RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond Ivy SC announced its 2026 coaching staff, with Rob Ukrop now serving as head coach, joining Assistant Coaches Mac Phillips and Carter Yeisley, and Sporting Director Madeline McCracken.
“We are thrilled to announce Rob as the Head Coach of the Richmond Ivy,” said Sporting Director Madeline McCracken. “Rob brings decades of experience and a long track record of success in coaching and mentoring young soccer players. His approach goes beyond the game, and as both chairman and head coach, his commitment to the club runs deep. He is fully invested in creating an environment where players can grow, develop, and enjoy the beautiful game. Over the years, Rob has played an integral role in guiding hundreds of players to the collegiate, national team, and professional levels, including standouts such as Katie Cousins, Lauryn Hutchinson, Ashley Riefner and Kari Johnston.”
While serving as Chairman and CEO of the Richmond Kickers and Ivy since 2019, Rob Ukrop has also been a longstanding pillar of the youth soccer coaching community in Richmond and Virginia at-large for over two decades. Ukrop holds top-tier coaching certifications including US Soccer Federation A and B Licenses as well as a United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma. As program lead and head coach of the Collegiate School girls soccer program since 2014, Ukrop has led the Cougars to four VISAA state championships, including back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025. Ukrop has also held the same position for the Collegiate boys program since 2019, leading the team to two VISAA State Championships in 2021 and 2023.
From 2014 to 2019, Rob Ukrop also served as head coach of Richmond United’s girls U13, U19 and U23 programs, leading teams to national success at the club level. During that time, he guided the U23 squad to the 2014 ECNL national championship and a national finalist finish in 2015.
“I’m excited to build on the strong foundation Owusu [Sekyere] set in motion last year with the Ivy, while showcasing local RVA players at City Stadium,” Head Coach Rob Ukrop said. “Our coaching staff is committed to competing for 90 minutes at every training session and every match so we can offer a team that is both connected to our community and inspires the next generation of young female players.”
The Richmond Ivy have also added David “Mac” Phillips as assistant and goalkeeper coach for the 2026 campaign. Phillips currently serves on the girls academy staff at Skyline Elite Soccer Club. In addition to his role with Skyline Elite, Phillips is the challenge program coordinator for the Soccer Organization of the Charlottesville Area. As challenge program coordinator Phillips leads SOCA’s advanced recreational program, managing a league with more than 50 teams, including U10-U15, boys and girls.
Prior to his role with SOCA, Phillips served as Assistant Director of Coaching and Director of Goalkeeping at FC Richmond. In that role he was directly involved in overseeing over 35 travel teams across 4 different leagues while actively coaching multiple teams. He also founded and managed FC Richmond’s advanced development program and constructed the club’s first ever game model. A former assistant coach at Hampden-Sydney College and four-year Division I player at William & Mary, Phillips brings both high-level collegiate and club experience to the Ivy in 2026.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to coach with the Richmond Ivy,” said Mac Phillips. “Thank you Madeline, Rob, and Carter for welcoming me in. I’m excited to learn from this staff and contribute to the development of our team and players from the community as we take the stage at City Stadium.”
Carter Yeisley returns for her third season as an assistant coach, a role she has held since the club’s inaugural season. Bringing over 18 years of experience, Yeisley began coaching with the Richmond Kickers Youth Club in 2006. Yeisley also coached alongside Rob Ukrop during her tenure with Richmond United and served as a player-coach for the U23 team that won the 2014 ECNL national championship.
In 2013, Yeisley was appointed director of RVAccess, a nonprofit organization that offers children with special needs the opportunity to play soccer. Open to children ages 4 to 19, sessions are held at City Stadium and Collegiate School in Richmond’s West End. Supported by generous private donors, RVAccess is a cost-free program that provides a fun, challenging and inclusive environment for athletes of all abilities.
Before moving into her role with RVAccess, Yeisley coached at the University of Richmond, holding positions on both the women’s and men’s coaching staffs at her alma mater.
“I am thrilled to continue to be a part of the Richmond Ivy, it is the best way to spend the summer,” said Yeisley. “I am so grateful for all the support, especially from my family, and I am excited to be back in 2026. I am looking forward to coaching with Rob, Madeline, and Mac and working with an incredible group of girls. I know it’s going to be an awesome season, go Ivy!”
Madeline McCracken continues to guide the technical staff as sporting director, a position she has held since 2024. As sporting director, McCracken has led the Ivy through its first two seasons in the USL W League, helping the organization develop elite amateur talent while continuing to cement its place as a pillar of the Richmond community.
A Lynch Station, Virginia native McCracken played for Rob Ukrop as a Richmond United player during her high school career.
“With Rob leading the team, alongside Mac Phillips and Carter Yeisley on the touchline, Richmond Ivy will benefit from a wealth of experience, strong leadership, and a unified vision,” McCracken stated. “We are incredibly excited to see what this team will accomplish this summer as we continue to build a winning culture in Richmond!”
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