Meet Your DOC & Coaches

At a glance

Played	Sebastopol United (currently WESCO Select/Comp) and Santa Rosa United
Favorite position	Striker #9
Favorite player	Messi
Favorite club	Barcelona
Coaching influence	El Molino High School coach Tomas Acuna

When did you get into coaching?

I started coaching when my son was 4 and he’s 21 now. 16 years with WESCO and 2 years as the Analy Varsity Girls Coach.

Your daughter stayed at WESCO, and could have easily joined a bigger club. Several of your other players could easily have joined ECNL teams, but they stayed with the 2009 team at WESCO. Why stay?

Lexie stayed with WESCO for a couple reasons: she really liked how her team bonded and supported each other, she plays multiple sports and some bigger clubs seem to restrict this, and she felt our team could compete and beat the bigger clubs.

Can you speak about the importance of connecting with older and younger teams and players within the club?

Player turnover is definitely something to be concerned with. We have been lucky; since Christine and I took over we have only lost one player to another club. The reason was the family moved to Santa Rosa. Again I think a big part of this is the girls really support each other and will do whatever is needed to help the team. We’ve been able to stay competitive in large part due to a core group sticking together.

A big part of us staying competitive is also playing up and challenging the players to play against the best competition. People you play in the competition you’re playing against, and this team always seems to rise to meet the levels needed to be successful.

In retrospect, what element of the game would your time and practice focus on, if you started over again at the youngest Select team ages?

Looking back I see that our team made great strides when the club moved the focus to rondo and small-sided games. Playing in tight spaces has improved first touch passing, vision, pretty much all aspects of the game.

At a glance

Played	Sebastopol United (currently WESCO Select/Comp), Analy High School, Santa Rosa JC, University of South Carolina, Spartanburg
Favorite position	Outside Mid

How did you get into coaching?

I started coaching at WESCO when my kids started playing soccer.

Your daughter stayed at WESCO and could have easily joined a bigger club. Several of your other players could easily have joined ECNL teams, but they stayed with the 2009 team at WESCO. Why stay?

Many players have multiple interests, play other sports, are involved in community clubs, etc. They are still able to play competitive soccer at WESCO and develop their skills. WESCO offers other training opportunities outside of standard practice (e.g. Soccer Saturdays, Finishing Fridays, encouragement of practicing with other teams, etc.), so they were able to still put in the time outside of just practicing with the team if they wanted more trainings. I think another reason players stayed was because of the positive and encouraging team environment.

Can you speak about the importance of connecting with older and younger teams and players within the club?

Club mentality. It’s a great opportunity for younger players to train with older players. They can sharpen their ball skills and soccer IQ working with older and more experienced players. It allows the opportunity to train under a new coach and challenge them in ways that they may not be getting with their team. More exposure and opportunity to improve.

Player turnover is a real thing as your team ages, but you have always kept this team competing. How and why?

We have a great group of girls who really enjoy playing soccer. All the girls are very positive, encouraging and inviting with new or younger players. They continually challenge each other to play better.

The 2009 girls have played up age groups for over 4 years and have climbed from bronze league to the top league at U19. How did this come about, and how have you sustained it?

We were at a point where we kept playing the same teams in league, and as a team the girls decided they were ready to step it up and play a higher level of competition. Premier was a big step, but the girls always showed grit on the field and found ways to compete and, most importantly, improve. They learned the importance of discipline when defending and how to be creative offensively and create scoring opportunities. We’re still playing at the Premier level, and within the last year we’ve had the opportunity to develop and utilize younger players in our games.

What parts of this game do you believe are essential for positive young player development?

Becoming confident with the ball at their feet. Positivity and encouragement to try new moves, especially in practices. Doing drills that include each player always having a ball at their feet.

How important is the individual technical aspect of young player development?

You want your players to feel comfortable dribbling with the ball. As their game progresses, getting their head up and distributing if the option is available.

In retrospect, what element of the game would your time and practice focus on, if you started over again at the youngest Select team ages?

On-the-ball work and small space possession. Keeps players moving, comfortable with the ball at their feet, and sharpens their skills and decision-making.

At a glance

Played	Sebastopol United (currently WESCO Select/Comp), Analy High School, Santa Rosa JC, University of South Carolina, Spartanburg
Favorite position	Defense

How did you get into coaching?

I started coaching at WESCO when my kids started playing soccer.

What parts of this game do you believe are essential for positive young player development?

Becoming confident with the ball at their feet. Positivity and encouragement to try new moves, especially in practices.

How important is the individual technical aspect of young player development?

It is important that young players learn to feel comfortable with the ball at their feet. Learning this foundation is critical for team development.

In retrospect, what would you do differently for your team or kids in the younger soccer years?

I would focus more on individual ball skills.

Would you encourage coaches to explore cooperative training and having kids of different ages get to know their WESCO club mates?

Yes. I think the younger players love when they get to do combined training or have the older teams help with practice/drills. As they develop their skills and get closer to high school age, it’s important for them, if ready, to cross-train and challenge themselves to practice with older teams. Giving the players the opportunity within the WESCO community to guest play with older age groups helps develop their play and confidence.

At a glance

Played	Ebbetts Pass Youth Soccer League; Bret Harte High School
Position	Midfielder
Coaching at WESCO	Rec since 2021, competitive since 2023

Did you play soccer growing up?

I started playing soccer at age 5 and have never stopped. I grew up in the Sierra foothills and played club soccer with the Ebbetts Pass Youth Soccer League, and later I also played for Bret Harte High School. Since then I have continued to play soccer wherever I have lived in intramural and other adult leagues, and in pick-up groups. Most of my playing time has been as a midfielder.

How did you get into coaching?

I started coaching for the Rec side of WESCO in 2021 when I signed my daughter up for her first team, and have continued coaching every year since, joining the competitive side of WESCO in 2023. Soccer has been a lifelong source of fitness and fun for me and I truly enjoy sharing it with the next generation. I have seen firsthand the transformative power youth sports has to positively affect children both physically and mentally. With the mounting pressures on our children inherent in the digital age (constant connectivity, social media, etc.) I believe it is critical to get them involved in non-screen-based activities. Soccer provides an outlet for learning how to appropriately manage feelings of aggression, and the joy, social interactions, confidence building, physical fitness, and learned humility that come from playing a team sport are critical antidotes to the disconnected and insular echo chambers that kids often find online.

What parts of this game do you believe are essential for positive young player development?

I think the most essential thing for positive young player development is joy. At the end of the day, we play soccer because it is fun.

How important is the individual technical aspect of young player development?

I believe that technical training is the foundation of player development. Being comfortable with the ball is the basis for success in soccer. Until a player has a mastery of ball touch and body awareness, they won’t be able to look up and see the field and the game as a whole, and will be stuck looking down at their feet. Without a good first touch and the ability to control the ball, there is no possession at all, and tactics are only useful if a player and team can effectively possess the ball.

In retrospect, what would you do differently for your team or kids in the younger soccer years?

I would do more technical ball work. Young kids should spend as much time as possible with a ball at their feet, and not so much time standing in line or listening to the coach talk.

Would you encourage coaches to explore cooperative training and having kids of different ages get to know their WESCO club mates?

Yes! I have found that getting different teams together and combining kids from different age groups fosters a spirit of inclusion and also a feeling of belonging. It is great for older kids to be able to act as mentors and examples to younger kids, and it is equally rewarding for younger kids to have older kids to look up to for inspiration. As players from different teams within the same club are able to play and train together, they form bonds that naturally enable them to better support, encourage and challenge each other as they develop as players and as people.

At a glance

Played	Shasta Blitz (Miami, Florida); University of Miami, 1998–2001
Favorite positions	Striker and left midfield
Influences	Club coach Cary De la Rosa and trainer Tony Stevens

Did you play soccer growing up?

Yes, I started playing soccer when I was 6 years old. I was actually the only girl on my team during my first year.

Where and when did you play?

I grew up in Miami, Florida, and played for a small club called the Shasta Blitz. In college, I played at the University of Miami from 1998–2001. Go Canes!

What were your favorite positions, and who were your biggest influences?

I loved playing striker and left midfield. My biggest influences growing up were my club coach, Cary De la Rosa, and a trainer named Tony Stevens. I attribute most of my development and success as a young player to their guidance and support.

How did you get into coaching?

I got into coaching when my daughters expressed an interest in playing. There was a need for help with my youngest daughter’s team, so I took the opportunity. As a former player and a youth mentor in the homeschooling community, I felt ready to give it a try despite not having prior coaching experience.

What parts of the game do you believe are essential for positive young player development?

A strong focus on footwork is essential, along with creating a fun, playful practice environment.

In retrospect, what would you do differently for your team or kids in their younger soccer years?

I would place an even heavier emphasis on footwork and ball control, spending plenty of time on juggling and fundamental touch drills.

Would you encourage coaches to explore cooperative training and having kids of different ages get to know their club mates?

Yes, 100%. It does so much for players to train alongside other teams in the club. It gives them the opportunity to learn from older players and, in turn, mentor the younger ones.

At a glance

Played	Atlético Santa Rosa; Querétaro FC academy (Mexico); Analy High School varsity
Favorite position	Winger
Favorite players	Ronaldinho, Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Neymar, Mbappé, Özil, Marcelo
Favorite clubs	Club América, Real Madrid, Manchester United
Coaching influences	Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola, Diego Simeone, Mikel Arteta

Did you play soccer growing up?

Yes, and I’m still actively playing. I played youth soccer in Sonoma County and also spent some time playing in Mexico.

Where did you play, and who were your favorite players and biggest influences?

I played for Atlético Santa Rosa and in local community leagues. I also spent time in Mexico with the academy of first-division club Querétaro FC and played a little overseas in Germany, Denmark, and Iceland. I attended Analy High School and played varsity from my freshman year. My favorite position is winger, and some of my favorite players are Ronaldinho, Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Neymar, Mbappé, Özil, and Marcelo. My favorite clubs are Club América, Real Madrid, and Manchester United. My biggest coaching influences are Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola, Diego Simeone, and Mikel Arteta.

How did you get into coaching?

I got into coaching five years ago because I wanted to help develop the future players in our community. I reached out to Brian, asked if the club needed a hand, and that’s how I started my coaching journey.

What parts of the game do you believe are essential for positive young player development?

I believe the most important parts are having fun, building confidence, learning teamwork, developing skills, and giving players the freedom to be creative and make mistakes.

How important is the individual technical aspect of young player development?

It’s extremely important. Young players need a strong technical foundation so they can feel confident on the ball, be creative, and make better decisions as the game gets faster.

In retrospect, what would you do differently for your team or kids in their younger soccer years?

I would focus even more on individual skills, confidence, and creativity, while giving them more freedom to make mistakes and learn without putting too much pressure on results.

Would you encourage coaches to explore cooperative training and having kids of different ages get to know their club mates?

Yes, definitely. Cooperative training helps players learn from different age groups, build stronger relationships, and feel more connected to the WESCO community as a whole.

At a glance

Played (youth & college)	Sebastopol United; CYSA State Youth Teams; Analy High School varsity; Santa Rosa JC; Glendale College (LA); Sonoma State
Played (pro & semi-pro)	North Bay Breakers; Hawaii Tsunami (USISL); SF Greeks (US Open Cup winners)
Coaching	Ziemer (Z) Soccer staff coach, 10 years; youth coach at Sebastopol United, Santa Rosa United and Rohnert Park Express; Analy High School head coach, 12 years (girls) and 2 years (boys); WESCO Select boys’ and girls’ teams
Favorite position	Center mid (6, 8, 10)
Favorite players	Zizou, Dennis Bergkamp, Marco van Basten, Kevin De Bruyne
Favorite clubs	Ajax, Barcelona, whichever team is playing the most attractive football in the EPL (Man City today)
Influences	Ajax and KNVB, as a player and as a coach

What was it that attracted you to this game?

First it was the ball, then my peers, lifestyle and culture of the beautiful game.

How much soccer did you play growing up — pickup, with friends, with older kids?

I was on the first competitive/travel team in West Sonoma County, we played four to five times a week, probably nine months a year, many days were pick up games at the park with friends.

What kind of facilities and fields did you have access to?

I grew up playing on bumpy grass fields across Northern California, we played in the rain and mud. Most fields were converted baseball or American football fields at schools or parks.

Where did you play — school playgrounds, the street, courts?

We played futsal in school gyms and lighted tennis courts for night sessions.

When and how did you get into coaching club and school soccer?

Marcus Ziemer started Ziemer Brothers Camps when I was in high school, so we helped him run camps in the summer which eventually led to coaching club teams.

Your two daughters played at WESCO. With the allure of neighboring clubs and teams, they stayed with their teams at WESCO. Why stay?

We didn’t want to travel or pay the high fees other clubs were charging, they wanted to play with their friends in their community. The competitions they played in ended up being as fulfilling as any other higher division teams/clubs could have offered and they still love and play the game as adults.

Can you speak about the importance of connecting with older and younger teams and players within the club?

Players that are awarded the options to step outside their team environment and join other team or club sessions grow, learn and develop in ways a single team environment can’t provide. It also gives a sense of club identity to the players, coaches and parents when they collaborate.

What are your thoughts on the ‘vertical club’ model as a strategy for individual player development?

Options for players to play up or down can provide a testing ground for players, a challenge or a confidence building environment. When the whole club embraces a vertical model, the players benefit.

Furthermore, soccer has exploded across the US in the last 15 years. Every year, there is a new younger generation of ‘soccer families’. With parents who grew up playing the game, now with their own youngsters whose lives have been on a ball since they could walk.

We have been challenged to meet them with a better on-field product. A vertical approach enables us to provide more latitude and opportunities for talent development. While it is challenging, it’s also really exciting to think about the future of the game in the US and how we can play our part.

How important is the individual technical aspect of young player development?

The technical aspect is the most important, takes the longest to develop yet is the most attainable, any player and a ball can work on technique without a coach or team for as long as they want.

At what age should ‘all on the ball’ training begin?

The player ‘All Ball relationship’ should begin as early as possible. Players looking to compete in the upper levels of play, should have a good solid relationship with fundamental skills in place around the age of 10.

What are your thoughts on the Rec program as a launching pad for future competitive players?

Recreation soccer is a very important platform in youth soccer. The fact is, across the US, most players start ‘organized’ soccer in a Rec league. And if or when kids / families in the Rec league decide they want to experience more soccer, they have an opportunity to attend Select/Comp tryouts and be considered for a team. We encourage the younger players / families if they want more now, to play competitive soccer, because the longer you wait, the tougher the transition will be. Occasionally some older players want to make the switch from Rec to Competitive teams and we will always try to help them with that transition.

In retrospect, what element of the game would your time and practice focus on, if you started over again at the youngest Select team ages?

More emphasis on juggling and building the player/ball relationship. Team tactics can/should only be introduced when players are comfortable moving with a ball. Tactics can be taught as a philosophy as opposed to an implemented structure. I would always encourage players to be more creative.