
About
Background:
I have been playing soccer my entire life, and graduated from Biola University where I played for the Men's Soccer Team on Scholarship. I started coaching private soccer lessons in 2021 because I'm extremely passionate about soccer, and I have a lot of useful knowledge that even my best coaches didn't teach me over the years, which I want to pass on. I coached a Chelsea OC girls team in 2024, and I also coached children aged 7-16 for 1 year in San Francisco for SF Glens FC when I attended Academy of Art University and played for their soccer team on scholarship.
Coaching Style
I focus on whatever my players wish to improve on, or whichever skills they need to improve on. I have been analyzing this game for 25 years, and am able to provide an experts eye for what players need to improve on. I try to make all my sessions fun. I am also very involved in each practice, because I know that playing with/against an experienced player improves our skills exponentially more than a passive coach giving instructions. It also allows athletes who are better visual and kinetic learners to understand through watching me and playing with me.
Accomplishments:
Biola University 2018
• NCCAA All-American second team selection
• Named to the All-PacWest second team
• Named PacWest Defender of the Week on Oct. 2
• Appeared in 17 matches, starting 16 times
• Scored four goals, including three game-winners
- Biola's 4th Leading scorer my last year 2017 while playing as a Center Back. Scored 4 Goals, and 1 Assist.
- Team voted MVP for Biola Men's Soccer Team my last year in 2017.
• Played 1,562 minutes as the Eagles' leading centreback
Biola University 2015-2016
• Earned All-Conference 1st Team honors in 2016 at Biola
• Led the team with 1,581 total minutes
• Played in all 17 of the Eagles' matches, earning starts in all 17
• Scored two goals, including the game-winner against Hope International
• Had three assists to push his point total to seven (fourth on the team)
ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY
• Player one season for the knights, logging the most minutes played among his freshman class
• Appeared in 18 matches
Fullerton Union High School
• Two-time Freeway League Best Defensive Player
• Prepped four varsity seasons at Fullerton Union HS, graduating in 2014
• Named to All-CIF first team in 2014
• Also ran track at Fullerton Union, medaling All-League in the 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay, 400m, and High Jump
Premier Club Accomplishments:
- West Coast FC, 2013 U18 National Champions Overland Park
- West Coast FC, 2014 U18 National Championship 3rd Place
I am very passionate about watching my athletes improve. It's incredibly rewarding when they start seeing the differences in their game play at practice and in the games. It's especially meaningful to watch their confidence increase as they build up the skills they felt needed the most work. I also love to challenge my athletes by providing a very high level opponent for whatever skill level they're at. Its a very fun and rewarding experience to be a part of.
Specialties
Athlete's age
Years experience
Position
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I ask each athlete what skills they wish to improve on, and I create a session dedicated towards improving those skills. After the first lesson, I will have a good grasp of what each athlete need to improve on from my perspective. I will providing feedback and tips throughout each practice, and creating a dialogue to get feedback from my students. I want there to be a dialogue, because I want my students to ask me every question they have instead of me giving instructions the entire time.
I also like to establish goals with new students. Aside from skills they wish to improve on, if students are open to it, I like to make specific goals which can be accomplished. An example might be: the ability to send a long ball with your opposite foot. These specific goals are easy to keep track of, and see progress, whereas a broad goal like "Dribbling" or "Shooting" might be harder to see progress in.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
1. I coached children ages 7-16 in San Francisco for SF Glens FC for 1 year.
2. I have been coaching private lessons for ages ranging from 7-24, for a few months now, and you can find my other profile on CoachUp: https://www.coachup.com/coaches/samuelm-19
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Single Athlete
1. Single Session for 1 Hour: $70
2. Four Sessions for 1 Hour Each: $260 ($65/Session)
Two Athletes:
1. Two-Athlete Session for 1 Hour: $90
Team Session:
1. 60 Minute Session for up to 4 Athletes: $120
How did you get started teaching?
I started in San Fransisco with SF Glens FC as a job to do while I played for and went to college at Academy of Art University.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with athletes of all ages 4-40 and of all skill levels.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I just watched the EUFA Euro 2020. I love watching soccer tournaments with a lot on the line, especially International games.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
You are usually going to pay a premium for professional soccer players. I was offered to play semi-professional right out of college 2018. I was simultaneously speaking with professional coaches who said I would go pro the same month I tore my ACL after my last season of college soccer. I recovered, and still have all the knowledge of a professional soccer coach, having been trained by many ex-professionals. I even have many tips and analysis that I never heard any of my coaches mention, which I learned simply through playing the game. If you want someone who can coach any age, any skill level, and provide professional level coaching and analysis, look no further than my comparitively cheap prices.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I would ask what sort of involvement the coach is going to have with your lessons. Many coaches are passive coaches, which significantly limits how well a player can improve. Whereas with me, you will have a coach who is actively invovled in each session, and pushing each athelete to their potential.
I would also ask why a coach considers themselves to be a good and worthwhile investment. I have seen immediate and significant improvement with every single person I've coached, because I am actively involved in challenging people to be their best while providing them with a professional level opponent who will guage their needs.