Houston, TX

Background: After graduating from the College of William and Mary, Wade spent 12 years playing professional soccer for clubs including the San Jose Earthquakes, AGF Aarhus in the Danish SuperLiga, Norway's Fredrikstad Football Club and our very own Houston Dynamo. Wade captained the Dynamo to back-to-back MLS Cup Championships in 2006 and 2007 and has also represented the US Men's National team on the pitch. After his playing career, Wade spent 7 years coaching for the Dynamo, helping the team to MLS Cup appearances in 2011 and 2012. Fun Fact: Wade regularly competes in ultra-marathons (any footrace over 26.2 miles) with ongoing race support from his wife, Haley, and twins, Jack and Logan. The twins often pace him in the final 15-20 miles of each race! 2025 Resolution: In 2025, Wade plans to run a 100-mile race with over 20,000 feet of climbing by incorporating vertical training into his routine and committing to the race a few months in advance.

Background: Coach Lawrence was born in Lagos, Nigeria and lived in Houston for 20 years. He has a Bachelor of Arts Criminology and a Bachelor of Science Psychology. Fun Fact: On his free time, he likes to make flower bouquets. We are still waiting for ours! 2024 Resolution: Lawrence’s resolution is to continue to grow in many aspects of his life. Keep up the great work Lawrence!

Background: Coach Abril was born and raised in Houston,TX! She attended University of Houston where she earned her Bachelor in Anthropolyg and a minor in HR. Fun Fact: In 2021, Abril went to Cluj Napoca, Romania to study Bioarchaeology! She was able to dig up bones and learn more about European history! 2025 Resolution: Coach Abril aims to beat or meet her boyfriend's fastest mile time which is 7 minutes. You got this!

Background: Coach Josue was born in Mexico but made his way to Houston when he was 10 years old. He attended the University of Houston where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology – Fitness and Sports. Fun Fact: In high school, Coach Josue accompanied his friend to the Bowling Team tryouts and ended up making the varsity roster! 2024 Resolution: Coach Josue is aiming to complete the U.S. Soccer D - Coaching Course so he can better serve all his all-stars in Soccer Island!

Background: Coach Dariana is originally from Honduras and moved to US before high school. She graduated from Alderson Brouddus University with a bachelor's degree in Exercise science. Fun Fact: Dariana is a trivia wiz for all things Marvel Cinematic Universe. She also loves to watch Messi play. 2025 Resolution: Cocah Dariana is aiming to make journaling more into my daily routine with a cup of coffee.

Background: Coach Jose was born in Houston and has familial roots in El Salvador and Guatemala. He graduated from YES Prep Northbrook High School and is now pursuing his bachelor's degree in accounting from Houston Baptist University. Fun Fact: Jose is no stranger to the spotlight as he was in a dance group for 3 years. Dance battle, anyone? 2024 Resolution: Coach Jose is aiming to learn a new skill every 3 months this year. A man of many tricks!

Background: Coach Abdul is an international student from Saudi Arabia. He graduated from Texas Southern University with a bachelor's degree in electronic engineering technology! Fun Fun Fact: Coach Abdul played for professional soccer team Al Ahil KSA for two years! 2024 Resolution: Abdul wants to start coaching soccer at the competitive level soon, so he will be working on his U.S. Soccer coaching licenses this year!

Background: Coach Isaias was born and raised in Houston, where he attended the Energized for STEM Academy. Along the way, he played for the varsity soccer team and Tigres academy. Fun Fact: Coach Isaias is a talented musician, he can play the piano, accordion, and the guitar. Play some music for us on Soccer Island coach! 2024 Resolution: Coach Isaias wants to stay healthy all year as he has suffered ankle injuries constantly every year. He also hopes to visit a new country, specifically Colombia or Netherlands.

Background: Coach Abby was born and raised here in Houston, TX. She attended San Jacinto Community College where she received an associate degree in Life Sciences. Fun Fact: Abby has taught herself to play different instruments such as the guitar, the piano, and the clarinet! Coach Abby, you've got a spot in our band! 2024 Resolution: Abby plans to go back to school this year to pursue a degree in engineering.

Background: Coach Austin is originally from Phoenix, Arizona. He is currently attending Houston Community College and is pursuing his associate in business management. Fun Fact: Austin used to be a paratrooper and jumped out of 20 planes during his time in the army. 2025 Resolution: Austin is committed to mastering the waltz, rumba, and swing styles of ballroom dance, dedicating two private lessons each month for each dance, all in pursuit of shining on stage at a regional ballroom dance competition.

Background: Coach Bello is originally from Abeokuta, Nigeria. He is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science at the University of Houston – Downtown. Fun Fact: Coach Bello is fluent in Yoruba, one of the three main languages spoken in Nigeria! 2024 Resolution: Coach Bello wants to spread as much positivity to children as he can. In our eyes he's well on his way!

Background:Coach Ben was born in Houston and grew up in Kemah, Texas. He is currently enrolled at San Jacinto Community College, pursuing a degree in Business, with plans to transfer to the University of Houston later on. Fun Fact:Ben has been surfing all over the United States since he was six years old; however, he considers soccer to be the superior sport. 2025 Resolution:Coach Ben aims to stay disciplined in order to make a positive impact not only on his health and fitness but also on Soccer Shots Houston!

Background: Coach Christian was born and raised in Houston. He went to Cy-Fair High School and went on to get a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Houston Baptist University Fun Fact: Christian is a part of two gospel bands, where he plays the drums. Rock on, coach! 2024 Resolution: Coach Christian plans to read more books and run a marathon. We see you training hard, you got this Christian!

Background: Coach Enrique was born in Dallas, but was raised in Houston. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston - Downtown. Fun Fact: Enrique is bilingual, he speaks English and Spanish! Don’t forget to ask coach about his five dogs, all of whom are pugs. Maybe he’ll bring them to Soccer Island one day! 2024 Resolution: Coach Enrique has a few resolutions for the year. He plans to become an excellent coach by studying the curriculum and giving his best every day! Enrique plans to write and publish a movie script or novel, we can’t wait to read it!

Background: Coach Estefany was born and raised right here in Houston, Texas. She is currently working towards her associate degree in criminal justice. Fun Fact: Estefany loves to learn more about people through stories, especially those that are scary! Don't be afraid to scare Estefany! 2025 Resolution: Coach Estefany plans to live a more balanced life to finish college, travel and maintain an active lifestyle to complete her first 5k run ever! You go, girl!

Background: Coach Jack was born in Arizona and moved to Texas to play collegiate soccer. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in Education at Rice University! Fun Fact: Jack played soccer in England and helped his team steer clear of relegation! He also has two awesome kittens! 2025 Resolution: Coach Jack aims to learn 30 new guitar chords this year by practicing for 10 minutes each day.

Background: Coach Jenn was born and raised right here in Houston, Texas. She went to Prairie View A&M University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Fun Fact: Jenn is a ‘That 70’s Show’ aficionado. She loves revisiting the show any chance that she gets! 2024 Resolution: Jenn plans to travel with her friends to whichever destination 2024 leads her to and pursue much more happiness!

Background: Coach Jodi was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She graduated from Alabama A&M University and Florida Atlantic University with a Master's degree in Computer Science. She has three older sisters and her family is Bolivian. Fun Fact: Jodi loves to stay active through soccer, rock climbing, and running. She also likes to play the guitar and cook new recipes. 2025 Resolution: Coach Jodi wants to travel to new places and meet new people along the way this year!

Background: Coach Jonathan was born and raised in Houston but has family in Guanajuato, Mexico. He is currently enrolled in HVAC classes at San Jacinto College. Fun Fact: Jonathan has 6 pets, including a turtle, bunny, guinea pig, and 2 miniature chickens! He also loves Pokémon and anime. Can you guess his favorite Pokémon? 2025 Resolution: In 2025, Coach Jonathan is determined to transform his life by counting calories, running, and hitting the gym, all in pursuit of getting back in shape to reignite his passion for competitive soccer.

Background: Coach Jordan is originally from Washington State and moved to Texas before attending High School at Galena Park. Ever since then he has been working with kids. Fun Fact: Jordan collect hot wheels in his spare time and likes to organize his collection in new ways. When not hunting for additions to the collection Jordan likes to play the drums! 2025 Resolution: Coach Jordan is committed to his health journey, staying active and striving to become the best version of himself.

Background: Coach Jose is originally from Houston, Texas, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Houston. He is currently enrolled in the sports administration master's program at the same university. Fun Fact: Jose enjoys fishing and is still waiting to make his first catch! 2025 Resolution: His goal for the year is to adopt a healthier lifestyle through dieting and regular workouts.

Background: Coach Jose was born is Leon Guanajuato, Mexico where his passion for soccer grew. He later moved to Houston and graduated from YES Prep Brays Oaks High School. Fun Fact: Jose has visited 15 states and hopes to visit all 50 one day! Got any recommendations on where to visit next? 2024 Resolution: Coach Jose is honing his coaching skills so he can coach at the professional level one day!

Background: Coach Jose was born in Houston and grew up down the road in Katy. He attended Morton Ranch High School and is working on his advertising degree from the University of Houston. Fun Fact: Jose is a self-proclaimed trivia wiz and previously did field presentations for the Houston Dynamo and Dash. 2024 Resolution: My 2024 resolution is to travel to new places/ countries, such as Europe!

Background: Coach Jose was born in Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela, and moved to Houston last year. He is currently attending HCC for a physical therapist program. Fun Fact: Jose loves to play musical instruments, including the tambora, charrasca, and bumba, which are Venezuelan instruments. 2024 Resolution: Coach Jose aims to advance his coaching career by completing two coaching certifications by the end of the year. Additionally, he plans to run 15 miles consecutively.

Background: Coach Kassandra was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She is currently enrolled at Lone Star College, pursuing a degree in Education. Fun Fact: Kassandra can play three different musical instruments. In addition to being on a soccer team, she is also a member of a dance team! 2025 Resolution: Coach Kassandra plans to visit Tokyo, Japan, and check it off her bucket list this year!

Background: Coach Martell was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He played Division 2 soccer at Slippery Rock University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in education. Fun Fact: Martell went ATV riding in Honduras and visited the summit of a mountain! Adventure awaits, Coach Martell! In 2025, Coach Martell wants to challenge himself by becoming involved in more sports and continuing to learn about the Japanese language and culture. He plans to visit Japan for the second time sometime soon!

Background: Coach Nicolas is from Bluefields, Nicaragua and is the only male of five siblings. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education Science with a specialization in English. Fun Fact: Nicolas was the drummer at his church for five years. If you catch him tapping his feet or humming, that’s just coach Nicolas creating the next Soccer Shots Houston jingle! 2024 Resolution: Coach Nicolas aims to join the Worship Team at his church this year!

Background: Omar was born and raised right here in Houston, TX. He is currently enrolled in Lone Star College and is working towards his bachelor's in business. Fun Fact: Omar can speak Spanish as well as play the bass guitar and the electric guitar! What is your favorite song to play Omar? 2024 Resolution: Omar is looking forward to finding a new home that fits him just right. When's the housewarming party!

Background: Coach Omar is from Houston and attended Cypress Ridge High School. He has a coaching background from the academies where he has coached and played. Fun Fact: Omar loves playing the guitar in his free time! He has been playing since the age of 4. Looks like we have a Soccer Shots band in the making! 2024 Resolution: Coach Omar's goal is to spread the love for soccer to the next generation. His goal is to bring positivity to every Soccer Island he joins. We love a great goal here!

Background: Coach Richard has lived in Houston his whole life. He graduated from Cypress Ridge High School. Fun Fact: Richard was the 7th born kid in Houston in 1990! He’ll always be the 1st born in our hearts, am I right? 2024 Resolution: Richard wants to complete a marathon by the end of 2024. He wants to learn Spanish as well, buena suerte!

Background: Coach Roman was born and raised in Houston. He is currently enrolled at Lone Star College, where he is pursuing a degree in multimedia. Fun Fact: In his free time, you can find Roman exploring nature and taking pictures. He loves to stay active, whether it’s going on a walk or to the gym. 2024 Resolution: Coach Roman aims to positively impact someone’s life this year! His goal is to bring success to those around him through not only his soccer skills but life skills!

Background: Coach Sergio is originally from Houston and has been playing soccer since he was 5. He is working on getting his teaching certification. Fun Fact: Sergio was in the top .05% of League of Legends for North America! He is a legend in this video game! 2025 Resolution: Sergio aims for a healthier mindset and body while spending more time with family in 2025.

Background: Coach Tanner hails from Houston, Texas, but has family members across the globe. He holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Baylor University, and now he's considering pursuing additional degrees. Fun Fact: Tanner has extended family in Ecuador, which he hopes to visit soon. That sounds like an exciting family trip! 2025 Resolution: Tanner's aim for this year is to work out more and become fluent in Spanish. His goal is to be able to hold a conversation in Spanish - ¡suerte!

Background: Taylor was born in Oklahoma and grew up in Arlington, TX. After graduating from NXT Leadership College in 2021, he served as a youth pastor for two and a half years and is currently the Young adult pastor for Bridge Church in Manvel, TX. Fun Fact: Taylor loves playing various instruments and sports but currently competes in disc golf tournaments! 2025 Resolution: Coach Taylor is hoping to continue to grow his young adult ministry and reach a greater percentage of his community through serving, outreach, and events.

Background: Coach Will was born in Houston. He is currently enrolled at Lonestar Community College, pursuing a computer science degree. Fun Fact: Will is fluent in Spanish, with familial roots in Honduras and El Salvador. He currently plays on a Sunday league team; he may wear number 12 on the field, but he’s number 1 on Soccer Island! 2024 Resolution: Coach Will aims to graduate with his associate degree. Another goal for 2024 is to maintain a more disciplined diet and sleep schedule, showcasing his self-discipline!

Background: Coach Xavier was born right here in Houston, Texas. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in exercise science from the University of Houston. Fun Fact: While in high school, Xavier competed in shot put and discus at the local track meet. He also dabbled in the clarinet and piano as a kid. 2024 Resolution: Xavier aiming to live a better and healthier lifestyle, he is using his past obstacles as motivation for the new year. Way to own it coach Xavier!