Book Private Soccer Lessons with Coach Sam

I began my soccer journey in San Diego, California, playing for AYSO until the age of 14. During that time, I also participated in football, basketball, and baseball. Upon entering high school, I engaged in football, baseball, and soccer, ultimately deciding to focus solely on soccer by my sophomore year. I played for both my high school and Crusaders SC, a smaller club, until I joined Albion SC at 16, where I showcased my skills in a tournament and got scouted by the New York Red Bulls. I moved to New Jersey at 17, played professionally with the Red Bulls, making my debut at 18.

Afterward, I opted to pursue college soccer at UCLA. In my first year, I served as a backup but had a standout performance in a playoff game, helping us reach the round of 16. By my second year, I earned the starting position, and we won the Pac 12, going undefeated in conference play, making it to the playoffs. Now heading into my third season at UCLA, I'm eager for the upcoming challenges and opportunities.

I can help you improve your game, because I personally know what it takes for a goalkeeper to progress into a better goalie. I know what types of trainings and more specifically what drills you will need in order to help you improve overtime. I was a goalkeeper who started at the bottom in terms of goalkeeper ability meaning I know what works and what does not make goalies better because I became better over time through consistent training either with a coach, team, or by myself.

A typical training session with me is characterized by intensity and technical focus. We kick off with a simple goalkeeper warm-up to prepare you physically and mentally. The main session can cover a wide range of points from honing diving techniques to simulating real in-game situations and or incorporating goalkeeper conditioning. The session concludes with a simple feedback discussion, where we analyze your performance, highlight strengths, and identify areas for improvement. My aim is to create a challenging yet constructive environment that fosters continuous growth and development as a goalkeeper.

The best coach I ever had was either Coach Miguel or Coach Joe. Both of these coaches hold a special place in my soccer journey because every training session with them resulted in noticeable improvement. The fundamental belief we shared was that through hard work and trust in their guidance, I could achieve great success in soccer. What set them apart was their consistent motivation to push me to be better, regardless of my current skill level. They had a unique approach – offering high praise for excellent actions and addressing mistakes in a constructive manner. Even when they might have been disappointed, they didn't show it openly; instead, they engaged in discussions about how I could have performed better. Their personalized coaching style resonated with me, fostering an environment where I knew I was progressing every day under their guidance.

Athletes and parents should know that I am dedicated, coachable, and always strive for improvement. I believe that everyone is my peer and that I can always learn from everyone no matter what. My journey has been shaped by training under more than 20 different goalkeeper coaches, including those at the professional 1st team level.

As a coach, I'm not just an instructor but also a fellow athlete who understands the challenges of the game. I take training seriously while also emphasizing the enjoyment of the sport. If you're seeking personalized coaching that combines passion, expertise, and a touch of fun, I'm the right person for the job. From fine-tuning techniques to mastering in-game scenarios, I'm dedicated to helping athletes reach their highest potential.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your game, I'm here to assist you in achieving your soccer dreams. If you're serious about your sport and ready to take the next step, let's work together to make it happen.