Coaches
Our coaching staff is a powerhouse of playing experience, professional knowledge, and community roots, dedicated to continuous learning and innovation.
At JOGA Bonito, we’ve established ongoing Community of Practice coach development meetings that help us refine our teaching methods and grow 1% better every day in our ability to serve and develop players.
We don’t train followers—we shape thinkers. Our approach is centered on thoughtful, intentional training sessions, each one carefully designed to meet the specific developmental needs of our players and teams. Every session is a response—not a copy.
Rather than borrowing drills or frameworks built for college or pro athletes in vastly different environments, we tailor our curriculum to the Central Coast—where the culture, access, and athlete profile demand a uniquely responsive model. Teaching effectively starts with listening: to the players, to the community, and to the patterns we see on and off the field.
Our coaching philosophy is rooted in reflection, adaptability, and deep understanding. We continuously evaluate session design and player progression—not just to track improvement, but to make meaning of it. The goal is to help athletes successfully navigate healthy adaptation curves across physical, tactical, emotional, and cognitive domains.
By fostering creativity, resilience, and ownership in a nutrient-rich learning environment, we’re not just building better soccer players. We’re preparing young people to lead, to think independently, and to meet challenges with confidence—in the game and in life.
Omar Rodriguez
Founder & President
A visionary leader with experience coaching alongside elite international clubs and athletes. Former co-founder of Mamba FC, Omar channels Kobe Bryant’s mindset of excellence into every JOGA session.
Louellen Ferreira
National Champion. Former USWNT player. Fitness and nutrition pro. Louellen brings holistic athlete development to life, both as a coach and culture builder.
Sarah Keadle
Canadian National Team alum and Wake Forest standout. Sarah brings high-level insight to our girls' teams and builds confidence through expert mentorship.
Matt Hickman
A proven leader in youth soccer with deep coaching roots, Matt creates development-driven team environments that challenge and support.
Zak Sherlund
San Luis native and collegiate standout. Zak focuses on tactical growth and mindset training, helping players build composure and field vision.
Alvaro Casillas
Our Goleiros Trainer. Specializes in goalkeeper development with an emphasis on leadership, positioning, and quick-read decision making.
Jodi Tyler
UCI soccer alum and current JOGA coach/parent. Jodi’s return to coaching is powered by passion and purpose. She brings empathy and precision to every session.
Kyle Vitale
With over 15 years in K-12 education as both a teacher and technology director, Kyle has significant experience in data analysis and performance evaluation.
Joshua Ascencio
A former goalkeeper, Josh specializes in defensive training and takes pride in teaching players the importance of communication, positioning, and resilience.