OUR COACHES
The Sonoma Valley United competitive soccer program offers teams for every age group, from U8 through U19. Competitive soccer is for those who are interested in increasing their level of play through furthering the development of skills and knowledge at a higher level of play.
These teams are led by highly qualified coaches that train players with a focus on skill development in the early years, and tactical abilities in the later years. While winning is our coaches’ game objective, ensuring player improvement is the primary focus.
OUR COMPETITIVE STAFF & COACHES
Irving Ventura | Director of Coaching
Licenses: USSF C License, USSF D License, United Soccer Coaches Pre National, Football Periodization Course Raymond Verheijen
Years Coaching: 5 years
College Playing Experience: UC Irvine & University of San Francisco
Professional Experience: San Jose Earthquakes & FC Arizona
Alma Mater: University of San Francisco
One Thing About Coaching that is Important to Me: Create a fun learning environment for youth to develop
GIRLS COACHES
Nick Bell | U13 (2009) Girls Coach
Licenses: NorCal level 1
Years Coaching: Comp - 4 years, Rec - 2 years
Years Playing: 20+ years
Levels Played: Competitive
Alma Mater(s): CSU Monterey Bay
One Thing About Coaching that is Important to Me: Building the person above building the player. Making each kid a better person overall.
Kristen Schantz | U12 (2011) Girls Coach
Licenses: D (2000) Grassroots (2020)
Years Coaching: 9 years - 2001 High School Varsity (Head Coach), Ursuline High School, Santa Rosa, 2002-2004 U18 Arnhem, Netherlands (Assistant) and 2016 U6 Girls/2017 U8 Girls/2018 U8 Girls/2019 U8 Boys/2011 Girls Competitive (Sonoma)
Years Playing: 14 years -1992-1995 High School/1996-1999 Division 1 College Soccer/2000-2002 Women's Club Soccer/2002-2004 Womens Semi Pro (internationally)
Levels Played: High School 4 years/ Division 1 College 4 years/Womens Club Soccer, Sonoma County 2 years/Womens Semi Pro International, Netherlands
Alma Mater(s): Fresno State University
One Thing About Coaching that is Important to Me: I believe in coaching players to play with their hearts as well as their feet.
Taryn Lohr | U9 (2014/15) Girls Coach
Licenses: Grassroots (2022)
Years Coaching: 7 years (Rec)
Years Playing: 10 years (Youth Rec) and 1 year (San Diego Women's League)
Levels Played: Competitive and Rec
Alma Mater(s): San Diego State and The Art Institute of CA
One Thing About Coaching that is Important to Me: To ensure players have an understanding of skills, teamwork, and camaraderie all while having FUN!
BOYS COACHES
Tim Brophy | U18 (2005) Boys Coach
Licenses: USSF E
Years Coaching: 8 years of recreational from U6-U10 Boys and girls, 6 years competitive boys U9-U15 (bronze to gold)
Years Playing: 2 years
Levels Played: Youth
Alma Mater(s): San Jose State University
One Thing About Coaching that is Important to Me: Growing up playing American football and basketball my coaching style is focused on teamwork. There is a famous soccer quote that I usually tell my teams at some point in the season that states, “if you play for the name on the front of the jersey, then everyone will remember the name on the back.” It is an amazing feeling when you see young players come to that realization on their own through play. It is a work ethic that they can take with them for the rest of their life.
Seamus Canning | U16 (2006) Boys Coach
Licenses: Level 1
Years Coaching: 7 soccer, 12 Gaelic
Years Playing: 10 years Gaelic
Levels Played: Club
One Thing About Coaching that is Important to Me: Discipline
Aaron Tudisco | U13 (2010) Boys Coach
Licenses: N/A
Years Coaching: 3 Years Rec, 3 Years Comp
Years Playing: 10 Years grade school and High School; 4 years College
Levels Played: High School: Varsity
Alma Mater(s): University of San Diego
One Thing About Coaching that is Important to Me: Being competitive while having fun!
Joel Green | U12 (2011) Boys Coach
Licenses: Grassroots
Years Coaching: 6 (Rec: U6-3 years, U8-2 years and Comp: U9-1 year, U10-1 year)
Years Playing: 13+ years
Levels Played: Rec: 4 years, Comp: 6 years and Varsity High School: 2 years
Alma Mater(s): Montgomery High and UC Davis
One Thing About Coaching that is Important to Me: Making sure that the kids have fun while improving their skills and their teamwork.
Scott Shapiro | U11 (2012) Boys Coach
Licenses: Grassroots
Years Coaching: 5 years (Competitive, Rec & Futsal)
Years Playing: 15 years
Levels Played: High School & Club
Alma Mater(s): Cardinal Newman HS & Boston College
One Thing About Coaching that is Important to Me: My goal for the kids is to continue to learn both skills & teamwork while furthering their passion for the game.
