Book Private Soccer Lessons with Coach Jonathan

As a four-year member of Bowdoin College Men’s Varsity Soccer, I balanced the demands of collegiate athletics and a rigorous academic schedule, dedicating over 20 hours per week to training, competition, and team development. My commitment to excellence earned me NESCAC All-American Academic honors every year from 2020 to 2023 and propelled my team to the NCAA D3 National Championships, where we advanced to the Elite 8.

My youth career included competing with top-tier programs such as Phoenix Rising FC ECNL and SC del Sol, where I contributed to National League and Far West Regional League Semi-Finalist finishes, as well as Arizona Hammers 02 Santa Cruz. These experiences honed my technical skills, strategic understanding, and competitive edge in high-pressure environments.

Off the field, I strengthened team unity and elevated the athletic department’s culture by actively participating in race and gender workshops. This dedication to leadership, coupled with my competitive success and academic achievements, defines my soccer career and sets me apart as both an athlete and a leader.

My coaching focuses on delivering elite technical, strategic, and physical training tailored to the demands of the game. I strive to create increments of change in someone's game that is applicable within a game setting. I believe that fitness and being technically sound will elevate anyone's game no matter the position. The foundation of my training methods are rooted within simple and repeatable drills that focus on first touch, passing ability/range, and strategic awareness. I will enhance someone's game so that they become the most consistent player week in week out.

I do reserve 30 minute blocks to go over players resume, academic goals, and overall questions about the college process especially when it comes to liberal arts schools, and The Ivy League (In-Person/Zoom).

Training session model:

1. 5 minute conversation with player about goals. (always touch on this at the beginning of the session)

2. 8 minute technical warm up/ activation of the body (quick touches/ band work- injury prevention)

3. 20 Technical block- change of direction with ball/ without ball, first touch/ second touch work, close range passing with functional movement.

4. 20 minute Position work with fitness- drills that address the position of the player- longer scale drills with greater passing range, would include large sprints.

5. Cool down- mobility/ talk about the session.

Ernie Santa Cruz was the most influential coach in my soccer journey. For six transformative years, I had the privilege of playing under his leadership as he guided our teams to the highest levels of competition in Phoenix soccer. His unwavering loyalty, dedication, and passion for the game left an indelible mark on me—not only as a player but as a young man striving to grow both on and off the field. Today, Ernie continues to inspire the next generation of players as the Director of Coaching for Arizona Storm FC in the West Valley, carrying forward his legacy of excellence and mentorship.

For parents committed to helping their children pursue collegiate soccer at not only a competitive program but also a top academic institution, I can be an invaluable resource in that journey. I had the privilege of attending Bowdoin College, where I competed against the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, excelling both on the field and academically. With connections to coaches and staff at elite institutions, I bring unique insights into navigating this process. I firmly believe that soccer can be a powerful pathway to earning an exceptional education at a rigorous institution.