Javier’s Playing Journey

Javier grew up in East Palo Alto, California, where he honed his skills with Northern California teams. His natural talent for soccer, combined with a deep passion for the game, led him to excel at every level of competition. As a youth player, Javier was selected for State and Regional ODP programs, catching the eye of college scouts.

Javier went on to play Division I soccer at UC Berkeley from 2004 to 2007 under coach Kevin Grimes. During his time with the Golden Bears, Javier helped lead the team to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including two trips to the second round, a Sweet 16 appearance, and an Elite 8 appearance. In 2006 and 2007, he helped his team win back-to-back PAC-10 Championships, and the program was ranked in the top 25 during all four of his seasons.

​Javier’s professional journey includes training stints with Chivas USA, San Jose Earthquakes, and Sporting Kansas City in MLS. He also played professionally in Puerto Rico, Thailand, and Germany, before rounding out his playing career with Bay Area teams in the NPSL and MASL.

Javier’s Coaching Career

​After transitioning from playing, Javier made a name for himself as a coach, starting with UC Berkeley, where he served as Head Assistant Coach. He then took the helm at San Francisco State, leading the men's soccer team to its most successful season in decades and earning the title of CCAA Men's Soccer Coach of the Year in 2017. His coaching résumé also includes two seasons with the San Francisco Glens in USL-2 and  as Head Assistant at the University of San Francisco.

A Mission to Inspire

​Growing up in one of the most challenging environments in the country, East Palo Alto in the mid-90s, Javier overcame obstacles with the unwavering support of family and friends. His personal journey has fueled his passion for giving back. Now, Javier is committed to educating and inspiring young players from all backgrounds, helping them realize their dreams through soccer, regardless of where they come from.

Javier’s Family Today

​Beyond his soccer career, Javier is a dedicated family man. He and his wife are proud parents to two children, Nina (5) and Rafa (2). In recent years, Javier made the decision to step away from a promising college coaching career to prioritize spending more time with his family. This commitment to both his family and his players reflects the deep values that guide his life and work.