I was born in Lima, Peru, where my entire family is from. As a child, I learned the game of soccer on the streets, playing every chance I got. I was fortunate to spend a year in the academy of my favorite team, Universitario de Deportes, before moving to the United States as a teenager. At that time, there was no MLS, and structured soccer academies were rare, so opportunities to pursue the game were limited.
After serving in the U.S. Marines, I returned to play at the college level in NCAA Division III (CUNYAC). Unfortunately, injuries sustained during my military service prevented me from competing consistently, and eventually, I had to step away from the game. For a time, I gave up on soccer completely.
That’s when a friend introduced me to competitive paintball. I joined the NJ Jesters, where I met the team’s captain and head coach, Timmy Trentacoste. His belief in us, his trust in our decisions, and his ability to motivate became a defining influence in my life. I had never experienced that kind of leadership from a soccer coach before, and Timmy showed me the type of coach I wanted to become.
By 2016, my desire to reconnect with soccer grew stronger. When Peru qualified for the 2018 World Cup, it reignited my passion. I knew I wasn’t going to compete as a player again, but I wanted to give back as a coach. At first, I questioned myself: Am I good enough? Are my sessions effective? But my passion and competitiveness pushed me forward. Coaching became more than just a role, it became an obsession with being the best version of myself, not only for me, but for the players I work with, and for my own children who also play the game.
It has been a privilege to coach under the Red Bulls banner. The sense of belonging and identity this organization provides is something I carry with pride. I am “All In.” When I moved out of New York in 2022, I saw it as a chance to grow in new ways and build something meaningful. The day before my interview, I walked through my local park and noticed a bench with a plaque that read: “In memory of Coach…” I thought to myself: What kind of coach do you have to be to inspire people so deeply that they dedicate a space in your honor?
That moment defined my purpose. If I am going to coach, I want to make a difference. Otherwise, why even do it?"
Current Position: Club Coordinator and Coach with Verona United
Joined Red Bulls Youth Programs: March 2023
