TESTIMONIALS AND REVIEWS
Explore the testimonials and reviews from former players, coaches, colleagues, and parents within the game. Discover the impact of our commitment to excellence, positive coaching, and creating a nurturing environment. Join the community that values the transformative experiences we provide. Your journey with us begins with the stories of those who have witnessed the power of our approach. Read on and be inspired!
LUIS MENDOZA
Technical Director at Weston FC
Former Director of Coaching at TSF Academy & Former US Soccer Scout
"Coach Lee Bakewell is a dedicated professional. He gets the best out of his players, knows the game and teaches his players not only how to be good players but how to be good humans. A pleasure to have worked alongside him. A high level coach and an even better person."
NATALIE MELILLO
Former Professional Soccer Player at Sassari Torres Femminile (Italy)
Collegiate Soccer Player at Troy University(DI) and Saint Leo (DI)
Assistant Women’s Coach at Eastern University
"I can truly say I would not be the player I am today if it was not for Lee. He held me accountable, expected the most out of me and pushed me to push myself. I played college soccer at Troy University which is a Division 1 University. After college I continued my career to the professional level in Italy. Lee was not only a coach but a mentor and a friend. I achieved what I have achieved so with the help of Lee Bakewell."
GARY FOWLER
Youth Development Manager at Institute FC (Northern Ireland, UK)
"Lee & I coached together for a number of years in the early mid 2000s. Lee is immensely professional and his sessions are always diligently prepared. He has a really great way with players of different ages and current ability and will tailor his approach to help that individual improve. Lee is "real" and by that I mean fair, open and honest. Any young player will get the most from working with him through collaboration. I can't speak highly enough about Lee on both a personal and professional level."
ALISSA PUZO
Graduated to Boston College and Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania
"As a former player of his, I can attest that Coach Lee is an excellent, seasoned soccer coach! Lee began as my club soccer coach at 9-years-old and continued until I aged out of the club at 18-years-old. Throughout that time, it became clear that Lee possessed a wealth of knowledge, a passion for soccer, and a positive coaching style that worked well with players of different age and experience levels. One thing I loved about his coaching was that Lee always expected the most of each of his players (based on what he gauged each one could handle). These high, but reasonable, expectations afforded his players the opportunity to rise to the occasion and gently pushed them to mature and improve over time. I would certainly recommend Lee and Penn Prospects to players and families seeking a holistic soccer program designed for long term success - both on and off the field."
JOHN EBANIETTI
Former Parent at TSF Academy
"I have had the pleasure of know Lee since my daughter first tried out for his Girls U13 team in the fall of 2010. What first impressed me about Lee even before my daughter attended the first practice was his skill as an effective communicator in laying out what he expected of the player and the parents which led to complete transparency and a level of fairness and equity that led to a outstanding team culture. Through out the 7 years that my daughter was under Lee as a player his focus on player and TEAM development became evident as the players and the team moved up in the rankings in NJ. Besides being an excellent motivator which led to his ability to inspire players he was role model for the players. What is more telling though is the number of players who went on to play in college after the teams U18 season which I attribute to the level of improvement from an individual player perspective and the passion for the game that Lee was able help them realize."
JILLIAN SPRONG
Graduated to University of Pennsylvania
"Lee Bakewell was my coach for over seven years, from 2007 to 2014. He led my team, TSF Academy '95-'96 Girls, through several successful seasons at the state, regional, and national levels. Lee is a passionate, disciplined, and knowledgeable coach. He is devoted to the success of his teams and to the individual development of his players. Throughout my time working with Lee, I not only developed into a college-level soccer player, but into a strong, hard-working leader with the confidence to succeed off the field. I'm grateful to have been coached by Lee."
JASMINE SCONCIAFURNO
University of Scranton (Division III)
"I had a Lee as a coach for many tournaments, games, and practices throughout my young adult soccer career. He has always demonstrated a professional and personable coaching technique - knowing what each player and each team needed in order to excel and perform at the highest level. On top of that he is extremely knowledgeable and motivational, as proven by his many years of experience coaching at the young academy level!"
TOMMY MELILLO
Former Parent at TSF Academy
“Lee Bakewell was my daughters coach during her youth sector. I can attest that not only did he help her on the field as a player but off the field as a person. He was very engaged and always professional on and off the field. He held not only the players but even us parents to high standards.”
AOIFE SCHANCHE
Gettysburg College (Division III)
“Lee coached me from the age of 13 to 18. He was the best coach that I have ever had. He came to every practice, game, and tournament organized and enthusiastic. He is kind and respectful and knows how to adapt his coaching style to each individual player. Not only did Lee teach us about soccer, lead us to championships, and develop us into college players, but he also instilled an immense work ethic, communication-skills, and adaptability into each of us.”