STAFF
Chris (Hristos) Karabatsis was born in Pirgos, Greece, but grew up in Chicago. He came to the United States in 1977 at the age of eleven. At 16, he joined Apollo SC in the national league in Chicago and led the league in scoring for two consecutive years both indoor and outdoor. At Senn High on Chicago's north side, Chris led his team to a public league title and a third place finish in state his senior year.
Chris attended Aurora University and in his freshman year he led the team in scoring, and continues to hold the most goals scored in one game, and was on the team with the most matches won in a season with the Spartans. Chris finally fulfilled his childhood dream to play professional soccer when he signed with Greek-American SC, a team that was recognized as the premier team in the State of New York. During his three year stay in New York he led his team to two league titles and one state cup.
While in New York, a European scout spotted Chris and he went to Panathinaikos FC in Greece, in the first division, and one of the twenty top teams in Europe.
Chris went on to stay in Greece for the next fourteen years. He played with four different professional teams during his career. His abilities on and off the field, hard work and dedication made him one of the most likable players in the country.
After a long and successful career that included many international matches all over Europe, one Greek league championship, and one league cup championship, Chris’ passion for the game and love for kids inspired him to start a new career as a youth program coordinator and coach.
In 2002 he came back to the United States and started coaching and training for Future Pros Inc, and he was also the Director of Coaching for the Chicago Freedom Soccer Club in Frankfort, IL. Chris has been the Director of Coaching for the Darien Dynamo Soccer Club in Darien, IL since 2004. In the spring of 2010, Chris was hired as Director of Soccer for Lincoln-Way Soccer Club, thus focusing on both clubs to instill into the players a great skill set and love for soccer. Later, in the Fall of 2010, Chris worked with his high school boys to start the new United Soccer Academy, bringing 5 teams into soccer competition. By the Spring of 2011, Chris was named co-Director of the newly formed USA club with the merging of the Darien Dynamo and Hinsdale Hawks soccer clubs.
Chris’ passion for the game and love for kids is displayed in all of his training sessions. His goal is to teach young individuals all the great things he learned throughout his career and to help players become more passionate with the game of soccer, just as he was during his long and successful career.
Chris Holds a USSF "A" National Coaching License.
College Playing Experience:
- Indiana University 1996-1998 Won the National Championship in 1998
- Indiana University NCAA D1 First Team All American
Professional Career:
- MLS: Chicago FIRE 1999-2002 U.S OPEN CUP Champions 108 apps and 26 Goals
- MLS: DC UNITED 2003-2005 82 apps and 12 Goals
- MLS: New York Red Bulls 2006-2008 35 apps and 2 Goals
- MLS: Real Salt Lake 2008 22 apps and 1 Goal
- MLS: Los Angeles Galaxy 2009-2010 23 apps and 1 goal
Coaching Career:
- 2010-2015 Los Angeles California.
- Worked with 3 different travel Clubs in LA winning several championships including San Diego Surf Cup.
Coaching License Certification:
- UEFA Pro B License.
USSF C License
Tom has been Playing soccer in many Chicagoland soccer leagues since he was six years old, Tom has played, and still plays, in the most competitive leagues in the city and suburbs. In high school, Tom broke all school scoring records, most of which still stand, earning him All-Area and All-State honorable mention. He has won championships at every level and is currently playing in the prestigious PSL.
Tom has been coaching since 2010 and has been with OBSC since 2013.
