THE OFFICIAL HOME OF THE KNIGHTS!
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Our Coaches:
Oscar Guardado is originally from Los Angeles, California. He relocated to Arizona in 2006. He has played at the semi-pro level and has over 25 years of experience. Oscar has dedicated his time, knowledge and experience of the sport to youth players around the state and country.
Coaching Diplomas, Certificates, & Licenses:
• USSF Youth Module I
• USSF Youth Module II
• USSF Grassroots (4x4, 7x7, 9x9, 11x11)
• AYSA F State Certificate
• AYSA E State Certificate
• AYSA D State Certificate
• USSF D National License
• NFHS High School National Certificate
• AIA Interscholastic Association Certificate
• USC of America Coaching Diploma
Semi-Pro Coaching Experience:
• Valley United FC Assistant Coach (2020-2022/NISA)
• Sporting AZ FC Assistant Coach (2016-2018/UPSL)
• Sedona Strikers FC Assistant Coach (2014-2016/W-League)
• Phoenix Monsoon FC Assistant Coach (2012-2014/NPSL)
Youth Club Coaching Experience:
• Knights United Soccer Academy Academy Director (2022-Present)
• Phoenix Rising FC Youth Boys Head Coach (2018-2022)
• FC Arizona Youth Boys Head Coach (2016-2018)
• Estudantez AZ Soccer Club Club President (2010-2018)
• Estudiantes Tecos Soccer Academy Academy Director (2008-2010)
• Gilbert Soccer Club (2006-2008)
• Higley High School Soccer Varsity Head Coach (2021-Present)
• Combs High School/Boys Soccer Varsity Head Coach (2018-2020)
• Poston Butte High School Boys & Girls Soccer Varsity Head Coach (2014-2018)
• ALA High School/Boys Soccer Varsity Head Coach (2012-2014)
• Magma Ranch/Boys Soccer Head Coach (2010-2012)
High school Coaching Experience:
Semi-Pro Playing Experience:
• California All Stars (GSSL)
• FC American Promotions (GSSL)
• Hollywood United (PSL)
• Mar Vista FC (PSL)
• LA Salsa FC (GSSL)
• CD Aguila (LA Semi-Pro League)
• Los Angeles All Stars (LA Metro Semi-Pro)
• Deportivo Cojutepeque (PNSL/NASO)
• LA Heat (UIPL/Indoor)
• Santa Clarita Strikers (PISL/Indoor)
My name is Ramona Sylvester and I am a native to Arizona. I have been involved in soccer as a player and a coach for over 20 years. I am currently the assistant coach for Girls Varsity Soccer at Higley High School and I serve as the head coach for the Knights United Soccer Academy Program at Higley.
Coaching Diplomas, Certificates, & Licenses:
• Grass Roots Coaching:
- 4v4 Training
- 7v7 licensure
- 9v9 licensure
- 11v11 licensure
- USSF “D” National
Coach Bio:
Every year I increase my knowledge through continuous education and training. I have always loved soccer and coaching youth in various sports. I enjoy the comaraderie, the competition, and working together as a team. I have coached teams that have won the Presidents Cup, won several tournaments, and have been ranked number one in the state. I want the players to develop fundamental skills, but to also maintain compassion and kindness for each other, opponents, and the game itself. I like to reinforce the importance of supporting each other regardless of each other's skill level, and building each other up all the time. Everyone brings something unique to the table and you have to appreciate and find what ever it may be.
Being competitive is great, it helps you perfect and improve your skills. But being humble is awesome, it represents you on and off the field. I am excited to become a part of the Knights family and contributing to and supporting the vision. I am committed to the school community and the development of the student dynamics. I look forward to helping student athletes grow to their full potential as a whole person. I am a graduate from the University of Arizona and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. I love hiking, traveling, and spending time with my family and pooches.
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My name is Nikkol Palmer, I am born and raised in Southern California. I am an only child who was full of energy and very competitive from an early age.
I am honored to currently be the Assistant Coach for the Knights United Soccer Academy Girls U18 Elite Team, Girls JV Head Coach for Higley High School in Gilbert, Arizona under the leadership of Program
Director, Oscar Guardado. I am also the head
coach for the 8th Grade Girls Soccer Team at
Sossaman Middle School.
Coaching Diplomas, Certificates, & Licenses:
I currently hold National Coaching Credentials with the National Federation of
State High School Associations:
NFHS Accredited Interscholastic Coach
NFHS Certified Interscholastic Coach
NFHS Coach Level 3
US Youth Soccer coach registered with the State of Arizona.
Coach Bio:
My soccer career began with CYSA at the early age of five and I instantly fell in love with the sport, craving more time on the pitch at the end of every season. This led to several clinics, camps, trainers, and traveling in search of a more competitive arena for me. After three years, I left CYSA and began playing for JUSA- Junior United Soccer Association. After five years, I followed an amazing international coach to CAL SOUTH (USSF/USYSA), where I continued to play into adulthood.
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Out of high school, I was fortunate to obtain academic and athletic scholarships to play for Cal State Fullerton, which kept me close to home playing the sport I was so passionate about, while studying Secondary Education and Sports Med.
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When I moved to Arizona, I continued to play soccer for AESL- Arizona Women's Soccer League, as well as indoor soccer leagues at Big League Dreams/Cactus Yards and Barney Family Sports Complex. After my ACL surgery, I started taking on more of a coaching role.
My name is Desi Lewis. I am excited to be a part of the Higley Knights Soccer Academy and look forward to working with these amazing athletes. Thank you for your trust and support.
Coaching Diplomas, Certificates, & Licenses:
• Grass Roots Coaching:
- 4v4 Training
- 7v7 licensure
- 9v9 licensure
- 11v11 licensure
Semi-Pro Coaching Experience:
Coach Bio:
Soccer has been a part of my life since playing rec soccer at 7 yrs old. I love everything from watching to playing to coaching. I want to share that love and enthusiasm with everyone. I have had the privilege to coach goalies in rec, club and at the high school level. I still play goalie to this day.