Meet The Coaches

Hailing form El Salvador, Coach Juan moved to Houston when he was two years old. Needless to say, soccer is in his blood. Juan received his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at the University of Houston and is now pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration at Houston Baptist University. Coach Juan began his career at Soccer Shots Houston as an intern and grew quickly, eventually leading the coaching team in his role as Director of Coaching. After five years in Houston, Juan was elevated to serve as the Executive Director of Soccer Shots Phoenix, where he plans to continue impacting children through soccer and leading a new team of coaches. Off the field, Coach Juan can be found traveling the world and seeking new adventurers until his heart’s content.

Coach Karissa joins Soccer Shots Phoenix all the way from Las Vegas, Nevada! She’s currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and plans on continuing to graduate school right after. Coach Karissa started her soccer career ever since she was four years old and played all the way through college. She loves taking child development courses and hopes to become a school psychologist one day. When she is not on Soccer Island, you can find her hiking, reading, or attending concerts!

Coach Elliott grew up in San Francisco, California with his older brother and two cats! He began playing soccer at the early age for the local youth soccer club and has loved the game ever since. Coach Elliott is working on his bachelor’s degree in sports management at Arizona State University and plans to one day become a sports agent. On his spare time Coach Elliott enjoys working out, snowboarding, playing basketball or exploring another part of the world. He hopes to one day visit all seven wonders of the world!

Coach Samantha grew up in California with her older brother and three dogs. Coach Samantha has graduated from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor’s degree in sports management. She has played soccer from a young age and has previous coaching experience with Soccer Shots Henderson! She is a big fan on the U.S. Woman’s national team and hopes to one day work for a professional sports team!

Coach Johny moved is new to Phoenix and joins us all the way from California. Johny received his bachelor’s degree in exercise science at the California State University and plans to attend graduate school soon. Coach Johny has played soccer since he was three years old and played all the way to college level. Off the field, Coach Johny can be found playing basketball, running, working out, or playing video games.

Coach Kylie is originally from West Sacramento, California, but moved to Arizona to pursue a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Grand Canyon University. She hopes to become an early childhood teacher after graduating. Her passion for soccer started at an early age and continued all the way through high school. One of coach Kylie’s biggest passions is weight lifting and loves to go hiking when she isn’t on Soccer Island!

Coach Amaia grew up in Boise, Idaho and moved to Arizona to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Arizona State University. She played soccer for 16 years and continues to play recreationally to this day. After graduating she plans to be foreign corespondent and hopes to one day go skydiving! When she is not on Soccer Island you can fin Coach Amaia reading or writing!

Coach Andrew grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and attended Coconino Community College. He grew up playing soccer in the Northwest Valley where he fell in love with the sport ever since! His favorite soccer team is Phoenix Rising FC and loves to follow other amateur soccer teams all over the nation. When coach Andrew is off Soccer Island you may find him watching soccer, playing with his dog Paisley, or going to local events like first Friday or farmers markets. He hopes to one day visit Europe to watch lower league soccer games!

Coach Rachel wants nothing more than pass on her love of the game to the next generation. Rachel was born and raised in Oregon and has recently transferred to Grand Canyon University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. When not playing soccer, Rachel is either playing pickleball or playing spike ball. She hopes to go one day skydiving!

Coach Andrew was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington! His passion for soccer started from a young age and played all the way through college. He was state champions with his high school team and four times with his club team. He recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Grand Canyon University and hopes to one day work in NBA, MLS, or NFL. Coach Andrew is super excited about sharing his passion for the sport to the future generation!