Masters Academy International Names Stephanie Demake Head Coach of Girls Soccer

Former Power 4 assistant coach who transformed Division II program brings elite-level experience and player development expertise to groundbreaking academy

STOW, MA. – Masters Academy International (MAI) today announced Stephanie Demake as Head Coach of Girls Soccer, bringing extensive collegiate coaching experience and a proven track record of developing scholar-athletes to the academy’s comprehensive soccer program. Demake, who most recently served as an assistant coach at Boston College and previously transformed a Division II program from 14th place to top-3 conference finisher, will lead day-to-day coaching operations alongside Director of Girls Soccer Nick Burke when the academy opens in September 2026.

“Stephanie brings exactly the kind of elite coaching experience and player-centered approach we want for our girls soccer program,” said Nick Burke, Director of Girls Soccer at MAI. “Her journey from Division I and Division III player to Power 4 assistant coach, combined with her remarkable success as a head coach at Post University, demonstrates her ability to develop players at every level. What impresses me most is her holistic approach—she doesn’t just develop soccer players, she develops scholar-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom. Having someone with her NCAA tournament experience and professional player development background will be invaluable for our student-athletes.”

A former NCAA Division I player at the University of Hartford and Division III standout at Worcester State University, Demake earned two conference championships, two all-conference first-team selections, and served as co-captain during her playing career. She began her coaching journey as an assistant at Wheaton College before earning her Master’s Degree in Sport Education as a graduate assistant at Ohio University in 2013.

“Teamwork is fundamental to the identity of our program,” said Demake. “Teamwork isn’t just a buzz word but is on display in our daily actions. The ways in which we train and compete as well as the ways in which we collaborate, support, and celebrate our teammates are all a reflection of our commitment to team above self.”

Demake’s coaching career has taken her through elite Division I programs including Stetson University, Troy University, and Davidson College before her head coaching tenure at Post University. There, she led one of the most dramatic turnarounds in college soccer, taking a 14th-place program to a top-3 conference finish and top-10 regional ranking in New England. Her players earned All-Region and All-Conference honors while achieving academic excellence with 24 All-Academic Team selections and two CACC Team Academic Awards for highest team GPA.

“Success begins with having an appreciation and respect for hard work—the commitment of time and energy put forth to train, study, and prepare for the big moments,” Demake explained. “Commitment to the process first and foremost makes our successes more meaningful and will instill the life skills required for success beyond MAI.”

Most recently, Demake spent three years as an assistant coach at Boston College, where she helped orchestrate a remarkable program resurgence. In the 2024 season alone, the Eagles achieved their highest RPI (61) since 2018, recorded the most wins (12) since 2018, scored the most goals (38) since 2018, and posted the most shutouts (7) since 2018, while earning their highest ACC finish and best ACC record since 2018. Throughout her career, she has helped develop 11 all-conference players and guided teams to NCAA Tournament appearances.

She has also coached club teams including NEFC and Connecticut Rush, with three former players advancing to professional careers in the NWSL and international leagues.

“Students can expect a player-centered approach to training and a training environment that is competitive, demanding, and positive,” Demake noted. “Players and coaches will work together on individual development plans which include short-term goal setting, one-on-one training, performance data review, and studying collegiate and professional players.”

Her college placement success includes student-athletes advancing to Villanova, West Virginia University, NYU, and Colby College. Demake holds professional certifications including USSF D License, United Soccer Coaches National Diploma, United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma, and is an NCAA Women Coaches Academy Graduate.

Masters Academy International, part of Cognita’s global network of 100 schools, is pioneering a new model for student-athlete development. Located in Stow, MA, the academy combines rigorous academics with elite athletic training, providing 360-degree support to help students reach their full potential in all areas.

About Masters Academy International: Masters Academy International is a groundbreaking boarding school opening in Fall 2026 that reimagines the student-athlete experience. Offering comprehensive academic programs alongside elite training in multiple sports, MAI provides students with the tools and support to excel in the classroom, on the field, and in life. Learn more at https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/.

Media Contact: Drew Cortese, Director of Institutional Growth, Masters Academy International, media@mastersacademyinternational.com.