with Tom today and I intend to for the rest of my soccer career.
I would recommend this camp for almost anyone at any skill level. The coaches were engaged enough to move kids up or down, girl's or boys. My daughter loved the camp & we will be back! Keep up the energy for teaching, it really shines through.
We have been part of the Drive GK story for about 4 years. Drive Gk has been a key cornerstone for both of my boys growth, mentally and physically. Drive works on developmemt and enjoyment of the position from youngers to olders. My oldest is a sophmore at a D1 program and my youngest is a Senior in highschool looking to play in college as well.
DriveGK continues to be an integral part of her year-round training. This year, she was the starting keeper in the U15 USYNT CONCACAF championship, and was recently invited into the U16 USYNT camp. Your results may vary ;) but I can't endorse Tom enough! He truly cares about all of his students' progress and success. Give them a try and you will not be disappointed. We've always had trouble finding quality, local goalkeeper training for my daughter. Fortunately, we found DriveGK! Tom is very hands-on and very attentive to each participant's needs. Drills are well-planned and well-executed (and fun!). My daughter comes off the field having picked up another tip or trick each week. Another big plus is the number of solid female coaches working for DriveGK (a rarity in these parts)! Overall, this is a very solid keeper program. Give it a try and you will become a regular!
Goalkeeper Work Across Chicagoland
Photos from real Drive GK training sessions, camps, and goalkeeper development environments.
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