Connor Ballantyne is a former Division I defender for Oakland University. With roots at Vardar and experience through the Olympic Development Program, Connor blends elite playing experience with high-level coaching from his time at Next Level Training.
Soccer Training
Events
About
Location:
Shelby Twp, Michigan
Youth Club:
Vardar & ODP
Credentials:
USSF B License
Experience:
8+ Years
Position(s):
Forward, Midfield, Defense
Training:
International, Professional, Semi-Pro, College, ODP
Played:
Semi-Pro, College, ODP, Academy
Specialties:
Technical Training, Tactical Training, Ball Mastery, Shooting, Positional Play
About Coach Connor
Connor Cape Ballantyne is a Michigan-based trainer with a background in NCAA Division I soccer and advanced player development. A former standout defender at Oakland University, Connor now brings his high-level playing and coaching experience to Michigan Soccer Training, where he trains both field players and goalkeepers with a sharp focus on technical precision, tactical IQ, and overall player growth.
Connor’s soccer journey began with Vardar Soccer Club and the Olympic Development Program, where he competed at the state, regional, and national levels. He started his collegiate career at the University of Dayton before transferring to Oakland University, where he became a key figure in the Golden Grizzlies’ defense. Despite injuries that limited his playing time, he earned Horizon League Academic Honors and built a reputation as a reliable, intelligent presence on the back line.
After college, Connor trained and coached with Next Level Training, one of the premier soccer development programs in the Midwest. He now continues that mission at Michigan Soccer Training—providing high-energy, individualized, and group training designed to challenge players and elevate their game. Connor’s sessions are known for their intensity, clarity, and ability to develop both technical skills and confidence in every player he trains.
Connor Ballantyne brings a wealth of high-level playing and coaching experience to Michigan Soccer Training. A former NCAA Division I defender at Oakland University and Olympic Development Program standout, Connor has trained with Vardar and coached with the elite staff at Next Level Training. His style blends tactical discipline with technical sharpness, helping players of all levels elevate their decision-making, footwork, and game intelligence. Now a lead trainer at MST, Connor specializes in small group and individual development for serious players preparing to compete at the next level.
⚽ Michigan Soccer Training
Trainer | Present
Connor currently trains competitive youth players across Michigan as part of the elite Michigan Soccer Training staff. His sessions emphasize tactical awareness, technical sharpness, and game IQ. At MST, he leads both private and small-group sessions for field players and goalkeepers, focusing on personalized development for players aiming to excel at the next level.
⚽ Next Level Training (Michigan)
Athletic Trainer | 2020 – 2024
Connor coached under the renowned Next Level Training system, working with elite players of all ages to develop technical skills, agility, and advanced soccer IQ. He contributed to customized training plans and helped mentor athletes preparing for high-level club, collegiate, and professional competition.
⚽ Oakland County FC / Force FC
Player | 2019 – 2021
Post-college, Connor continued his playing career at a competitive amateur level with Oakland County FC and Force FC. These experiences furthered his understanding of the game from a player’s perspective and added value to his coaching approach, especially in reading game tempo and defending at speed.
Connor began his collegiate soccer journey at the University of Dayton, competing in the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 Conference. After two seasons, he transferred to Oakland University to continue his education and athletic career closer to home. At Oakland, Connor became a regular starter on the back line, earning a reputation as a smart, composed, and physical defender. He was named to the Horizon League Academic Honor Roll in both 2016 and 2017, reflecting his dedication both on the field and in the classroom. His time at both programs helped shape the tactical awareness and leadership he now brings to his coaching career.
⚽ Oakland University Men’s Soccer (NCAA D1)
Student-Athlete, Defender | 2016 – 2018
Connor transferred to Oakland University from the University of Dayton and became a regular starter, anchoring the back line. He was recognized on the Horizon League Academic Honor Roll and helped lead the team through key conference matchups. His time at Oakland shaped his disciplined, tactical style and informed his future coaching philosophy.
⚽ University of Dayton Men’s Soccer (NCAA D1)
Student-Athlete, Defender | 2014 – 2016
Connor began his collegiate soccer journey at Dayton, where he made early contributions as a defender in one of the Atlantic 10’s top programs. He balanced athletics with academic rigor before transferring to Oakland to complete his college career closer to home.
⚽ Vardar Soccer Club & Olympic Development Program (ODP)
Youth Player | 2007 – 2014
A product of Vardar SC, one of Michigan’s premier youth academies, Connor also represented the state and regional levels in the ODP system. He competed nationally, earning recognition for his defensive instincts and leadership, and establishing the foundation for his future college career.
???? Notable Accolades & Achievements
High School & Youth Career
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Top Drawer Soccer Four-Star Recruit
Recognized nationally as one of the top youth prospects during his high school career at De La Salle Collegiate. -
First-Team All-District & All-Catholic League (2011)
Earned top honors for performance as a standout sophomore defender. -
U-14 U.S. National Team ID Camp Invitee
Selected for national identification as one of the country’s top U-14 players.
College Career – University of Dayton & Oakland University
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Horizon League Academic Honor Roll
Honored in both Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 for maintaining academic excellence while competing at the NCAA Division I level. -
First Team All-District (Academic & Athletic)
Awarded for achievements in both athletics and academics during his prep career.
Player Highlights
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Durable Starter at Oakland University
Integral part of the Golden Grizzlies’ defense, bringing consistency, composure, and leadership to the back line. -
Well-Rounded Scholar-Athlete
Known for balancing elite-level athletics with strong academic performance throughout his career.
