Shield believes that the culture of a club runs from the top down. For this reason, we have assembled a first rate coaching team that exemplifies quality and excellence in all they do.
Our Program Directors
Director Of Coaching
Nathan Watt
Nationality : English
Background - Shield's longest serving coach has a wealth of playing & coaching experience from; England, US & Australia. A current Asheville City Player. Nathan has coached across every Shield team & is proud to be able to name every player in the club!
Alma Mater - Lees McRae College (NCAA D2)
Director Of Girls Coaching
Bella Iorio
Nationality : American
Background - Current UNCA Women's Assistant. Previously coached at D2 Barton College, and Concord University. A four year starter at UNCA with youth coaching at HFC & WYSA
Alma Mater - University of Asheville (NCAA D1)
Director Of Development
Stuart Jacob
Nationality : English
Background - UEFA licensed coach and former 9 year Crystal Palace FC Academy Coach. Also is currently Asheville city academy coach
Goal Keeper Coach
Dano Holcomb
Nationality : American
Background - Former collegiate player at UNCA. After graduating, also is a former UNCA GK coach for many years.
Our Team Coaches
Joao Ehlers
Nationality : Brazilian
Background - Current Montreat Men's Soccer Assistant coach. Growing up in a country where Football is life, Joao played at high youth levels in Brazil & also coached at high youth levels in the US with Columbus Crew Academy.
Rafael Dinca
Nationality : Portugese
Background - Recent Montreat Men's Soccer captain and graduate. Coach Dinca joined our staff in 2020 as an intern before progressing to become a regular Shield Coach.
Will Clark
Nationality : American
Background - Former Collegiate coach at Wofford College and now currently Assistant coach at UNCA with the womens Program. Former local youth coach.
Bas Pouls
Nationality : Dutch
Background - A four year starter for Montreat Men's Soccer and graduate. Coach Bas has worked with mulitple Shield teams as well as next gen program.
Rapha Duarte
Nationality : Brazilian
Background - Coach Rapha initially joined our staff as an intern. Due to his incredible enthusiasm now works with all NGS players and younger CCL teams.
Taylor Gardner
Nationality : American
Background - Current UNCA Women's soccer star. Alongside her studies and personal development, works with our Next Gen players
Kenzie McDowell
Nationality : American
Background - A four year starter for UNCA Women's Soccer, recently graduated and excited to be coaching our oldest girls teams.
Alma Mater -UNCA (NAIA)
Matthew Tanner
Nationality : American
Background - Former Collegiate player and University of West Florida and College head coach for Spring Hill Mens Soccer. Tanner has been a coach for ASFC since 2019.
Andy McNab
Nationality : Scottish
Background - Current UNCA Womens head coach. Andy has experience as a collegiate head coach at many womens programs before starting his role in AVL Summer 2021
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