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! 2024 Resolution: In 2023, Wade and his family have a goal of earning over 2023 workout “tickets”. Each ticket represents 4 exercises that strengthen mind and body in their quest for overall family health. Reward for the goal – a family

Background: Coach Natalia grew up in Bogota, Colombia. She played soccer for Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, where she studied General Business and Marketing. Her playing experience also includes the 2012 London Olympic games and 3 World Cups with the Colombian National Team! She recently became the Houston Aces new Head Coach. Fun Fact: Coach Natalia has a twin sister named Tatiana. They have shared countless soccer experiences together on the pitch! 2024 Resolution: In 2024, Natalia's primary resolution is an adventurous one – to experience the wonders of Machu Picchu in Peru. Armed with determination, Natalia is set to make 2024 the year she explores the ancient Incan ruins!

Background: Julia was born and raised right here in Houston, TX and loves exploring the city. She graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s in Kinesiology. Fun Fact: Julia played rugby for a year at UH and, amazingly, her organs are reversed which is something only 1 in 10,000 people can say! 2024 Resolution: Julia wants to get her passport and learn how to drive a stick-shift car. Road trips are on the way!

Background: Coach Melissa was born here in Houston, Texas. She attended University of Houston where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Exercise Science (Pre Med). Fun Fact: Coach Melissa loves to travel to different places but can't go a year without visiting her parents' home country, El Salvador! 2024 Resolution: To read a book every month, and to at least go to the gym 4 times every week!

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 Taylor was born in Georgia but raised in Katy, Texas! She attended Texas State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Fun Fact: Coach Taylor is oddly good at winning the game of Yahtzee! No luck involved - it's all skill! 2024 Resolution: Coach Taylor wants to spend more quality time with her family and share more experiences with them. Doesn't get better than family!

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 Anniston was born in Houston, TX. She attended the University of Houston where she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Minor in Sociology. Fun Fact: Coach Anniston collects magnets and Scooby Doo memorabilia. If she ever pulls up to Soccer Island in the Mystery Machine, you'll know why! 2024 Resolution: Coach Anniston plans to be fluent in both Spanish and American sign language in 2024. She also wants to win her nieces heart to win the title “Best Auntie”!

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 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. 2024 Resolution: Coach Dariana wants to save enough money so she can get her first apartment. Speaking into existence! 

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 Jonathan is from Brooklyn, New York but was raised right here in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Channelview high school and is looking to start a career working with kids. Fun Fact: Jonathan collects vintage cameras and bicycles and hopes to create a scrap book of the places he visits. 2024 Resolution: Coach Jonathan plans to be more invested as a coach and build better connections with all of his All-Star Kiddos and their families.

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 Abel was born in Georgia and grew up in Magnolia, Texas. He is currently enrolled at the University of St. Thomas pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. Fun Fact: Abel is fluent in Spanish and has moved a total of 6 times in Texas. He does, however, recognize Houston as the best city of them all! 2024 Resolution: Coach Abel is hoping for a winning season with UST and is prepping to graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He also dabbles in day trading. Self discipline and objectivity... check!

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. 2024 Resolution: Austin wants to complete enough college credit hours to earn his associate degree in business management.

Background: Coach Austin was born in Amarillo, TX, but raised in North Carolina. He played D1 soccer at Liberty University where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in religion. Fun Fact: Coach Austin studied German for 4 years in high school and was a 3-sport letterman! He still humbly shows off his skills at our weekly futsal games. 2024 Resolution: Coach Austin wants to prioritize his family this year and work to be even better at organizing things. Austin is a true Renaissance man!

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 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 Denyse was born in Mexico and is the oldest out of 4. She graduated with an associate of arts in teaching from Lonestar college and is currently seeking her bachelor's degree in teaching at the University of Houston. Fun Fact: Denyse is very creative when it comes to planning events. Any parties coming up? 2024 Resolution: Denyse wants to get the courage to go skydiving sometime this year, and make sure each and every class she coaches is genuine and fun for the kids.

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! 2024 Resolution: Estefany wants to get out of her comfort zone and experience different things like traveling the world alone, meeting new people, and trying different food.

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 Jack was born in Arizona and moved to Texas to play collegiate soccer. He is currently pursuing a teaching certification at Rice University! Fun Fact: Jack has played in college and made it to a league in England. He helped his team steer clear of relegation; I guess you could say he’s a keeper! 2024 Resolution: Jack aims to be the best coach he can be! He is using his teaching courses to carry that into coaching, he is adding more tools to his toolbox!

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 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? 2024 Resolution: Jonathan's goal for the year is to obtain another coaching license as part of his aim to become one of the best coaches in the world. He is already off to a great start at Soccer Shots Houston!

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! 2024 Resolution: Jordan plans to travel more with is girlfriend and is already starting with a trip to Cancun!

Background: Coach Jose is originally from Houston, Texas, and holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He is currently enrolled in the sports administration master's program at the University of Houston. Fun Fact: Jose enjoys fishing and is still waiting for his first catch! In 2024, Jose aims to enhance his resume by pursuing additional degrees. 2024 Resolution: His goal for the year is to achieve a 4.0 GPA in his Sports Administration master’s program. You got this, Coach Jose!

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 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 Josiah is originally from Florida and later graduated from I.H. Kempner here in Houston. Josiah is currently pursuing his degree at UH and hopes to further his career with soccer. Fun Fact: Josiah has been playing piano and guitar for many years. Not at the same time, though. That would be amazing! 2024 Resolution: Coach Josiah’s New Year’s resolution is to do three good deeds for random strangers this year. Ex: paying for the person coffee behind me in line!

Background: Coach Juan and his 3 siblings were born in Mexico before moving to Houston, Texas where he was raised. He has finished his associate degree in business management from Houston Community College and is looking to start his career! Fun Fact: Juan enjoys finding new mediums with which to create art. Sometimes that can even mean technology! 2024 Resolution: Coach Juan is planning to finish school and run at least one mile every day with his wife. Relationship goals!

Background: Coach Lavraj is originally from Sacramento, California where he grew up with his 4 brothers. He is currently working towards applying to law schools after he finishes his bachelor’s degree. Fun Fact: Lavraj used to be ranked in the top 200 in FIFA. 2024 Resolution: Lavraj wants to read more frequently. Any book suggestions for Lavraj?

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! 2024 Resolution: Coach Martell wants to save enough money to plan a trip to visit Tokyo, Japan with his friends and visit all the main tourist attractions in the upcoming year!

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! 2024 Resolution: Sergio is looking forward to keeping a confident attitude and striving to become the best version of himself. Never stop growing Sergio!

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! 2024 Resolution: Tanner's aim for this year is to become fluent in Spanish. His goal is to be able to hold a conversation in Spanish - ¡suerte!

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!