Coach Wade
Executive Director
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!
Coach Sarah
Director of Partner Service
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 USSF “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!
Coach Natalia
Director of Coaching
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!
2023 Resolution: Natalia plans to help her knee recover to it’s full potential after surgery and to achieve a marathon by the end of this year with her wife, Juanita!
Coach Julia
Program Director
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?
Coach Melissa
Assistant Director of Coaching
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!
Coach Josue
Coaching Coordinator
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!
Coach Matthew
Recruiting Coordinator
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?
Coach Toke
Program Coordinator
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.
Coach Anniston
Programming Coordinator
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!
Coach JC
Partner Service Coordinator
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!
Coach Luis
Youth Coach - Captain
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 has recently received 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!
Coach Sebastian
Youth Coach - Captain
Background: Coach Sebastian was born and raised in Cali, Colombia. He attended North American University where he earned his bachelor’s in Education and is now pursuing his master’s degree in Education, as well.
Fun Fact: Coach Sebastian is currently working on his USSF “C” license and should receive it in August! He also loves to meet new people everywhere he goes. If you see him, don’t be shy to say Hi!
2023 Resolution: Sebastian aims to graduate from school with his master’s degree in hand and to have more time to enjoy with his family!
Coach Jesus
Youth Coach - Captain
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!
Coach Taylor
Youth Coach - Captain
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!
2023 Resolution: Taylor hopes to accomplish her dream of purchasing her own home! We can’t wait for the housewarming party!
Coach Jose
Intern
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!
Coach Austin
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.
2023 Resolution: Austin wants to prioritize his family this year. He will make more time to connect and be present with them! Austin is a true Renaissance man!
Coach Josiah
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!
Coach Christian
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.
Coach Bello
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 Jose
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!
Coach Dariana
Background: Coach Dariana is originally from Honduras and moved to the 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.
2023 Resolution: She wants to take classes on how to be more intentional with kids in her care. Dariana also wants to add more things in her life that make her happy!
Coach David
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!
Coach Jennifer
Background: Coach Jen 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: Jen is a ‘That 70’s Show’ aficionado. She loves revisiting the show any chance that she gets!
2023 Resolution: Jen hopes to create a dish that rivals even her favorite Japanese restaurant. Can we get a bite?
Coach Abdul
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!
Coach Isaias
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
Background: Omar was born and raised right here in Houston, TX. He is currently enrolled in Lone Star College and is working towards his bachelors 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?
2023 Resolution: Omar hopes to improve his fitness after the surgery he will be having for his knee. We wish you the best!
Coach Michael
Background: Coach Michael was born and raised in Houston and considers Corpus Christi his second home! He graduated from San Jacinto Community College with an Associates in Business and is currently attending UH- Clear Lake for his Bachelors in Exercise Science!
Fun Fact: Michael is a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros and San Antonio Spurs! He has his bases covered as a true Texan.
2023 Resolution: Michael’s goal is to always be able to look back at life and feel like he’s been able to help other people!
Coach Martell
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!
Coach Carolina
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!
Coach Juan
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!
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?
2023 Resolution: Coach Jose is honing his coaching skills so he can coach at the professional level one day!
Coach Stephanie
Background: Coach Stephanie was born and raised here in the East side of Houston. She graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s in Exercise Science and a minor in Nutrition.
Fun Fact: She loves working on cars with her dad & brother, but one thing she learned on her own is to wrap cars with vinyl. Awesome!
Coach Alejandro
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.
Coach Dejhanna
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!
Coach Eddie
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!
Coach Isaiah
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!
Coach Chinonso
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!
Coach Katherine
Background: Coach Katherine was born and raised in Houston, TX. Katherine is currently attending the University of Houston, pursuing a pre-med degree.
Fun Fact: Katherine played 4 years of varsity soccer. She is also learning how to play the guitar! Hopefully she’ll play something for us!!
2023 Resolution: Katherine’s 2023 goal is to succeed in her schooling and work towards becoming a pediatric nurse.
Coach Madeline
Background: Coach Madeline was born in Houston, Tx. She graduated with a degree in Biology at the University of Dallas.
Fun Fact: Madeline has been playing soccer since she was 10 years old. She also played at the University of Dallas. Madeline can also sew! How amazing!!
2023 Resolution: Madeline’s 2023 goal is to pursue research in her field of study at her current institute. She also wants to obtain her personal trainer certification.
Coach Haiden
Background: Coach Haiden was born in Houston, Tx. He is pursuing a degree in Business at the University of Houston.
Fun Fact: Haiden can pick up a tennis ball with only his toes!
2023 Resolution: Haiden’s 2023 goal is to live his life to the fullest and make as many happy memories as he can.
Coach Evan
Background: Coach Evan was born and raised in New Orleans. He moved to Houston to become the Equipment Manager for the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash.
Fun Fact: Evan is an avid Chelsea supporter and the president of the Houston Chelsea Club. He has been recognized at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s Stadium, for the work he has done!
2023 Resolution: Evan’s goal is to be the best dad he can be for his children.
Coach Ruben
Background: Coach Ruben was born in the Netherlands. He is pursuing a degree in Accounting at Houston Community College.
Fun Fact: Ruben has lived in 6 countries and has met Nelson Mandela! How cool is that?
2023 Resolution: Ruben’s 2023 goal is to start saving to buy a house, and to transfer to UH.
Coach Uly
Background: Coach Uly is originally from San Diego and moved to Texas at a young age. He is currently at San Jacinto Community College pursuing a degree in history.
Fun Fact: Uly plays electric and bass guitar but has a hard time choosing which he likes better. What is your favorite song to play, Uly?
2023 Resolution: Uly’s goal for 2023 is to achieve his fitness goals and maintain his target weight.
Coach Jordan
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 collects 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!
2023 Resolution: Jordan is determined to use his knowledge of childcare to help Soccer Shots provide a great experience.
Coach Jonathan
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.
2023 Resolution: Jonathan hopes to buy a house for his family this year. He also wants to grow into a positive role model for the kiddos!
Coach Xavier
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.
2023 Resolution: Xavier is looking to re-enroll in college to get his degree in nursing to further his goal of helping people.
Coach Bashir
Background: Coach Bashir is originally from Kenya. He is currently enrolled as dual major for Chemistry and Computer science at Texas Southern University.
Fun Fact: Bashir is into strength conditioning and can do 10 one armed push ups!
2023 Resolution: Bashir wants to build his connections in the hopes of becoming a technical director for a European club.
Coach Cole
Background: Coach Cole is originally from Chelsea, Oklahoma. He graduated with his BFA in acting and is actively pursuing a career in theater.
Fun Fact: Cole has only been to 7 states and has never left the country! He is looking to change that very soon!
2023 Resolution: Cole is starting to save money to one day own a farm in Ireland!
Coach Omeed
Background: Coach Omeed is originally from Iran and moved to the US before high school. He is studying at the University of Houston and is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Construction Management.
Fun Fact: Omeed also coaches for the dynamo academy and plays semi-professionally!
2023 Resolution: Omeed hopes to plant seeds that will lead to him coach professionally one day.
Coach Austin
Background: Coach Austin is originally from Phoenix, Arizona. He is currently attending Houston Community College and is pursuing his associates in business management.
Fun Fact: Austin used to be a paratrooper and has jumped out of 20 planes during his time in the army.
2023 Resolution: Austin is hoping to maintain his 4.0 GPA this fall semester. Keep up the good work!
Employment Opportunities
If you have a passion for positively impacting children through youth sports, we’d love to talk to you.