09/04/2026
Get to know Coach Tavi
De Soto High School
Coach Tavi was a standout boys’ soccer player at De Soto High School from 2008–2011. During his high school career, he established himself as one of the area’s top players and earned recognition at the league, regional, and state levels.
Tavi finished his De Soto High School career with 35 goals and 17 assists. He earned All-League, All-Area, All-Region, and All-State honors during both the 2010 and 2011 seasons. During his junior year, De Soto finished 4th in the state.
He was also recognized by the Lawrence Journal-World as an All-Area First Team selection.
College Career
Following High School, Tavi continued his playing career at McPherson College, where he also earned his degree in Biology.
During his collegiate career, Tavi received KCAC All-Conference honors and was part of one of the most successful periods in McPherson College soccer history. His team captured the 2015 KCAC Regular Season Championship, won the KCAC Conference Tournament, and earned a berth in the NAIA National Tournament.
Semi-Professional Career
After college, Tavi continued competing at the semi-professional level, playing for Springfield Demize and later Sunflower State FC.
Coach, Founder & Director
In 2020, Tavi founded De Soto Eudora FC (DEFC) with a vision of creating a high-level competitive soccer club where local athletes could develop, compete, and pursue opportunities at the next level.
What began as a small community program has grown into a competitive club featuring 12 boys’ and girls’ teams, with many DEFC teams competing in the Top 5 divisions of their respective leagues.
Under Tavi’s leadership, DEFC has built an impressive record of success:
23× Division Champions
9× Division Runners-Up
18× Tournament Champions
9× Tournament Finalists
12 Competitive Boys’ & Girls’ Teams
Multiple Teams Competing in Top 5 Divisions
While the accomplishments on the field are something to be proud of, Tavi’s vision for DEFC goes beyond trophies and championships. His focus is on player development, opportunity, and preparing young athletes for high school, collegiate, and higher levels of soccer.
The goal remains the same as when DEFC was founded: provide players with a competitive, challenging, and positive environment where they can develop their game, build confidence, and reach their full potential.
Outside of soccer, Tavi works professionally as a laboratory scientist and is most proud of his roles as a husband and father.
PS: None of this would have been possible without my High School Coach Darren Erpelding who gave me my 1st Coaching Opportunity. Forever grateful.
