Carmen Esnal

Why I do what I do?

My purpose and philosophy about goalkeeping is to provide innovating training that will assist goalkeepers of all ages and levels develop through the main four components of goalkeeping; technical, tactical, physical and psychological. Nevertheless, to provide them with opportunities, resources and guidance that will help them through their journey and as the game continues to evolve.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Physical Education - 2013

Master of Business and Administration - 2015

Playing History

Alhambra High School 2003-2007

South Mountain Community College 2008-2010

Grand Canyon University 2010-2012

Coaching History

Arizona Soccer Association

• Youth Club Soccer 2011-Present

• Olympic Development Program 2018-Present

High School Soccer

• Millennium High School 2017-Present

• Westview High School 2011-2016

College Soccer

• Phoenix College 2018-Present

• Glendale Community College 2014-2017

Administrative Roles

Founder and Director of AZGK Performance 2016-Present

Executive Director of Coaching 

• West Valley Soccer Club 2018-Present

• Club Tigres 2013-2017

My purpose as a coach is to provide training and knowledge to enhance each goalkeeper’s skill and mentality that it takes to be successful as a goalkeeper. In addition  to providing training, a major asset is to provide opportunities for growth to as many young keepers as possible.

Playing History 

Washington High School 2010-1014

Glendale Community College 2014-2015, 2016-2017

FC Arizona 2018-Present

Coaching History 

Washington High School 2016-Present 

Glendale Community College 2018-Present

Birthplace: Guadalajara, Jalisco Mex.

Education: Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration.

Mission statement: To develop individuals ranging from all backgrounds and skill levels reach full potential in goalkeeping performance.

Playing  History

Tempe High School 2003-2007 

South Mountain CC 2007-2009 

Lindenwood University 2009-2011

Coaching Background

Personalized coaching 2010-2016

AZ heat 2016-2017

AZGK performance 2018- present

Honorable Mentions

2nd team all-American USCCA player of the week

Coach John was born in San Diego, CA, but raised here in Phoenix, Arizona.  At the age of 10 he was introduced to soccer through AYSO.  Soccer was relatively new in the valley.  He would continue to play in AYSO leagues until 8th grade where he joined his first club team.  

Soccer was just being recognized as an official sport in 1983, and as a member of the Greenway High School Demons in the Skyline Division he helped the sport grow at the school.  By graduating in 1985 Greenway High School had a successful program and won the Skyline Division two times. Coach John’s team would lose the state final to Tucson South Point, but soccer was growing.

Coach John had a successful club experience spending summers on the Arizona State Select Team.  The team would travel to New Mexico and Idaho, to play in regional tournaments.

The fall of 1985 would take Coach John to southern California where he would be the starting goalkeeper all four years at the University of La Verne a Division III school in the NCAA.  His Junior year would be his most memorable, as he lead the team to a NCAA playoff berth, by defeating Claremont College in penalty kicks.  The team did not advance past the first round, but the experience embedded a love of the game forever.

Returning home in 1989, Coach John continued to play the game and started coaching various teams.

In  1993,  Coach John entered the Phoenix Regional Police Academy and began his life long career in law enforcement with the City of Glendale.  During his years in public safety, Coach John stayed in touch with the game when he could.   Patrol duties and then detective duties prevented him from coaching on a full time basis.  After  being promoted to the rank of Sergeant additional time became available.  He began to play goalkeeper again on a regular basis with the adult leagues around town.  

With the birth of his son, who somehow shared the same love for the game of Soccer and Goalkeeping, Coach John came back to the sport full time.  He has been an assistant coach with the Strikers, AYSO Far-West Challenge, and now with the West Valley Soccer Club.  

Coach John has been assisting with training Goalkeepers for the Clubs for  3  years  now.  He is currently working on his Class D license with US Soccer.  During the past year and a half, Coach John has been working with Coach Carmen, and is committed to making as many great Goalkeepers as possible.