Jonathan Cueva, Executive Director
Jonathan Cueva is an exceptional professional with extensive experience in the soccer industry. He currently serves as the Executive Director at Lanier Soccer Association and was the co-owner and founder of Rockport Indoor Soccer. Originally from Quito, Ecuador, Jonathan brings a soccer background and a profound passion for soccer to his leadership roles.
Jonathan's educational background includes a B.S. in P.E. and Leadership from the University of North Georgia, complemented by a range of prestigious coaching licenses. He attended the renowned Cesar Luis Menotti Soccer Coaching School, where he obtained a CONMEBOL "A" FIFA Coaching License. Additionally, he holds a USSF "A" license, a National "Y" license, and an NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma, demonstrating his commitment to continuous professional development.
Before his current position, Jonathan served as the Recreation Director at LSA, showcasing his dedication and versatility within different roles. His coaching expertise spans all levels of youth soccer, from the U9 academy to the former DA and MLS programs. Notably, he led the first LSA team in club history to secure a spot in the Regional Premier League, underscoring his exceptional leadership abilities. Jonathan also led LSA-Pro as head coach to their first semi-professional championship, clinching the title of champions in the UPSL D1.
Beyond his accomplishments in soccer, Jonathan is an ardent supporter and enthusiast of futsal. His passion for the game led to remarkable success when he guided his futsal team to a first-place finish in the gold bracket at the World Futsal Championship in Disney, triumphing over a formidable Brazilian team.
Jonathan's soccer journey began at Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito, where he honed his skills in the youth academy before advancing to the first team. In the early 2000s, his exceptional talent earned him a coveted soccer scholarship in the United States, providing invaluable opportunities to showcase his abilities and contribute to the American soccer landscape.
Jonathan Cueva's remarkable accomplishments, extensive expertise, and unwavering passion for soccer make him an invaluable asset to the sport, both on and off the field.
Avram Allen, Select College Director
Avram Allen is has been involved in the development of youth players at LSA since 2009. He has experience coaching all age groups from girls and boys academy level teams to boys and girls select level teams. He has taken a girl's Athena E team to the first girl’s National league team in LSA club history and has reached two State cup Final fours at the club level. He received his B.S. in P.E. and Leadership minor and completed his Masters in Arts & Teaching at the University of North Georgia. He holds a USSF “B” license as well as a United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma. He has collegiate coaching experience for both Women’s and Men’s Soccer programs. He served as an Assistant Coach at Young Harris College Women’s Soccer program and is currently the Men’s Assistant soccer coach at the University Of North Georgia. As a player, Allen competed at YHC for two years before transferring to North Georgia. At YHC, he was captain of the 2006 Mountain Lion team that went to the GJCAA Region 17 finals earning 2 all-tournament team selections and All-Region honors along the way. He was a two-year letter-winner at North Georgia as a midfielder garnering Peach Belt Conference All-Tournament honors.
Diego F. Vacca, Girls Director and Technical Director
Born in Bogota, Colombia. Received a B.A in Sports Management and Business administration from Southern Wesleyan University. A Master Degree in Physical Education from the University of North Georgia. Currently holds a USSF A youth License and seeking to start His UEFA License. Current U15 Girls National League head coach. He has also served as a Head coach for U12 and U14 Development Academy teams for the past three seasons. He has been part of the Lanier Soccer family since 2007 Coaching all age levels and genders. He is also the Head Coach at Riverside Military Academy since 2007.
His soccer career started in Bogota, Colombia with Club Deportivo Fair Play. (Former Radamel Falcao youth club) At this club, he played from the U14 up to 2nd professional division. In 2000 He received a scholarship to play soccer in United States where he played for 4 years. He playing career has also taking him to play PDL (Professional Development League) in 2003/04 in South Carolina and 2006 With the Atlanta Silverbacks. He also served as the graduate assistant and assistant coach at the University of North Georgia (UNG) from 2005 – 2008. While at LSA he has won the Academy Cup with a U 13 girls’ team, Taken an Athena D team to Athena A level in two seasons and Finished 1st and second place with Classis II and I boys teams. At Riverside, he has made playoff for the past 10 consecutive seasons in 1A and 2A classification as well as winning the region title three times (2013, 2015, 2016). He is a passionate and caring coach that wants to develop character and passion for the game and life.
Henry Rohde, MLS Next Director
He has experience coaching several age groups from the girls' and boys' academy levels. He has served as head coach for DA teams and is now with MLS next. He has helped to build our MLS next program and has worked in LSA for over 10 years, and developed many players now in Atlanta United. He holds a USSF “B” license as well as a US youth soccer license. He received his B.A in Business Administration and Spanish from the University of North Georgia. He is a teacher of the game and he wants to help our young kids to further develop their skills and passion for the game.
Martin Sanchez, JR Academy Director
Coaching since 2013 and has experience coaching all ages from preacademy to high school teams. Helped start the preacademy program at LSA in 2020. Received bachelor in finance from the University of North Georgia.He holds a D license from the USSF
Sierra Monday, Head Coach
Grew up playing club soccer at Tampa Bay United and went on to play college at Brewton Parker College ( NAIA). Moved up to Gainesville, GA after college and accepted my first college Assistant Coach job at Brenau University from 2017-2021. After, did a year as an AC at Truett McConnell University. She holds Grassroots 11v11, NSCAA Advanced, and D License USSF. She is a former college coach. She also holds a college Bachelor's Degree in Science.
Jose Herrera, Head Coach
Truett McConnell University Assistant Men's Soccer Coach from fall of 2021 to spring of 2023. Assistant coaching position at Riverside Military Academy from 2020-2021.
USSF C License, Advanced National Diploma, USC GK level 1. LSA since 2017
Boford Carr, Head Coach MLS Next
Born in Liberia, West Africa, Borfor Carr honed his soccer skills in Ivorian community leagues before moving to the USA. He played professionally in Romania (Concordia Chiajna), for Atlanta Silverbacks, and Trinidad Tobago Central FC. Returning to Atlanta, Georgia, he prioritized player development at various youth clubs. With a focus on instilling winning skills, a competitive spirit, and sportsmanship, Borfor continues to mentor aspiring young adults for success on and off the field. He holds 9v9, 1v1 Grassroot License, and D USSF License.
Frank Zamora, Head Coach
Frank Zamora has been coaching soccer in the US since 2013. He joined LSA as an academy head coach in 2017. Since then he has coached all levels of boys and girls academy teams (U9-U12 age groups). Frank served as an assistant coach at Johnson High School from 2013-2019 where he helped lead the team to its first state championship in 2018. In the Fall of 2019, he was promoted to head coach and has led the team to back-to-back state championships (2022 and 2023) and finishing the 2023 season being ranked #1 in the Nation and named National Champions. Frank was selected as the 2022 and 2023 Region Coach of the Year. He was also named the GACA Region and State Coach of the Year in 2023. He currently holds a USSF D License and a High School Coaching Diploma from USC. He received a B.S. in Social Studies Education from The University of Georgia.
Josh Blackwell, Head Coach
Josh has coached at LSA since 2018 and has experience coaching the U8-U14 (Pre-Academy, Academy, SCCL and National Academy League) at LSA. He currently holds a United States Soccer National D coaching license. He received a B.A. in Business Administration from Georgia State Southwestern.
Mary Casillas
Mary has coached at LSA since 2018. Since then she has coached all levels of girls pre-academy and academy teams (U8-U12 age groups). She helped coordinate the girls Super 8 Program for 2 years. She currently holds all Grass Roots Licenses and seeking to start the USSF D License.
Phil Higgins Head Coach
Coach Phil Higgins is originally from Brevard County, Florida and moved to Gainesville in 2006. He has over 16 years soccer coaching experience and has three children who have all been current or former LSA players. He has also been served as the head girls coach at Johnson High School since 2010. In addition to soccer coaching, he is also a teacher at Johnson High School of psychology and Geography.
Jonathan Mendoza, MLS Head Coach
I have been involved with the club since I was a child. I played my entire club career at Lsa. Began coaching in 2015 at Lsa. Played at the collegiate level at the university of North Georgia and Truet McConnell. Also played at the semi pro level with Lsa-pro winning the UPSL Division 1.
Edwin Villafranco, Head Coach
I played competitive soccer for 18 years and I’ve been coaching for 5 years. I’m a dedicated youth soccer coach with a proven track record of developing young athletes both on and off the field.
Juan Remes, GK Coach
Born in Brownsville, Tx. Been a goalkeeper coach at lsa for a year. Specializes in goalkeeping. Played for gainesville high school varsity soccer 4 years winning one state championship and one state runner up. Fell in love with goalkeeping at a young age. Idol Memo Ochoa.