After three incredibly successful seasons with the club, Head Coach Mutanda Kwesele is leaving Ballard FC. Kwesele is joining U.S. Soccer as the Head Coach of the U-15 and U-16 Boys National Team Futures.
The search for a new head coach is ongoing, with an announcement on the next Ballard FC head coach coming later this fall.
Just like Ballard FC provides a platform for players as they progress in their careers, it provides a similar one for coaches. Although Ballard FC is sad to see him leave, the club could not be more excited for Coach Kwesele as he moves forward in his career with U.S. Soccer, helping shape the future of the Men’s National Team.
Ballard FC thanks Coach Kwesele for all that he has done in his three seasons with the club.
Kwesele joined Coach James Riley’s first coaching staff in 2024, helping the club as First Assistant Coach to a Northwest Division Title at Memorial Stadium. Then Kwesele was promoted to Associate Head Coach ahead of the 2025 season, playing an instrumental role in another Northwest Division Title and the club’s second Western Conference Championship. After Riley’s departure, Kwesele took over for the 2026 season, and the club did not miss a beat, winning a fourth straight division title and automatically qualifying for the 2027 U.S. Open Cup after the best regular season in club history. Some of the highlights under Coach Kwesele include:
- Three Northwest Division Titles (2024-2026)
- One Western Conference Title (2025)
- National Final Appearance (2025)
- Best regular season record in club history (12-1-1) in 2026.
- Best win percentage (83.3%) and PPG (2.64) of any Ballard FC permanent Head Coach.
- 22 players coached by Kwesele at Ballard FC have gone on to either sign pro contracts or get drafted by MLS clubs.
As mentioned above, one of Coach Kwesele’s greatest accomplishments was not about wins and losses, but instead helping players move on to the next level. During the 2026 season, both Christian Engmann and Beto Apolinar signed their first professional contracts with USL League One side, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Kwesele will continue to help players move forward in their careers, but now with the youth national team.
“Mutanda has made a meaningful impact on Ballard FC these past three seasons, both through his on-field leadership with the team and through the culture he helped build around the club. We’re incredibly proud of what he accomplished during his time here and grateful for the energy, commitment, and passion he brought to the club.
One of the things we’re most proud of at Ballard FC is our opportunity to identify talented people and give them an opportunity to grow and develop their careers. That applies to our players, coaches, and staff, and we’re so proud to see these individuals go on to do amazing things. When someone who has been part of our organization is ready to take the next step, it’s a reflection of the environment we’re trying to create.
We’re so excited for Mutanda and proud that Ballard FC was part of his journey. We wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter and will be cheering for his continued success. His legacy will be felt at the club for many years to come” said Co-Founder and President, Sam Zisette.
While serving as Ballard FC assistant coach, Kwesele was also the Bridges United Foundation Youth Program Manager, helping organize and run free soccer programming for youth all around greater seattle.
From a team perspective, the players rallied behind Kwesele, always giving him their all. “I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to play for coach Mutanda for the past three seasons. A coach who when I think of his impact, it goes so much further than just on the pitch. He is a leader and mentor, that you couldn’t help but follow. He instilled qualities in us that not only made us better players, but high character men!” said Christian Engmann, who served as Ballard FC co-captain throughout Kwesele’s three seasons with the club. “I think back to two years ago I had knee surgery in San Diego. He called me every week of my recovery. That is just the kind of man he is. It saddens me to think that future Ballard FC players won’t have the incredible opportunity to play under him, but I know the legacy he left will carry on. I can speak for every player who has put on the Jersey over the past three years, It was and absolutely pleasure and honor coach. Thank you!”
Coach Kwesele was loved by the fans and Ballard community, and the feeling was clearly mutual, with Kwesele writing this is his final statement as head coach: “Thank you so much to all the fans for your incredible support, rain or shine. I will miss the roar of the crowd and the eager outstretched hands when burgers are thrown into the stands after a Ballard goal. I will miss the drumming, chanting, and unrivalled passion of the Bush Keepers before, during, and after matches. I will miss looking across from the bench and seeing the international flags that the Bridge Keepers set up on the fencing. To all the people who made these elements a consistent part of our matchday, thank you.”
Read Coach Kwesele’s full goodbye letter here below:
Dear Ballard,
After 3 seasons together, the time has come for me to say goodbye. Suffice to say, I will miss driving to Interbay on a match day and seeing the stadium all dressed up. Thank you so much to all the fans for your incredible support, rain or shine. I will miss the roar of the crowd and the eager outstretched hands when burgers are thrown into the stands after a Ballard goal. I will miss the drumming, chanting, and unrivalled passion of the Bush Keepers before, during, and after matches. I will miss looking across from the bench and seeing the international flags that the Bridge Keepers set up on the fencing. To all the people who made these elements a consistent part of our matchday, thank you.
Frankly, I am in awe of, and deeply indebted to, everyone who was part of game-day operations for Ballard FC. From Nat Maymudes in the press box, the commentary of Adam Race and Cole Weaver, Sophie Broesamle’s smiling face by merchandise, Myles Nafe’s camera work, Cookie Yitbarek’s voice, and Oscar Warnersmith’s warm greeting by the stadium entrance, so many people have made this experience an incredible one. I will miss seeing Jan Ahlgren closing the gate after a morning training session and chatting with her about the painting she and my son, Matteo, did that day. There are certainly precious individuals whom I haven’t mentioned by name, please forgive the omission. Just know that you all have made Ballard FC the exceptional environment that those of us on the field try hard to live up to.
As head coach this past season, I am especially grateful for the individuals who worked closely with me to serve our wonderful roster. Thank you to goalkeeper coach Ben Dragavon, whose wisdom and composure are priceless. Thank you to coaches Nick Radosavljevic, Tsigab Tesfamariam, and Iovani Rodriguez Perez for joining the staff and making such a positive impact on our culture; you were all an absolute joy to work with and each of you stepped up when called upon. Special thanks to coach Elliott Miller, who always made time to support the staff when he wasn’t too busy winning trophies with Salmon Bay FC. Thank you, Jack Nelson and Preston Haynesworth, for your selfless work at training and on matchdays, I appreciate you both. Thank you to our amazing trainer, Tiffany Mallick, for your incredible work with the players. You are, in many ways, the backbone of the club. To all of you coaches and support staff, thank you for an incredible 2026 season, your work helped us set club records.
Finally, a word for the players: To all of you who’ve played a part in any of the last three seasons, thank you so much for all that you’ve given to the club and to me personally throughout my time here. Your talents are the reason people show up to the stadium and watching you perform from up close has been an honor. I will miss the intense games of bucketball on the recovery days, the playful banter before and after sessions, and of course the victory celebrations in the locker room. I hope you all realize that whatever you do in your careers, on or off the pitch, there are few things better in life than truly being in community with others and sharing in collective joy. This is what you, the players, have given me, and why this time has been so special for my family. My son worships all of you, and his love of the sport has been forever enhanced because of you. Take care of yourselves, I’m just a phone call away, and I will always root for your success. Thank you for allowing me to coach you.
Sincerely,
Mutanda Kwesele
As stated previously the head coaching search is ongoing with an announcement to be made soon. To stay up to date on the new coach and all things Ballard FC follow the club on social media (@goballardfc) or join the newsletter on the home page.
Written by Max Dresbach
(Photography by Blake Dahlin/Ballard FC) 
(Photography by Blake Dahlin/Ballard FC) 
(Photography by Blake Dahlin/Ballard FC) 
(Photography by Blake Dahlin/Ballard FC) 
(Photography by Blake Dahlin/Ballard FC) 
(Photography by Blake Dahlin/Ballard FC) 
(Photography by Blake Dahlin/Ballard FC) 
(Photography by Blake Dahlin/Ballard FC) 
(Photography by Blake Dahlin/Ballard FC)
