Get to know
Starting XI
The Starting XI Lineup
Derek Luke
A former professional soccer player for FC Cincinnati and Rio Grande Valley FC, he played Division I soccer at Monmouth University from 2011–2015. During his college career he earned First Team All-MAAC honors, was named to the All-MAAC Tournament Team, served as team captain for two seasons, and helped lead Monmouth to two conference championships and multiple NCAA tournament appearances. He holds a B.S. in Health Studies from Monmouth University and is a Certified Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine. As Director of Training at Starting XI Performance Training, he focuses on developing athletes through footwork, speed, agility, and game-ready skill development while building confidence on and off the field.
Martin Witmer
Martin Witmer is the Travel Director for Perkiomen Valley Soccer Club, where he oversees the development of competitive travel programs and coaches multiple boys’ and girls’ teams within the club. A former collegiate athlete, Martin grew up playing club soccer with Montgomery United Soccer Club and has continued to build his expertise through coaching and player development. He holds a U.S. Soccer Federation C Coaching License and brings extensive experience in training competitive players. At Starting XI Performance Training, Martin uses his background in high-level club soccer and coaching education to help athletes improve their technical skills, decision-making, and overall game performance while developing the work ethic needed to succeed at the next level.
Dan Pennebacker
Dan is a coach and club leader with Perkiomen Valley Soccer Club, where he leads a competitive girls’ travel team and serves as club treasurer. A lifelong player, Dan’s connection to the game began early and naturally evolved into coaching during his high school years with his local club. His return to the sidelines was sparked when his daughter decided to give soccer a try—what started as a volunteer role in recreational soccer quickly grew into a deeper commitment to player development. Now a USSF C Licensed coach, Dan works alongside Martin at PVSC, helping guide players in a competitive environment focused on growth and enjoyment. Through connections with Martin and Derek, Dan became part of a shared vision: to create a training environment centered on high-quality coaching, long-term player development, and a genuine love for the game. Soccer has provided Dan with lifelong friendships and meaningful experiences, and he is passionate about passing that foundation on to the next generation through Starting XI.
emily armstrong
Emily is a former professional and Division I college soccer goalkeeper. She played at the University of Connecticut, where she helped the Huskies win the AAC Tournament twice and compete in the NCAA National Tournament three times. During her collegiate career, Emily was named a First Team CoSIDA Academic All-American, two-time AAC Goalkeeper of the Year, a top-10 Division I goalkeeper, and team captain. Following graduation from UConn with her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, Emily played six seasons in Europe — with stops in Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. Today, Emily has shifted her focus from playing to training the next generation of goalkeepers. She brings her extensive experience and high level of energy to develop each keeper's total game, helping them achieve their goals as a player.