Meet the Coaches | LSA Sharks

Jonathan Cueva, Executive Director

Jonathan Cueva is an exceptional professional with a wealth of experience in the soccer industry. Currently serving as the esteemed Executive Director at Lanier Soccer Association, he also holds the position of Co-Owner and founder of Rockport Indoor Soccer. Hailing originally from Quito, Ecuador, Jonathan brings a diverse background and a strong passion for the sport to his leadership roles.

Jonathan's impressive educational background includes a B.S in P.E and Leadership from UNG, complemented by an array of prestigious coaching licenses. He has 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, further highlighting his commitment to continuous professional development.

Prior to his current positions, Jonathan served as the Rec Director at LSA, showcasing his dedication and ability to contribute effectively within different roles. His coaching expertise spans all levels of youth soccer, ranging 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.

Beyond his accomplishments in soccer, Jonathan is an ardent supporter and enthusiast of Futsal. His passion for the game translated into remarkable success when he led his futsal team to an impressive first-place finish in the gold bracket at the World Futsal Championship in Disney, triumphing over a formidable Brazilian team.

Jonathan's soccer journey commenced at Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito, where he honed his skills in the youth academy before ascending to the first team. In the early 2000s, his exceptional talent earned him a coveted soccer scholarship in the United States, which provided him with 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.

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, and NSCAA Advanced. 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

James Holden, Head Coach

James holds a USSF National C License and had been coaching soccer for over 30 years. He started his coaching career with Georgia Mountains Soccer Association which eventually formed into Lanier Soccer and was the team trainer of the original Sharks classic soccer team. His coaching experience ranges from working with U6 players all the way through the college level. James has served on several Georgia Soccer committees, worked as an ODP coach, and officiated games. In addition to starting up the Brenau Soccer program, James has led multiple boys and girls teams to several state cup finals, league championships and regional tournament titles.

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.

Martin Sanchez, Head Coach

Coaching since 2013 and has experience coaching all ages from pre-academy to high school teams. Helped start the pre-academy program at LSA in 2020. Received a bachelor's in finance from the University of North Georgia. Holds a Grassroots 11v11 License.