2023-2024 Board Nominees
Vice-President
Rob Bledsoe, O'Connor High School
TASCO has been a part of my life since I was a teenager playing soccer at Nederland High School. One of my fondest and proudest high school memories is playing in the TASCO Senior Showcase in 1991.
As a young coach in SouthEast Texas early in my career, a few TASCO icons, Don Smith, Stephen Peter, and Erik Lane, inspired me to be the best coach I could be. Additionally, they were instrumental in nominating me to be one of the coaches for the Senior Showcase in 2005 and being named the TASCO Region III 5A Coach of the Year.
After a move to San Antonio, two more formidable members of TASCO, Walter Rule and Gilbert Villarreal, came into my coaching circle and inspired me to do more. It was during this time that I was once again honored by TASCO as Regional Coach of the Year and named as one of the coaches for the Senior Showcase in 2013. Furthermore, these two were significant reasons I became a member of the TASCO Board of Directors.
Working my first Fall Convention in Galveston was an eye-opening experience. I had been coming to the convention for over 20 years, staying at the La Quinta in San Antonio and attending field sessions at Blossom, the AlamoDome, or the Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center. But I never realized all of the planning and hard work that went into pulling that off so successfully. It was an exhausting, yet somehow exhilarating few days. And then a few years later, everything came full circle when I became the Regional Director and helped put together the Senior Showcase.
And now I want to give back and continue the advancement of TASCO. I want to help to see the continued growth of the TASCO Foundation and all of the coaches, players, and communities that it impacts. I want to be a part of the process that recognizes the coaches who inspired and mentored so many of us. And I want to continue to be a component of the organization that created so many great memories for me from events like the Senior Showcase and the Fall Convention. I want to be your next TASCO Vice President.
As a young coach in SouthEast Texas early in my career, a few TASCO icons, Don Smith, Stephen Peter, and Erik Lane, inspired me to be the best coach I could be. Additionally, they were instrumental in nominating me to be one of the coaches for the Senior Showcase in 2005 and being named the TASCO Region III 5A Coach of the Year.
After a move to San Antonio, two more formidable members of TASCO, Walter Rule and Gilbert Villarreal, came into my coaching circle and inspired me to do more. It was during this time that I was once again honored by TASCO as Regional Coach of the Year and named as one of the coaches for the Senior Showcase in 2013. Furthermore, these two were significant reasons I became a member of the TASCO Board of Directors.
Working my first Fall Convention in Galveston was an eye-opening experience. I had been coming to the convention for over 20 years, staying at the La Quinta in San Antonio and attending field sessions at Blossom, the AlamoDome, or the Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center. But I never realized all of the planning and hard work that went into pulling that off so successfully. It was an exhausting, yet somehow exhilarating few days. And then a few years later, everything came full circle when I became the Regional Director and helped put together the Senior Showcase.
And now I want to give back and continue the advancement of TASCO. I want to help to see the continued growth of the TASCO Foundation and all of the coaches, players, and communities that it impacts. I want to be a part of the process that recognizes the coaches who inspired and mentored so many of us. And I want to continue to be a component of the organization that created so many great memories for me from events like the Senior Showcase and the Fall Convention. I want to be your next TASCO Vice President.
Secretary
Daniel Dollinger, Frisco HS
I am the current TASCO secretary and have served in that role for the past two years. As the TASCO secretary I have digitized the organizational binder, worked with the lawyer to make sure TASCO and the board members are in compliance with our nonprofit status, enhanced financial transparency by updating all banking accounts, record meeting minutes, approving players for Academic All-State, and ordering coach of the year awards. Before being elected to the executive board, I previously served as the Region II director. I have been a member of TASCO since 1999 when I was an assistant coach at McKinney High School and in 2004 I became the head boys coach for Frisco High School where I am still coaching. My passion has been soccer since I was a little kid and TASCO has provided me with so many opportunities to learn and give back to players and coaches. I would be honored to continue serving as the TASCO secretary.
Region 1 | 2nd Assistant
Benjamin Henry, San Angelo Central HS
I honestly don't like talking about myself so I will make this short and sweet. I love the game of soccer and continue to be an avid fan. I have played the game since I can remember and was 15 years old when I first started to coach (The U6 mighty "Bruisers"). I have been doing this so long that last year I graduated a kiddo who's Dad played for me on that U6 team. I have played at the club level, high school level, collegiate level, and a short stint professionally on a team from the Valley back in the day.
I have coached High School soccer for 18 years, 17 of those proudly in San Angelo Texas as the Central Lady Cats Head Coach. The girls overall record in that time has been 261 wins 68 losses and 52 ties. I have been blessed with excellent Assistant Coaches and amazing kids, which I will give all the credit to for any success that we have had. We have won a good share of Championships (In 4 different districts), Coaching Awards, played against many brilliant teams and coaches, travelled for thousands of miles, and I believe have made our small West Texas community proud.
The game has given me so much over the years and I am just an old fart that wants to give some back through a position at TASCO. I will work hard, be reliable, and do the best job that I possibly can. Thank you.
I have coached High School soccer for 18 years, 17 of those proudly in San Angelo Texas as the Central Lady Cats Head Coach. The girls overall record in that time has been 261 wins 68 losses and 52 ties. I have been blessed with excellent Assistant Coaches and amazing kids, which I will give all the credit to for any success that we have had. We have won a good share of Championships (In 4 different districts), Coaching Awards, played against many brilliant teams and coaches, travelled for thousands of miles, and I believe have made our small West Texas community proud.
The game has given me so much over the years and I am just an old fart that wants to give some back through a position at TASCO. I will work hard, be reliable, and do the best job that I possibly can. Thank you.
Aaron McGough, Highland Park HS
For the past eight years, I've proudly served as a head coach at the high school level. Currently, I hold the position of Highland Park Girls Soccer Head Coach in Dallas, Texas, following my tenure at Anderson High School in Austin, Texas. My journey in soccer began as a child, and my dedication to the sport led me to earn a scholarship to play for the University of Texas after four years of collegiate play. Transitioning from player to coach has been a tremendous privilege, allowing me to share my profound passion for soccer with both my athletes and fellow coaches.
TASCO is a phenomenal organization that does well to support and bolster the high school game as well as coaches around the state. I would I consider it an honor to serve apart of TASCO as the Region 1 2nd Assistant and look forward to contributing to the game and coaches in whatever capacity I am needed.
Miguel Mendez, San Elizario HS
My name is Miguel Mendez. As a soccer player, I played four years at Burges High School in El Paso Texas. I played two years at Central College in Kansas (NJCAA Division 1), and two years at McPherson College (NAIA). I have coached high school soccer since 1997 at San Elizario High School, right outside of El Paso Texas. I have taken off a few years here and there to raise my family. Most of my coaching has been with the boys team. I was an assistant coach for the boys team that won state in 2015, 2018 and 2019 with head coach Max Sappenfield. After that year, I took the girls head coaching position. My first year as a girl's coach, our season got cut short due to COVID. After that, our girls team have made the sweet 16 round three years in a row. I have also coached city league teams since 1994 until three years ago. I am also currently the our middle school girls soccer coach.
I have been a teacher since 1997. I taught kindergarten for 13 years, 4th grade 3 years, 2nd grade 5 years and I am currently in my 7th year as a Physical Education teacher for grades 3rd through 6th.
I am interested in joining the board of directors as I want to help in any way to continue to make the sport of soccer in Texas better.
I have been a teacher since 1997. I taught kindergarten for 13 years, 4th grade 3 years, 2nd grade 5 years and I am currently in my 7th year as a Physical Education teacher for grades 3rd through 6th.
I am interested in joining the board of directors as I want to help in any way to continue to make the sport of soccer in Texas better.
Raphael McHenry, Dumas HS
My name is Raphael McHenry, I have been the head coach for the Dumas Demonettes since 2017. Before becoming a head coach in Dumas I coach Academy U9 and U10 teams for High Plains Drifters. In my tenure as head coach we have qualified for playoffs 4 years and won bi-district 3 of those year(no playoffs during covid or I think we would be 4 for 4).
I have been a member of TASCO every year since becoming a head coach and enjoy the camaraderie and information gained at the fall convention. Soccer has been a huge part of my life even before becoming a coach, I played in High School, Tascosa Rebel Class or 2005, have played in adult leagues throughout the Texas panhandle ever since and officially retired from playing to focus on coaching and officiating. I was an indoor ref from 2013-2017, I was a TASO ref in 2016-2017, then had to stop because I got the head job in Dumas. I recently became a USSF certified official in order to help the youth ranks and hopefully give guidance to the younger refs so they do not fizzle out before they reach adulthood.
The game of soccer has brought me a lot of friends and a lot of joy and I would like to have the opportunity to give back and help it grow in another capacity. I believe that giving back and helping other coaches is the next step.
I have been a member of TASCO every year since becoming a head coach and enjoy the camaraderie and information gained at the fall convention. Soccer has been a huge part of my life even before becoming a coach, I played in High School, Tascosa Rebel Class or 2005, have played in adult leagues throughout the Texas panhandle ever since and officially retired from playing to focus on coaching and officiating. I was an indoor ref from 2013-2017, I was a TASO ref in 2016-2017, then had to stop because I got the head job in Dumas. I recently became a USSF certified official in order to help the youth ranks and hopefully give guidance to the younger refs so they do not fizzle out before they reach adulthood.
The game of soccer has brought me a lot of friends and a lot of joy and I would like to have the opportunity to give back and help it grow in another capacity. I believe that giving back and helping other coaches is the next step.
Blake Beck, Crowley HS
I cannot begin to tell you about myself without including family and where I come from. I am a proud son of two educators, my Father is a retired Texas High School Coach after 38 years of service and my Mother is a retired Kindergarten teacher of 33 years. I am the oldest child of 5, I have 3 brothers and a sister. My siblings and I all are a soccer family through and through. Two of my brothers are also Texas High School Soccer Coaches. Our sister is currently wrapping up her Junior Year at Midwestern State University on the field and in the classroom. I am a proud husband to my wife Brittany, who is also serving as an elementary educator in Burleson ISD. Brittany and I have two children a son and daughter, Boston, 7, and Blakely who is 4. They definitely keep us on our toes but are our biggest blessings. My family, friends, and my faith keep me going every single day.
I am a proud 2005 Graduate of Crowley High School where I currently serve as the Head Coach. This is my 12th year at Crowley High School and my 10th year, as the Head Soccer Coach. I hold a USSF - D Club Coaching License and I am currently Coaching for NTX Celtic. High School soccer made a huge impact on my life. The relationships I've built as a student athlete and now as Coach have been lifelong treasures. It is an honor to give back to the same community that provided me with my education and experiences. Lifelong quality relationships is a measure of success for us in our program, and seeing our past athletes growing into young men is one of the most rewarding pieces of the job. My Coaching philosophy is to use soccer as a means to build a culture that fosters growth and helps young men and women reach their maximum potential.
TASCO is an organization that I am proud to be a part of. I hope that I can be a bigger part of this growing group that positively impacts the lives of all our Coaches and our student athletes.
I am a proud 2005 Graduate of Crowley High School where I currently serve as the Head Coach. This is my 12th year at Crowley High School and my 10th year, as the Head Soccer Coach. I hold a USSF - D Club Coaching License and I am currently Coaching for NTX Celtic. High School soccer made a huge impact on my life. The relationships I've built as a student athlete and now as Coach have been lifelong treasures. It is an honor to give back to the same community that provided me with my education and experiences. Lifelong quality relationships is a measure of success for us in our program, and seeing our past athletes growing into young men is one of the most rewarding pieces of the job. My Coaching philosophy is to use soccer as a means to build a culture that fosters growth and helps young men and women reach their maximum potential.
TASCO is an organization that I am proud to be a part of. I hope that I can be a bigger part of this growing group that positively impacts the lives of all our Coaches and our student athletes.
CaShan Clark, Alvarado HS
I am entering my second year as Head Boys coach at, my alma mater, Alvarado High School after serving 5 years at Midlothian Heritage High School in the same position. I was the 2019 & 2020 Reg.1 Coach of the year, 2019-2020 NFHS State and Sectional Coach of the year and 2023 THSCA Region 6 Coach of the Year.
I was fortunate enough to have amazing soccer coaches growing up at both the club and high school levels and their influence lead me to where I am today. I am an advocate for high school soccer and a staunch supporter of its growth, in both quantity and quality. As a “small school” coach I understand some of the challenges faced by 3A and 4A schools and will work to find solutions.
My career has been blessed with amazing players and staffs that have afforded me wins and awards but nothing has meant more to me than the relationships I have built in the coaching community. I have spent the last several years working with THSCA and coaches around the state to improve soccer’s representation on the high school stage and hope to continue to do the same with this amazing organization.
I was fortunate enough to have amazing soccer coaches growing up at both the club and high school levels and their influence lead me to where I am today. I am an advocate for high school soccer and a staunch supporter of its growth, in both quantity and quality. As a “small school” coach I understand some of the challenges faced by 3A and 4A schools and will work to find solutions.
My career has been blessed with amazing players and staffs that have afforded me wins and awards but nothing has meant more to me than the relationships I have built in the coaching community. I have spent the last several years working with THSCA and coaches around the state to improve soccer’s representation on the high school stage and hope to continue to do the same with this amazing organization.
Region 2 | 2nd Assistant
Chad Monk, Langham Creek HS
My name is Chad Monk and I am running for Region II 2nd assistant. I am currently in my 13th year in coaching at the High School level. I spent 4 years as the girls varsity assistant at North Shore High School, 4 years as the head boys coach at Galena Park High School, and now I am in my 5th year as the head boys coach at Langham Creek High School in Cy Fair ISD. I am a Port Neches- Groves High School graduate and played college soccer at East Texas Baptist University.
Since my background is in three different schools, two different school districts, and have coached on the boys and girls side I believe I could help this organization across the board. I have a huge love for this game due to everything it has given me. I would love to support TASCO to help further my connections and also to help grow our organization since it does so much for coaching development in Texas. I am a hard working person and would love to be able to be a part of the board.
Jessica Serjeant, Mansfield HS
I grew up in the Dallas area and attended Lake Highlands High School, where I played varsity soccer for four years and also participated in club soccer with D'Feeters 83. Following high school, I continued my soccer journey at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). My teaching career began in 2010 with Dallas ISD at Hector P. Garcia middle school, where I served as a P.E. teacher and girls' soccer coach. During my time at Garcia, I also coached boys' soccer and took on the role of athletic coordinator.
After pursuing a graduate degree in Athletic Administration at Ohio University, I transitioned into coaching and teaching at various high schools, including South Garland, Adamson High School, and Mansfield Lake Ridge. Currently, I hold the position of head soccer coach at Mansfield High School. My passion lies in sharing my love for soccer and motivating my athletes to excel both on and off the field.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with exceptional student-athletes and collaborate with dedicated coaches. My time at Mansfield ISD has allowed me to cultivate strong relationships with players, parents, and the community. I'm grateful for the opportunities at Mansfield High School and am eager to further my involvement by connecting with TASCO and networking with fellow coaches in the Texas high school soccer community.
Alexi Upton, Sulpher Springs HS
I am 28, in my 6th year in Sulphur Springs High school. We have created a incredible program that has raised from 14 kids to 80. Interested in having a position, short and simple. Just want to help soccer and growth of Texas soccer.
I have created coaching opportunities in my community, spoke at THSCA, and have a USSF C License.
Phil Duhon, Heath HS
I am the Head Boys Soccer Coach at Rockwall-Heath High School, in my 6th year here. Overall, I have been a head coach for 11 years and and a high school coach for 14 years at 4 different high schools. While I was a member of the LSU Track & Field team in college and I didn't play high school or college soccer, I was able to rectify that once I made the choice to enter into professional coaching and teaching. My team made it to the state final in 2021 and overall I have led my teams to 11 playoff victories in my previous 10 years as a head coach. I have led our district meetings here for the past five years, and I manage our district by-laws and keep our district stats spreadsheet, so I have experience in organizing and communication among coaches.
I believe that the Texas High School Soccer coaches are the very best in the nation at what we do. I have been helped out by many colleagues that I have met through TASCO, and it would be my honor and privilege to serve the coaching community in this state. I have stood on the shoulders of coaching giants in this state and I look forward to the opportunity to lift up and serve the incredible coaches of TASCO as the Region 2 Second Assistant.
I believe that the Texas High School Soccer coaches are the very best in the nation at what we do. I have been helped out by many colleagues that I have met through TASCO, and it would be my honor and privilege to serve the coaching community in this state. I have stood on the shoulders of coaching giants in this state and I look forward to the opportunity to lift up and serve the incredible coaches of TASCO as the Region 2 Second Assistant.
CJ Shelton, McKinney North HS
My name is CJ Shelton and I am currently in my 15th year of coaching Texas high school soccer. I am in my 6th year as head boys coach at McKinney North High School. Prior to my time at North, I was the varsity assistant under Alan Pocock at McKinney HS for 5 years, and Russell Shaw at Lufkin HS before then. I graduated from McKinney High School.
My coaching staff and I have been honored as two-time District Coach of the Year, THSCA Regional Coach of the Year, TASCO Coach of the Year, TASCO Senior Showcase Coach, and United Soccer Coach of the Year for Texas (Small School).
I've been fortunate enough to have worked with, around, and under fantastic soccer coaches who have made great impressions and impact on me as a soccer player, coach, and human. I would appreciate the opportunity to give back to the soccer community that has given me so much!
My coaching staff and I have been honored as two-time District Coach of the Year, THSCA Regional Coach of the Year, TASCO Coach of the Year, TASCO Senior Showcase Coach, and United Soccer Coach of the Year for Texas (Small School).
I've been fortunate enough to have worked with, around, and under fantastic soccer coaches who have made great impressions and impact on me as a soccer player, coach, and human. I would appreciate the opportunity to give back to the soccer community that has given me so much!
John Lawhon, Klein HS
My name is John Lawhon, and I'm in my 30th year of coaching High School soccer. I've been a TASCO member all 30 years. I am currently the Head Coach at Klein High (16 yrs), but I've also coached at Coppell HS (7 yrs) and Corsicana HS (7 yrs). I've been lucky enough to make the playoffs 25 times over the past 29 seasons. Which include 13 trips to the regional Quarters, 7 trips to the Regional tournament and 4 trips to the State Tournament. My 2004 Coppell team went undefeated to win the State Championship. I've lectured several times over the years at TASCO conventions and I've done a couple of field sessions. I've also served on the THSCA Soccer Advisory committee. I would love to give back to the organization that has taught me so much over the course of my career. I'd appreciate your vote for Region 2 2nd Assistant. Thank you.
Region 3 | 2nd Assistant
Nick Stromeyer, Palacios HS
I am currently the Head Boys Soccer Coach at Palacios High School. I am entering my 2nd year as a head soccer coach and 6th year overall coaching soccer. Prior to being a head coach, I also provided goalkeeper training in the Brazos Valley. I also serve as the History Department Head, Assistant Football Coach, and Assistant Baseball Coach here in Palacios. I inherited my love for soccer from my brothers. One serves as a head coach in the Houston area and another serves as a referee.
I believe every sport provides a deeper purpose than just wins and losses. I approach coaching as an opportunity to mentor our student-athletes and make them stronger members of the community. My goal is for my athletes to develop the skills they need to be successful the moment they step out the high school doors and into the real world.
I think Texas provides a great resource for not just soccer players, but coaches as well. I love the pride kids taking in playing for their club and their high school team. We have the opportunity to develop them the right way and help mold them into better soccer players. TASCO provides us with great resources to help us grow and spread our love for the game. It would be an honor to serve with TASCO and help spread this game throughout the state. Thank you.
Brad Harrington, Iowa Colony HS
My name is Brad Harrington and I am currently the Head Girl's Soccer Coach at Iowa Colony High School. Iowa Colony is the newest school in Alvin ISD just south of Houston. We are 4a this year but will be moving up to 5A after this new alignment.
I have been a TASCO member for over 10 years and have made every convention and served as a player for many of the on-field sessions. TASCO has helped me grow as a coach and I would like to find a way to give back to the coaches organization. This is also an opportunity to help grow and inspire the next set of coaches.
I started the girls soccer program here at the Iowa Colony after serving as the Head Coach at Columbia for 9 years. During these 9 years, the team we went to the playoffs 9 times and won 2 district titles and made 4 regional tournaments. At Iowa Colony I have continued the trend of never missing the playoffs and hope to make it to my 5th regional tournament and beyond as we grow our program here.
I enjoy being part of creating and growing new programs, like my current soccer program here at IC. I have also created two yearly soccer tournaments in both districts I have served in. I am responsible for organizing the soccer tournament at IC every year. It takes a lot to organize and run a tournament. Right now the tournament here has 28 teams participating (16 Varsity and 12 JV) and looking to expand it next year to be even bigger! I have learned many valuable lessons over the past several years, including management skills.
I believe that I bring a unique perspective to TASCO due to my previous experience working in smaller districts over the past 10 years. I know and understand many of the challenges that small school coaches face everyday. I would like to help create resources or programs that would help all coaches grow. These programs include development in a variety of issues that affect smaller schools because they do not always have club players or even kids who have played soccer before on their teams.
I have been a TASCO member for over 10 years and have made every convention and served as a player for many of the on-field sessions. TASCO has helped me grow as a coach and I would like to find a way to give back to the coaches organization. This is also an opportunity to help grow and inspire the next set of coaches.
I started the girls soccer program here at the Iowa Colony after serving as the Head Coach at Columbia for 9 years. During these 9 years, the team we went to the playoffs 9 times and won 2 district titles and made 4 regional tournaments. At Iowa Colony I have continued the trend of never missing the playoffs and hope to make it to my 5th regional tournament and beyond as we grow our program here.
I enjoy being part of creating and growing new programs, like my current soccer program here at IC. I have also created two yearly soccer tournaments in both districts I have served in. I am responsible for organizing the soccer tournament at IC every year. It takes a lot to organize and run a tournament. Right now the tournament here has 28 teams participating (16 Varsity and 12 JV) and looking to expand it next year to be even bigger! I have learned many valuable lessons over the past several years, including management skills.
I believe that I bring a unique perspective to TASCO due to my previous experience working in smaller districts over the past 10 years. I know and understand many of the challenges that small school coaches face everyday. I would like to help create resources or programs that would help all coaches grow. These programs include development in a variety of issues that affect smaller schools because they do not always have club players or even kids who have played soccer before on their teams.
Kelli Tomlinson, Bellaire HS
I have worked at Bellaire High School for the last 10 years - the entirety of my teaching and coaching career. For the last three years, I have served as the head girls' soccer coach at Bellaire in Houston ISD. Before that, I was the JV coach and the varsity assistant each for a number of years, so it made the transition into the head coaching role a much smoother one. I am passionate about the coaching profession, and it has been so rewarding to give back to high school athletes in gratitude for all that my high school coaches did for me as an athlete.
As a relatively new head coach, TASCO has proven to be invaluable to me as I continue to learn and grow from those around me. I would love the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given so much to me. I am very aware of the obstacles that coaches face when working in a large inner-city school district, and I am eager to share some of this learned knowledge with other coaches and schools across the state. It would be an honor to serve TASCO as the Region III 2nd Assistant, and I look forward to however I can use a strong work ethic and organizational skills to help continue to grow such an impactful organization.
As a relatively new head coach, TASCO has proven to be invaluable to me as I continue to learn and grow from those around me. I would love the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given so much to me. I am very aware of the obstacles that coaches face when working in a large inner-city school district, and I am eager to share some of this learned knowledge with other coaches and schools across the state. It would be an honor to serve TASCO as the Region III 2nd Assistant, and I look forward to however I can use a strong work ethic and organizational skills to help continue to grow such an impactful organization.
Haiden Lane, New Caney West Fork HS
My name is Haiden Lane and I am currently the Head Boys Soccer Coach at West Fork High School in New Caney ISD. This is my 5th year coaching high school soccer and my 6th year coaching overall, as I spent my first year coaching as a college soccer coach. This is my second year at West Fork HS and prior to coaching here I was the varsity assistant coach at Katy Taylor HS.
I have played the sport of soccer from ages 4-22 which included multiple playing honors, a college athletic and academic scholarship and two-week trial for a professional team in Costa Rica. After the conclusion on my playing career I began coaching at Captain Shreve High School in Shreveport, La in 2019.
Like I mentioned, I have been around the sport of soccer since I was about 4 years of age either as a player or a coach. My parents both had careers in Education as teachers and coaches. My father was a former TASCO board member and spent over 2 decades coaching high school soccer. With having family members apart of TASCO, I am very familiar with the goals and aspirations that TASCO has to grow the opportunities and education options for high school coaches. TASCO is an incredible organization that he brought great resources to coaches across the state. I hope that I am able to be voted in to the TASCO board to allow me to help grow the sport of soccer in Texas.
I have played the sport of soccer from ages 4-22 which included multiple playing honors, a college athletic and academic scholarship and two-week trial for a professional team in Costa Rica. After the conclusion on my playing career I began coaching at Captain Shreve High School in Shreveport, La in 2019.
Like I mentioned, I have been around the sport of soccer since I was about 4 years of age either as a player or a coach. My parents both had careers in Education as teachers and coaches. My father was a former TASCO board member and spent over 2 decades coaching high school soccer. With having family members apart of TASCO, I am very familiar with the goals and aspirations that TASCO has to grow the opportunities and education options for high school coaches. TASCO is an incredible organization that he brought great resources to coaches across the state. I hope that I am able to be voted in to the TASCO board to allow me to help grow the sport of soccer in Texas.
Region 4 | 2nd Assistant
Bert Atilano, Harlan HS
Bert Atilano has been coaching high school soccer in Texas for 18 years and is currently the Head Men’s Coach at Harlan High School in San Antonio, Texas. As a longtime member of this organization, he strongly believes in what TASCO strives to achieve and that is to help public high school soccer coaches at all levels of experience, collaborate, grow, promote our sport, and most importantly to award and recognize our student athletes.
Coach Atilano has been named the TASCO Region IV Coach of the Year two times. He has won three Regional Finals, with one State Final appearance. He has also coached the TASCO Senior Showcase two times.
Coach Atilano has previously been on the TASCO Board of Directors and was also involved with THSCA Soccer Advisory Committee . Coach Atilano has demonstrated a willingness to help grow high school soccer in our state in whatever capacity necessary. He will work diligently to represent the Coaches of Region IV and do whatever necessary for the TASCO board to be able to provide our members across the state with the help and resources they need.
Michael Strong, Boerne HS
Michael Strong graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 2004 and played all four years under Bruce Fink. During his time there the Mules won 4 district titles, were State Runners Up in 2003 and he was named TASCO 1st Team All-State in 03 and 04. In 2008 Strong was named to the UIL All Century 1st Team in celebration of 100 years of high school sports in Texas. After high school he attended the University of Kentucky where he played from 2004-2009. Fast forward to 2018 where he’s been at Boerne for the past 5 years.
During his 5 years at Boerne High School his teams have a record of 111-33-7, 6 District Titles, and a 21 - 3 playoff record as the Boys Head Coach and one season as the Girls Head Coach. The Boerne Greyhounds won state in 2021 and 2022. Strong has been named TASCO Region 4 coach of the year in 20, 21, and 22 and was named the NFHS 2021 Texas Boys Soccer Coach of the Year.