Staff

Fabian Rodriguez is a nationally recognized coach and respected leader in the U.S. soccer and futsal communities, bringing over 20 years of coaching experience across the United States, Colombia, Costa Rica, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Canada.

He currently serves as the Head Coach of the East Grand Rapids High School Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer teams, where he is known for building strong, competitive programs focused on player development and team culture.

In addition to his work at East Grand Rapids High School, Fabian is deeply involved in national and international futsal development. He is a Staff Coach for the U.S. Youth Futsal International Teams and a National Staff Coach for U.S. Futsal.

Fabian's leadership experience includes founding Grand Rapids OLé, one of the nation's top futsal clubs, and ABK Futsal Academy, both of which have captured a combined eight national futsal championships.

In addition to his extensive coaching portfolio, Fabian is the Head Coach of the Grand Rapids OLé Men’s professional futsal team, further solidifying his reputation for excellence at every level of the game.

With a focus on technical skill, creativity, and intelligent play, Fabian is committed to providing East FC players with the highest quality training environment — one that prepares them not only for success on the field but for leadership and success beyond the game.

Jessie Zamudio brings a wealth of coaching experience and a deep passion for player development to his role as Director at East FC. Known for his technical expertise, competitive spirit, and commitment to developing complete players, Jessie plays a key role in shaping East FC’s player-centered training environment.

Jessie has been coaching youth soccer for over a decade across West Michigan, helping players build strong technical foundations, high soccer IQ, and a love for the game. His coaching philosophy emphasizes not just winning, but long-term growth — teaching players to solve problems creatively, make smart decisions on the field, and develop resilience off it.

Prior to joining East FC, Jessie coached in several top youth programs in the Grand Rapids area, where he developed a reputation for building competitive teams and preparing players for the next level of play. His experience includes success both at the club and high school levels, giving him a broad understanding of the pathways available to young athletes.

As Director of Coaching, Jessie oversees the growth and development of East FC’s teams, ensuring every player receives high-quality coaching aligned with the club’s proven player development model. His leadership is focused on creating a culture of excellence, creativity, and teamwork where every athlete has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

With a sharp eye for talent and a strong commitment to mentorship, Jessie is passionate about helping East FC players succeed — both on the soccer field and in life.

Juan M. Fernandez joins the East FC coaching staff with over a decade of coaching experience and a passion for developing players through high-energy, tactically disciplined soccer.

A native of Argentina and lifelong Boca Juniors fan, Juan draws deep inspiration from his favorite player of all time — Juan Román Riquelme — whose creativity and composure continue to shape Juan’s approach to the game. A former Varsity player at International Christian School in Costa Rica, Juan has spent the last ten years coaching youth teams at the 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U levels, helping players grow both technically and mentally.

Juan’s teams are known for their high-pressure, quick-paced playing style, reflecting the intensity and tempo he brings to every training session. His practices are fast, focused, and built around tactical discipline, helping players sharpen decision-making while staying active and engaged.

With a deep commitment to player development and a coaching style that challenges athletes to grow while having fun, Juan is a valuable addition to the East FC coaching team. We’re excited to have him on board and look forward to the impact he’ll make this season.

Cesar Alayo brings energy, experience, and a strong connection to West Michigan soccer as he joins the East FC coaching staff. A lifelong player and passionate teacher of the game, Cesar has been coaching for over five years, including roles with Wyoming High School and Middle School, and now with East FC.

Born and raised in Wyoming, Michigan, to Cuban parents, Cesar developed his love for the game early and has spent over two decades playing and competing at a high level. His playing career includes time with Flying Kick FC, Alliance FC, Muskegon Risers, Rapid City FC, Grand Rapids Soccer Club, and OLé Men’s Futsal Club. As a futsal player, he achieved back-to-back championship titles, highlighting his commitment to both the indoor and outdoor versions of the game.

A graduate of Wyoming High School and attendee of MCC College, Cesar brings not only technical knowledge but also a deep understanding of the local soccer landscape and what it takes to help young players succeed in it. Known for his approachable style and steady leadership, he has a gift for connecting with athletes and guiding them with both encouragement and discipline.

Cesar’s coaching style reflects his background: hardworking, fast-paced, and driven by love for the game. His presence on the East FC sideline is a valuable asset to our players and coaching community alike.

Courtney Cook-Hughes brings a lifelong passion for soccer, a standout playing career, and a deep understanding of athletic development to her role on the East FC coaching staff.

Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Courtney began playing soccer at the age of six and quickly established herself as a standout defender. She competed with some of West Michigan’s top clubs and leagues, including GRASA, West Michigan Edge, West Michigan Fire, and GVSA. At Forest Hills Central High School, she was a key member of the Varsity team from 2005 to 2007, helping lead the Rangers to two Division 2 State Championships.

Courtney continued her playing career at Hope College, where she was a four-year starter on the Women’s Soccer team and earned All-MIAA honors all four years, including three First Team selections. Her consistency, discipline, and leadership on the field shaped her approach to the game and continue to guide her coaching today.

Since 2021, Courtney has been active in the youth soccer scene, coaching in AYSO recreational and AYSO United Club programs, as well as contributing to local youth camps. A parent of young athletes herself, she brings a thoughtful, encouraging approach to coaching and connects easily with players and families alike.

Off the field, Courtney is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the owner of IMPACT Fitness + Wellness, where she works as a personal trainer and movement specialist. Her background in physical therapy and performance gives her a unique edge as a coach — helping players develop strength, confidence, and injury-resistant habits that support long-term success.

Courtney is a welcome addition to East FC, where her experience, positivity, and whole-player approach make her an invaluable part of our coaching team.

Gareth Clark brings a wealth of international playing experience and a passion for coaching to the East FC staff. Originally from Scotland, Gareth grew up playing for Dundee United, a club in the Scottish Premier League, and turned professional at just 16 years old. He also represented his country on the Scottish Schoolboys National Team, and won a national high school championship at age 15 — milestones that speak to his elite-level background from a young age.

With more than 20 years of playing experience, Gareth now channels his competitive drive and love for the game into coaching. Over the past six years, he has coached across multiple levels, including AYSO recreational teams, Rapids FC, and AYSO United. His focus has been primarily on girls' teams, coaching every format from 4v4 and 7v7 to 9v9 and 11v11.

Gareth brings a balanced approach to coaching — blending technical discipline, tactical knowledge, and positive reinforcement to help players grow in both skill and confidence. His international playing background and wide-ranging coaching experience make him a valuable asset to the East FC community, particularly for young female athletes looking to sharpen their game in a fun, focused environment.

We’re proud to welcome Gareth to the East FC family and look forward to the impact he will have on our players.

Mark Bea brings over 15 years of coaching experience across club, collegiate, and high school soccer, with a focus on developing well-rounded athletes and strong team cultures. A former collegiate standout himself, Mark played four years of varsity soccer at Calvin University, where he earned All-League honors and served as team captain, demonstrating early on the leadership qualities that now define his coaching approach.

Mark’s coaching career includes three years on staff at Calvin University, where he guided players through the competitive demands of NCAA soccer. He also served for eight years as the head coach of East Kentwood High School’s varsity soccer program, one of West Michigan’s most respected high school teams. His club coaching experience spans more than 15 years, during which he has mentored players at various levels and supported their development with a deep understanding of both the technical and emotional aspects of the game.

Mark holds a U.S. Soccer D License and is known for his calm, thoughtful presence on the sidelines, as well as his ability to connect with players in meaningful, developmental ways. His coaching philosophy is rooted in hard work, accountability, and helping each player reach their full potential—both on and off the field.

Now part of the East FC coaching team, Mark brings a wealth of experience, integrity, and player-centered values that align closely with the club’s mission to develop confident, complete athletes.

Miguel Cervantes serves as East FC’s Director of Goalkeeper Coaching, bringing a deep passion for the game and a strong background in both playing and coaching within the West Michigan soccer community.

Miguel began playing at a young age and developed through local clubs including PASS FC, OLé FC, Grand Rapids Crew, and ABK, gaining a well-rounded foundation across both outdoor soccer and futsal. His coaching journey started in 2017 at Union High School, where he served as a varsity assistant and JV head coach, and he has continued to work with players across multiple levels ever since.

Known for his attention to detail and ability to translate training into game performance, Miguel takes great pride in helping players execute what they’ve worked on throughout the week. His approach emphasizes consistency, discipline, and building confidence through repetition and understanding.

Miguel’s connection to the East FC coaching staff runs deep, having grown up in the same soccer environment and alongside many of the club’s leaders. His passion for teaching and commitment to developing the next generation make him a key part of East FC’s player-first approach.

Jorge Saldañas brings a strong local playing background and a passion for connecting with players to the East FC coaching staff. He began playing at age 10 and competed for several clubs across the Grand Rapids area, including ABK, Revolution, Michigan Power, and Migos. He went on to play at Wyoming High School and continued his career at Grace Christian University, gaining experience at both the high school and collegiate levels.

Jorge has been coaching for the past five years, including time as a JV coach at Wyoming High School and four years with Midwest United. His coaching philosophy is rooted in sharing the joy of the game and building meaningful relationships with players from all backgrounds.

He is excited to join East FC and be part of a talented and experienced coaching staff, while working with players from across the community. Jorge’s energy, relatability, and love for the game make him a great addition to the club.

Juan Galindo joined the East FC coaching staff in Spring 2025 and will continue with the club through the 2025–2026 season. With a powerful blend of intensity, thoughtfulness, and loyalty, Juan brings a high level of energy, experience, and commitment to our coaching team.

Juan’s coaching background is both deep and diverse. He has led teams in MFA’s 616 and Revolution programs, served as General Manager for the Grand Rapids OLé Men’s and Women’s Semi-Pro teams, and organized countless futsal camps, leagues, and clinics across West Michigan. His leadership experience on and off the field reflects his drive to grow the game and elevate players at every level.

Known for his fierce dedication to his players, Juan is a coach who shows up fully — challenging athletes to push their limits while supporting them with care and intention. He is especially focused on developing the mental side of the game, helping players grow in confidence, resilience, and tactical understanding.

Juan’s coaching style is rooted in high standards and relational trust. He is loyal, consistent, and deeply invested in the success of each athlete. His approach aligns perfectly with East FC’s values: player-first, relationship-driven, and growth-oriented.

We’re proud to welcome Juan Galindo to East FC and look forward to the impact he’ll make on our players and club culture.

Leah Hall brings a passion for player development and a strong commitment to building community to the East FC coaching staff. Originally from Ohio, Leah began playing soccer in elementary school and continued through high school, developing a lifelong love for the game.

Her coaching experience includes working in parks and recreation leagues as well as assisting at the high school varsity level, where she has helped guide players in both skill development and team dynamics. Leah is especially passionate about the relationships built through soccer — valuing not only growth on the field, but also the friendships, confidence, and sense of belonging that come with being part of a team.

She is excited to join East FC and be part of a club that shares her commitment to excellence, connection, and family. Leah’s positive energy and player-first approach make her a great addition to the East FC community.

Kiersen Korienek. joins the East FC coaching staff with a standout playing background and elite-level futsal experience that brings a high-performance edge to our coaching team.

Kiersen grew up playing club soccer for Michigan Fire Juniors, MFA Revolution, and Midwest United, while also spending six years competing at a high level with ABK Futsal Academy. Her talent on the futsal court earned her a spot on the U.S. Youth Futsal International Team in both 2018 (as team captain) and 2019, representing the country on an international stage at a young age.

She went on to play college soccer at Michigan Tech University and was most recently called up to the U.S. Women’s National Futsal Team in April 2025, where she now serves as a current national team member — a remarkable achievement that reflects her continued dedication to the game.

Kiersen brings coaching experience from MFA’s 616 and ABK 616 programs, where she worked with youth players and began developing her coaching philosophy rooted in technical precision, tactical awareness, and confidence-building.

Known for her competitive drive and calm leadership, Kiersen is passionate about helping players sharpen their skills and mindset both on and off the field. We’re proud to welcome her to East FC and look forward to the inspiration and knowledge she’ll bring to our athletes.

Pablo Blanco returns to East FC with a unique perspective as both a former player in the system and now a coach dedicated to developing the next generation.

Pablo began his soccer journey at just 9 years old, playing futsal under Coach Fabian Rodriguez with OLé, and continued his development through ABK Futsal Academy. His talent and dedication earned him opportunities with the U15 and U16 U.S. Futsal National Teams, where he competed internationally in Costa Rica and Colombia. He later continued his playing career at Indiana Tech.

Over the past two years, Pablo has transitioned into coaching, working with outdoor teams and introducing players to the technical and tactical benefits of futsal. His ability to teach new concepts and help players see the game in different ways has made a meaningful impact, particularly in helping teams accelerate their development.

Pablo’s return to East FC represents a full-circle moment. Having grown up in the club’s culture and philosophy, he now brings that same passion, experience, and understanding into his role as a coach. His connection to the game and commitment to player development make him a valuable addition to the East FC coaching staff.

Pascal Parraguez-Huisman joins East FC as a staff coach with a strong foundation in the East Grand Rapids soccer community and a deep personal connection to the club’s philosophy. A former player under East FC Club Director Fabian Rodriguez, Pascal brings years of firsthand experience and a clear passion for the game to his new role on the coaching staff.

Pascal’s playing career includes time with OLé Soccer Club (2010–2016), Michigan Futbol Academy (2016–2022), and East Grand Rapids High School (2018–2021). His exposure to a variety of competitive environments has shaped his understanding of player development and team dynamics. Now transitioning into coaching, Pascal will focus on working with younger age groups, where his relatability, energy, and technical knowledge will help foster confidence and growth in every player he leads.

Though early in his coaching journey, Pascal demonstrates a maturity and dedication that make him a natural mentor for developing athletes. He is committed to creating a positive, structured environment where players can grow not just in their technical skills, but also in their character, resilience, and love for the game.

East FC is proud to support young coaches like Pascal who reflect our commitment to nurturing talent at every level. His leadership, both on and off the field, will be a valuable asset to the club as we continue to build a development-first culture.

Urbano Romero brings over a decade of coaching experience and a lifelong connection to the local soccer community to the East FC coaching staff. He began playing at age 10 and has spent most of his playing career with OLé youth and men’s teams, as well as a collegiate stint at Davenport University.

As a coach, Urbano has worked across a wide range of competitive levels, including Development Academy (DA), Premier, GVSA, and high school soccer, giving him a well-rounded perspective on player development. He is known for his ability to connect with players and guide them through meaningful growth over time, both technically and personally.

Urbano is especially passionate about building relationships and helping players evolve throughout their journey. His return to East FC marks a meaningful step, as he rejoins the same community where his coaching career began. We’re excited to welcome him back and look forward to the impact he will have on our players and club.

Wilfredo “Willie” Diaz brings a dynamic blend of playing experience and coaching insight to East FC as he joins the club’s coaching staff for the spring season and beyond. He will continue with the club through the 2025–2026 season, and we’re excited to welcome him into the East FC family.

A product of the West Michigan soccer scene, Willie has competed at the semi-professional level with ABK Futsal Academy, OLé Soccer Club, the Muskegon Risers (Indoor), and the Grand Rapids Wanderers. His background across both outdoor and futsal formats gives him a unique technical edge and tactical awareness that directly informs his approach to player development.

Off the field, Willie has served as a coach with various Michigan Futbol Academy (MFA) teams and programs, where he built a reputation for his attention to detail, positive energy, and ability to connect with players across age groups. His focus goes beyond skills and drills — he is deeply committed to helping athletes grow in confidence, maturity, and decision-making, both on and off the field.

Willie’s perspective as a former high-level player, combined with his passion for teaching, make him a strong asset to the East FC coaching team. His presence reflects our ongoing commitment to developing players through thoughtful mentorship, energy, and love for the game.

We’re proud to have Willie on board and look forward to the lasting impact he will have on our players and the club.