Meet The Coaches

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!

2023 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 trip to see a Premier League game at Old Trafford!

Background: Coach Sarah was born in Lansing, MI and grew up in Iowa. She has a bachelor’s in history from Grand View University and a bachelor’s in anthropology from Arizona State University. She even played soccer for Michigan State and Grand View University before getting her F coaching license!

Fun Fact: Sarah is a trivia wiz and a musician. She played the alto, tenor and baritone saxophone. Ask her your hardest trivia question next time you’re on Soccer Island!

2023 Resolution: Sarah plans to have a busy year, pursuing a trip to Spain to perfect her Spanish and starting her master’s degree. We have our bags packed – we’ll see you in Spain, Coach Sarah!

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!

2023 Resolution: Julia wants to join a league for pickleball and hopes to start competing in local tournaments! Think you can return her serve?

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!

2023 Resolution: Coach Josue is currently in a competition with his dad and two brothers to see who can get in the best physical shape by the end of the year. The winner gets $2,000!

Background: Coach Matthew was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and moved all around the country before attending LSU for his bachelor’s degree. After graduating, Matthew made his way to Houston to start his professional career.

Fun Fact: Matthew was the voice of the Sportsmap Radio Network for two years. That means that his voice ran during commercial breaks all across the country!

2023 resolution: Matthew wants to hone his pool game to try to be accepted onto a regional billiards tour. While he might not accomplish it this year, he hopes to close the distance on the goal in the coming months. Anyone up for a game?

Background: Coach Toke was born and raised in Troy, Michigan and has strong family ties to Nigeria. She graduated from UCONN with a Bachelors in Exercise Science and played competitive volleyball.

Fun Fact: Coach Toke has traveled to 10 countries. In her view, she loved Spain the most!

2023 Resolution: Toke is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sports and Fitness Administration at the University of Houston and plans to graduate this year in December.

Background: Coach JC is a native Houstonian has been in Texas his entire life. JC recently graduated from UHD with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies.

Fun Fact: JC is a certified SCUBA diver and has been in the water with whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, and bull sharks!

2023 Resolution: JC is looking to continue his extensive sports memorabilia collection so that he can one day open a sports memorabilia store!

Background: Luis was born in Mexico City and spent much of his life there. He graduated from Colegio Cristobal Colon in Mexico and is now studying business at Lonestar Cyfair.

Fun Fact: Luis is currently working on his USSF “C” license which will allow him to coach high school soccer. He hopes to continue his coaching education until he has his “A” license so he can coach professionals. Head Coach of the Dynamo, one day?

2023 Resolution: Luis wants to coach MLS Next soon so he can leverage it to coach professionals! You got this, coach!

Background: Coach Jesus was born in Queens, New York but has lived most of his life in Texas. He is hoping to go back to school to get a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Fun Fact: Jesus loves learning new songs to play on the guitar in his free time. The bigger the challenge, the more excited he gets to learn!

2023 Resolution: Jesus wants to find new life long hobbies that will help him gain new and useful skills. We can’t wait to see what he gets up to next!

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. We can’t wait to match his trivia game against Coach Sarah – another self-proclaimed expert!

2023 Resolution: Jose plans to attend the Women’s World Cup in Australia later this year. Make room for us, Coach Jose, we have our bags packed!

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!

2023 Resolution: Josiah’s goal for 2023 is to graduate with his bachelor’s degree. We can’t wait to see you in your graduation robes, Coach Josiah!

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!

2023 Resolution: Coach Christian strives to be the best version of himself and listen to the wisdom passed on to him by his family and peers.

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!

2023 Resolution: In 2023, Anniston wants to adopt an attitude of gratitude and create contentment in every area of her life!

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!

2023 Resolution: This year, Bello wants to continue positively impacting the lives of all the children he coaches! In our view, he’s well on his way!

Coach Domos found his way to Soccer Shots from his home country of Hungary! He began playing soccer at the age of six and played midfielder for the Houston Express. He is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Houston and hopes to become a teacher! In addition to his passion for soccer, Coach Domos has an affinity for water polo and enjoys spending time in the kitchen concocting new baking and BBQ recipes!

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?

2023 Resolution: Jose hopes to go to the gym more in 2023. He also wants to play and watch more soccer, especially Manchester United. Go Red Devils!

Background: Coach Dan is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to Houston after graduating high school. He is currently studying sports management at Houston Baptist University.

Fun Fact: Dan is trilingual! He speaks English, Swahili and French. He is working on speaking Spanish as well; soon we’ll have a quadrilingual on our hands!

2023 Resolution: Dan is hoping to take trips to countries such as France and Spain. When does our flight leave, Coach Dan?!

Background: Coach David was born and raised in Houston and attended Elsik High School. He is currently a student at University of Houston where he is pursuing a degree in Kinesiology Exercise Science.

Fun Fact: David is an all-star on the piano and guitar. Maybe one day Coach David can bring his guitar for show and tell day on Soccer Island, or we can set up a jam session with Coach Josiah!

2023 Resolution: David’s pursuit this year is to maintain all A’s in his classes. You got this, Coach David!

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!

2023 Resolution: Jenn hopes to create a dish that rivals even her favorite Japanese restaurant. Can we get a bite?

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 Fact: Coach Abdul played for professional soccer team Al Ahil KSA for two years!

2023 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!

2023 Resolution: Isaias hopes to finish getting his coaching license and take at least one trip outside the U.S. – destination unknown at the moment!

Coach Omar has a passion for soccer that has driven him to find ways to help others fall in love with the sport. Coach Omar is originally from Houston and has played soccer at the high school and college level in the area. He is currently attending community college for a degree in business, which he hopes to leverage to open his own soccer club one day. When Coach Omar isn’t coaching his cousins, he is watching Liverpool (his favorite team) with his 3 brothers and his dog Miles. Omar also loves learning new songs to play on the guitar and bass guitar!

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!

2023 Resolution: Abby plans to go back to school this year to pursue a degree in engineering.

Coach Cornelio is a South Texas native from Galveston where he learned how to kick a soccer ball at the young age of 2! He’s played soccer his whole life but also enjoys playing basketball, volleyball and many other sports. He’s currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at College of The Mainland and plans to one day own a sports-complex business. In his spare time Coach Cornelio enjoys watching FC Barcelona or play his guitar. Visça Barça!

Background: Coach Carolina is a Houston native. She’s currently working on her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Houston.

Fun Fact: Coach Carolina is trilingual! She speaks English, Spanish, and some French. We know who to call for a language tutor!

2023 Resolution: Carolina wants to read 10 books by the end of the year and learn to play the piano!

Background: Coach Juan and his 3 siblings were born in Mexico before moving to Houston, Texas where he was raised. He has finished his associates 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!

2023 Resolution: Juan hopes to continue learning new things that he will be able to use to help his family. Family first!

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?

2023 Resolution: Coach Jose is honing his coaching skills so he can coach at the professional level one day!

Background: Coach Gabriell is from Houston and attended Cy-Lakes High School. He joined the Marine Corps shortly after graduating and is now studying Kinesiology at the University of Houston.

Fun Fact: Gabriell is an expert bird caller; he can whistle just like a bird. If you think you hear a Great-tailed Grackle near Soccer Island, it may just be coach Gabriell.

2023 Resolution: Gabriell’s goal is to earn his college degree. You got this, coach!

Background: Coach Alejandro was born in the Dominican Republic. He played soccer professionally there for Atletico Pantoja before coming to Houston to attend North American University!

Fun Fact: Coach Alejandro grew up playing baseball and was scouted by professional teams before he transitioned to soccer due to a wrist injury.

2023 Resolution: Alejandro wants to solidify himself as a starter on his college soccer team to get closer to his goal of playing professional soccer once again.

Background: Coach Dejhanna was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN, where she played soccer since she was 5. Dejhanna graduated from Indiana University East with a bachelor of Science in Communication Studies.

Fun Fact: Dejhanna has played in a pep band, jazz band and marching band. She has mastered playing the alto saxophone! What’s the next instrument, Coach Dejhanna?

2023 Resolution: Dejhanna plans to purchase a new car this year. We can’t wait to see what she ends up with!

Background: Coach Eddie is a Houston native, where he graduated from Jersey Village High School and is attending the University of Houston. Eddie has played soccer since he was 6 at various clubs and 4 years of varsity in high school.

Fun Fact: Eddie is a coach of many talents. He is a trumpet player, a mechanic and a handyman. You could say he has the tools to succeed!

2023 Resolution: Eddie wants to maintain a 4.0 GPA and to take his coaching skills to the next level!

Background: Coach Isaiah is a Houston native and has been playing soccer since he was 5. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Investigation at NAU.

Fun Fact: Isaiah is bilingual, speaking Spanish and English. He is also a lefty, which only 10% of the world can say!

2023 Resolution: Isaiah is mastering his coaching skills this year, and wants to make sure his future World Cup winners never forget him as their first coach. What a goal!

Background: Coach Chinonso was born and raised in Nigeria. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Management at the University of East London and is currently in school to become a Sterile Processing Technician.

Fun Fact: Coach Chino speaks Igbo and plays Nigerian traditional instruments like the udu, oja, ekwe, and the alo gong.

2023 Resolution: Chinonso’s goal for this year is to complete his SPT Program! We believe in you, Coach Chino!

Background: Coach Brady was born here in Houston, TX. He spent 3 semesters at East Texas Baptist University playing soccer and studying Sports Management.

Fun Fact: In his free time, Coach Brady enjoys wakeboarding with his family and friends!

2023 Resolution: Brady plans to enroll at a bigger school this year where he can continue his athletic and academic career! Your future looks bright, Coach Brady!

Background: Madison grew up in Alvin, Texas where she played for her high school soccer team. She is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree from UHCL and hopes to be a marketing manager when she graduates.

Fun Fact: Madison gained enough college credits to get her associates degree before she graduated high school! Doogie Howser, take that!

2023 Resolution: Madison is working hard to be fluent in sign language before the end of the year!