MEET THE COACH

German Plaza

santacruzdoc@yahoo.com


Coaching Experience

Current Positions

Director of Coaching, Santa Cruz City Youth Soccer Club
State Olympic Development Program Head Coach
USSF License Instructor

Current Teams

Head Coach of Sharks 00 Blue
Head Coach of Sharks 07 Blue

Past Experience

I have extensive coaching experience in the game of the soccer that ranges from U6 to adult, both male and female, from recreational to competitive teams, middle school, high school, college, amateur, semi-pro and professional teams.

Highlights:

Head Coach of Semi-Professional teams in upstate New York:
Fingerlakes Desperados (men) and Fingerlakes Heartbreakers (women). The Heartbreakers were Northeast Region Finalists

Assistant Coach of Cornell University (Division I) Men’s soccer which achieved the Ivy League title and played in the NCAA playoffs twice.

Soquel High School Head Coach, SCCAL champions, CCS semifinalists

Manager and Assistant Coach of the Peruvian U-23 National Team

Player, coach and manager for Centro Deportivo Municipal, a professional soccer team in Peru.

German Plaza

Coaching Philosophy

 

I firmly believe that coaching is the way that we gradually influence the game of a player.  This is a process that requires time, patience and a lot of interaction with the ball during game-related situations that can be re-created at practice.  As the player develops, the person behind the player is also influenced, building personal qualities that will help them in the future such as time management, dedication, perseverance, courage to take chances, and fortitude to endure adversity.   The critical part of coaching is finding the right balance between developing the player and the person at the same time. This is how I define success in coaching.

I strive to give players tools and life skills that will extend beyond the soccer field, and help create better students, athletes, and individuals, who come out of the season having a fun and positive experience, but also a little more prepared for life on and off the field.

Development is key, creating a competitive environment that is not result-oriented is my goal for all ages and teams. I always aim to guide, not direct, and create a learning environment that promotes self- discovery and creativity, with room for trial and error.