Our Team

Cathryn Smeyers
Owner

Throughout my professional career as an educator, the learning and development of others have always been my passion.

Now, as a mom who has discovered the joys of soccer and its potential to connect us all, I see the need for a community-based place for soccer fans to come together and be around the sport we’ve come to love.

I launched Kicklab to bring the best in soccer tech from Europe to our own backyard.

Jay Bulev

Kicklab Director

I started coaching in high school after an ACL injury temporarily sidelined my playing career. Volunteering gave me a way to stay connected to the game, and I quickly discovered a passion for teaching. I went on to earn my USSF coaching license and began coaching travel soccer in Wilmette.

My coaching style has been shaped by a range of experiences, including an exchange program with Italian coaches in 2004 that opened my eyes to creative, player-centered training methods. Since then, I’ve focused on developing young players through high-level, engaging sessions that emphasize both skill and love for the game.

I’ve worked with youth, high school, and D1 college athletes, and I currently serve as the head coach of the varsity girls team at Stevenson High School. As the Director of Kicklab, I’m excited to pair innovative coaching with cutting-edge soccer technology to give players a truly unique and impactful training experience.

Our Location