A YMS player from the age of 3 through 18, Eva Ruppersberger brings lifelong club pride, technical expertise, and a deep love for teaching into her role as a coach. A native of Yardley, Pennsylvania, Eva’s journey with YMS has come full circle—first as a player, now as a committed mentor to the next generation.

Eva attended Villa Joseph Marie High School and went on to play collegiate soccer at Arcadia University, where she helped her team capture the MAC Championship—a highlight of her playing career that shaped her perspective on teamwork, preparation, and perseverance at the collegiate level.

Now in her fourth year coaching at YMS, Eva is a dedicated coach for the YMS Special Stars program and also works closely with the YMS Academy, helping to develop young players while pursuing her Master’s degree. She brings energy, compassion, and clarity to every session, meeting players where they are and helping them grow step by step.

Her coaching philosophy centers on developing complete players—not just in skill, but in confidence and character. “My philosophy focuses on fostering both skill and self-belief,” Eva says. “I want each player to feel empowered to express themselves and to learn from every experience.”

One of her favorite coaching memories was watching a Special Stars player score their first-ever goal: “The joy and sense of achievement on their face captured exactly why I coach,” she says.

Eva sees character development as essential to youth soccer. She focuses on instilling values like respect, inclusion, and perseverance in all of her players. “I encourage them to be great teammates, leaders, and people,” she says.

Her motivation stems from her deep personal connection to the sport. “Soccer has always been a part of who I am. Now, I have the chance to share that love with others,” she explains. Her advice to players is grounded in realism and patience: “Improvement takes time. Be consistent, be open to feedback, and believe in your own growth.”

Outside of soccer, Eva works as a special education teacher, blending her talents in both education and coaching to create inclusive, supportive learning environments on and off the field. She is an avid supporter of the U.S. Women’s National Team and continues to model the values she teaches: passion, empathy, and belief.