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 your starter at UNCA with youth coaching at HFC & WYSA
Alma Mater - University of Asheville (NCAA D1)
Director Of Next Gen Shield
Brenton Benware
Nationality : American
Background - Oversees the youngest program offered within the club. Brenton joins us from Head College coaching roles at John Brown University & Montreat College. He has previous roles coaching ODP, as well as director roles in Kentucky.
Alma Mater -
Our Team Coaches
Joao Elhers
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.
Alma Mater - Ohio State (NCAA D1)
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.
Alma Mater - Montreat College (NAIA)
Jeo Ordaz
Nationality : Mexican
Background - Along with his collegiate career at Montreat College, Jeo has an extensive background within youth coaching. An intergral member of the One7 Academy where he was a part of a National Championship winning staff.
Alma Mater - Montreat College (NAIA)
Bas Pouls
Nationality : Dutch
Background - A four year starter for Montreat Men's Soccer and graduate. Coach Bas joined HS Boys teams.
Alma Mater - Montreat College (NAIA)
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.
Alma Mater - Montreat College (NAIA)
Krystal Goss
Nationality : American
Background - Next Gen Shield coach for two years, experience as youth director as well as coaching at the collegiate level. A current Asheville City player.
Alma Mater - Anderson College (NCAA D2)
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