Book Private Strength-and-speed Lessons with Coach Dwaine

I have a distinguished background in competitive soccer, marked by impressive accomplishments at both the club and high school levels. During my high school years, I played for Santa Clara Sporting Club, where I contributed to the team’s success by winning the prestigious Dallas Cup, becoming Far West Regional Finalists, capturing the Surf Cup title, and reaching the semifinals at Nationals. At Saint Francis High School, my performance as a goalkeeper earned me the Goalkeeper of the Year award for two consecutive years. I continued my soccer journey at the collegiate level, playing for San Jose State University for two years. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the dedication, discipline, and strategies required to excel at the highest levels of competition, fueling my passion for helping other athletes achieve their goals.

I help athletes improve their game through a holistic approach that focuses on their physical performance, mental resilience, and overall development. My process begins with creating personalized training plans tailored to their specific goals, whether it's building strength, enhancing agility, increasing endurance, or refining technical skills. These programs are scientifically designed and customized to align with their sport and position. I also emphasize the importance of proper nutrition by providing guidance on meal planning and recovery strategies, ensuring they have the energy and nutrients needed to perform at their best. Additionally, I focus on mental training, helping athletes develop confidence, focus, and resilience to manage pressure and stay motivated. Recovery is another key aspect of my approach, as I guide athletes in implementing effective strategies like stretching, mobility work, and adequate rest to prevent injuries and maintain consistent performance. By tracking progress and offering constructive feedback, I ensure continuous improvement and make necessary adjustments to their training. My comprehensive methods equip athletes with the strength, skills, and mindset needed to unlock their full potential and excel in their sport.

A typical training session with me is designed to be structured, engaging, and goal-oriented, focusing on the athlete’s specific needs and sport. Each session is carefully planned to ensure optimal performance and measurable progress. Here’s what it usually looks like:

Warm-Up and Mobility: We start with a dynamic warm-up to activate muscles, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of injury. This may include dynamic stretches, movement drills, and light cardio to prepare the body for the workout.

Strength and Power Training: Depending on the athlete’s goals, this portion focuses on building strength, improving explosive power, or enhancing functional movement. Exercises may include weightlifting, plyometrics, or bodyweight movements, tailored to their sport and position.

Sport-Specific Drills: We incorporate drills that mimic in-game scenarios to improve technical skills, agility, speed, and reaction time. This ensures that the training directly translates to improved performance in their sport.

Conditioning: Cardiovascular endurance and energy system development are essential for athletic success. This segment may include high-intensity interval training (HIIT), sprints, or sport-specific conditioning exercises.

Core and Stability Work: Core strength is key for balance, stability, and overall performance. We dedicate time to exercises that enhance core activation and stability, which are critical for injury prevention and power generation.

Cool-Down and Recovery: The session ends with a cool-down phase that includes static stretching, mobility exercises, and breathing techniques to aid recovery and prevent soreness.

Each session is personalized, ensuring that athletes leave feeling challenged yet motivated, with clear progress toward their performance goals. By combining science-backed methods with a supportive environment, I aim to maximize every athlete's potential.

The best coach I ever had was John Acevedo, my Santa Clara Sporting Club coach. Coach Acevedo stood out because of his relentless commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire greatness. He was incredibly tough on us, holding us to the highest standards both on and off the field. While his approach was demanding and often required us to push beyond our comfort zones, it was through his guidance that I truly learned the difference between being good and being great. He instilled in us the importance of discipline, consistency, and hard work, teaching us that success was earned through effort and perseverance.

Coach Acevedo's leadership extended beyond tactical soccer skills. He emphasized the mental and emotional aspects of the game, teaching us how to handle pressure, recover from setbacks, and maintain a competitive edge. His feedback was direct and constructive, forcing us to confront our weaknesses and improve in areas we never thought possible. Under his guidance, our team achieved significant milestones, including winning the Dallas Cup and reaching the semifinals at Nationals, accomplishments that were a testament to his coaching philosophy.

What set Coach Acevedo apart was his ability to see potential in every player and his determination to help us reach it. His lessons went beyond the field, shaping my character and work ethic in ways that have influenced my personal and professional life. To this day, I carry the values he taught me—resilience, commitment, and the pursuit of excellence—in everything I do. Coach Acevedo was not just a coach; he was a mentor who showed me what it means to strive for greatness.

Athletes and parents should know that I am deeply passionate about helping athletes unlock their full potential through tailored training programs and personalized guidance. With a background as a competitive athlete myself—playing soccer at the highest levels in high school and college—I understand the dedication, discipline, and resilience required to succeed in sports. My experiences as a player and coach have equipped me with the knowledge and empathy to connect with athletes and help them navigate their unique journeys.

I believe in a holistic approach to athletic development, focusing not just on physical performance but also on mental toughness, recovery, and overall well-being. As a coach, I am committed to fostering an environment that challenges athletes to push beyond their limits while supporting them with the tools and strategies they need to excel. My goal is to help athletes become not only better competitors but also confident, well-rounded individuals who can thrive in any aspect of life. Parents can trust that I prioritize the safety, health, and development of their athletes, and I am dedicated to guiding them toward success in a way that is both sustainable and impactful.