Adrian Roman
aroman@heartofthecitysports.org
Coach / Director of Coaching
U-10 Boys, U-12 Boys Black, U-18 Boys
- Playing Background: Chicago Magic PSG Academy, Lincoln College, Tecos FC UAG
- School: Waukegan High School; Lincoln College (B.A. in Sports Administration)
- Coaching Experience: Lincoln College (Assistant coach), Chicago Magic (2 years),
Heart of The City (current)
- Licenses: USSF Grassroots Coaching License, USSF D Coaching License, USSF C Coaching License
- Coaching Philosophy: to develop players on and off the field, to inspire, to motivate, to be transformational with using the game of soccer to better the lives of the players I coach.
Alejandro Sotelo
alejandro@heartofthecitysports.org
Coach / Director of Academy
U-13 Boys, U-16 Girls, U-16 Boys Black
- Playing Background: Club Soccer with Chicago Fire, All-State high school player, male athlete of the year
- School: Round Lake Senior High School; Trinity Christian College (played collegiate soccer)
- Coaching Experience: Graduate Assistant at Campbellsville University
- Licenses: USSF Licensed Coach, USSF Coach Mentor
- Coaching Philosophy: Develop young soccer athletes holistically, focusing on growth both on and off the field.
David Motley
dave@heartofthecitysports.org
Coach
(Assistant)
Playing Background: Graduate of Waukegan East High School (IHSA Regional Champion - 1987, 1988); played for Waukegan Police, USA Continentals, and Trebol F.C.
Education: BA, Western Illinois University - 1992
Coaching Experience: Coached with Trebol F.C., Waukegan HS Girls, and HOTC for the previous 6 years
Licenses: USSF Grassroots and D Licenses, USSF Coach Mentor License, USSF Referee License
Coaching Philosophy: I share my love for soccer in a supportive manner, prioritizing players' needs and motivating them through effort and team success.
Sangjun Hornewer
sangjun@heartofthecitysports.org
Coach
U-13 Girls, U-16 Boys Red
- Playing Background: UFC Waukegan, Chicago Magic PSG, North Central United; high school varsity captain; collegiate soccer at Lake Forest College (NCAA Division III), team MVP
- School: Warren Township High School; Lake Forest College (B.A. in Communication), Northwestern University (M.A. in Communication)
- Coaching Experience: First year with HOTC (2023-2024)
- Licenses: USSF Licensed Coach, USSF Coach Mentor
- Coaching Philosophy: I believe in positive communication, taking an individualized approach to coaching, providing support, and demonstrating techniques in real-time.
Sam Shapiro
Coach
U-9 Boys Black, U9 Boys Red
- Playing Background: Youth soccer for Pegasus SC and Chicago Fire Juniors North; four-year varsity player at Lake Forest Academy
- School: Lake Forest Academy; University of Colorado Boulder
- Coaching Experience: Works at Finish Strong (sports coaching program)
- Licenses: USSF Licensed Coach, USSF Coach Mentor
- Coaching Philosophy: I emphasize possession-based soccer, defensive formation, team unity, respect, continuous learning, and holistic player growth.
Victor Rico
victor@heartofthecitysports.org
Coach
U-10 Girls, U-15 Boys Red, U-15 Boys Black,
U-18 Girls
- Playing Background: Youth Club with Chicago Wind, high school soccer at Round Lake, college soccer at Harper College and RMU, semi-pro with Lake County Hurricanes
- School: Round Lake High School; Harper College
- Coaching Experience: Chicago Fire Juniors, 9 years at Round Lake High School, 15 years as a personal trainer
- Licenses: USSF D License, USSF Coach Mentor, Youth Exercise Specialist, USYF License, ASEP Certified
- Coaching Philosophy: I emphasize simplicity, proper technique, enjoyment, and holistic player development.
Omar Mendez
omendez@heartofthecitysports.org
Coach
U-11 Boys, U-11 Girls
- Playing Background: Graduate of Waukegan High School, played in local amateur soccer leagues
- Coaching Experience: Coached with HOTC for the past 7 years
- Licenses: USSF D License, USSF Coach Mentor
- Coaching Philosophy: I focus on developing passion and essential tools for young players to reach their full potential.
Jonathon Valenzuela
jonathon@heartofthecitysports.org
Coach
U-9 Girls, U-12 Boys Red
- Playing Background: Street soccer, high school at Waukegan High School, travel teams with Red Stars and Pegasus
- School: Waukegan Public High School
- Coaching Experience: My second year with HOTC
- Licenses: USSF Licensed Coach, USSF Coach Mentor
- Coaching Philosophy: I develop players holistically, fostering goal-setting, respect, and dedication. Through hard work and mutual respect, I help players reach their potential and love for the game of soccer.
Jocy Anguiano
janguiano@heartofthecitysports.org
Coach
(Assistant)
- Playing Background: Former HOTC Elite player and played with Cristo Rey High School
- Education: Cristo Rey High School; Illinois State Uni.; Carthage College
- Coaching Experience: HOTC Grassroots and Academy coach
- Licenses: USSF Coaching License
- Coaching Philosophy: Create an environment where players can express themselves, play with freedom, and develop through experiential learning