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 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)
Matthew Tanner
Nationality : American
Background - A former DII Collegiate coach. Coach Tanner took the reins of the Spring Hill men’s soccer program in August 2014 after spending the 2013 season as the team’s assistant coach.
Alma Mater - University of West Florida (NCAA D2)
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)
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)
Rapha Duarte
Nationality : Brazilian
Background - Recent Montreat Men's Soccer graduate. Coach Rapha joined our staff straight from his graduation and will be interning with our club this Fall.
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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