Meet the Team
Coach Ella
Goalkeeper and Skills Coach/ Owner of EK Soccer
Coach Maya
Defensive and Strength Coach
Coach Kylie
Offensive and Conditioning Coach
Coach Ella:
Goalkeeper Coach and Skills Coach/ Owner of EK Soccer
Ella Kalailieff brings over 15 years of playing experience to EK Soccer, with a background shaped by high-level training and competition across Canada, the United States, and Europe.
She began her soccer journey with Port Colborne Storm, before progressing through Niagara Regional programs and competing at the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) level. Ella later played for Niagara Surf, gaining extensive experience in competitive environments.
Throughout her playing career, Ella competed at a high level across Ontario and Canada, earning a second-place finish at the Ontario Cup, and traveled extensively throughout the United States for competition. She also had the opportunity to train in Portugal, further expanding her understanding of different playing styles and coaching philosophies.
Ella received opportunities to continue playing soccer at the post-secondary level, but ultimately chose to prioritize her academic goals. She is currently studying Political Science at McMaster University, while remaining deeply involved in the game through coaching and player development.
Through EK Soccer, Ella is passionate about creating a positive, development-focused training environment where young players can build strong fundamentals, confidence, and a lifelong love for the game.
Coach Maya:
Defensive and Strength Coach
Maya Bassi brings a strong background in competitive soccer and player development to EK Soccer, with experience shaped by high-level training environments in Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Maya developed through the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) with Niagara OPDL, where she built a strong foundation in defensive fundamentals, tactical awareness, and game understanding. She also competed with the New York Flash, gaining valuable experience in a competitive cross-border training environment.
Throughout her development, Maya had the opportunity to train and practice in Portugal, further expanding her understanding of the game through exposure to different playing styles and coaching philosophies.
Maya currently plays as a defender for Ave Maria Gyrenes Women’s Soccer, competing at the collegiate level while continuing to refine her positional play, leadership, and defensive decision-making.
At EK Soccer, Maya serves as the Defensive and Strength Coach, focusing on positioning, strength, communication, confidence, and helping players develop a strong understanding of defensive responsibilities in a supportive and structured environment.
Coach Kylie :
Offensive & Conditioning Coach
Kylie brings a multi-sport athletic background and a strong foundation in competitive soccer to EK Soccer, with experience shaped by years of high-level training and physical development across multiple sports.
In addition to soccer, Kylie has competed in hockey, rugby, and boxing, developing athletic qualities that translate directly to the soccer field, including strength, speed, balance, resilience, and discipline. This diverse background informs her holistic approach to player development and conditioning.
Kylie played soccer for over a decade, developing through Niagara Regional and competing at the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) level. Throughout her playing career, she featured in multiple positions across the field, with a particular strength in the winger roles, where she developed attacking instincts, movement off the ball, and an understanding of offensive play.
In summer 2025, Kylie coached youth soccer alongside Ella Kalailieff, where they shared a passion for teaching the game and loved working with young players in a positive, development-focused environment.
At EK Soccer, Kylie serves as the Offensive and Conditioning Coach, focusing on attacking development, movement, confidence on the ball, and age-appropriate physical conditioning. Her goal is to help players become more dynamic, confident, and well-rounded athletes while fostering a genuine love for the game.