Diego BocanegraĀ brings more than 25 years of experience developing players across youth, collegiate, and professional soccer. Throughout his career, he has focused on building confident, resilient players by combining high-level technical development with mentorship, accountability, and a commitment to daily improvement.
Bocanegra previously served asĀ Head Coach of the University of Houston Womenās Soccer program, where he was namedĀ American Athletic Conference Coach of the YearĀ and led the team to the best record in program history.
He has also coached at the professional level with theĀ Houston Dash (NWSL)Ā and worked at top NCAA programs includingĀ Notre DameĀ andĀ Cal State Fullerton.Ā
At the youth level, Bocanegra has served asĀ Director of Coaching at Arsenal FCĀ andĀ Assistant Director of Coaching at Fullerton Rangers, helping guide many players into college soccer. Most recently, he coached theĀ Vista Storm 2012 Boys, at theĀ National Premier League (NPL) level while winning multiple tournaments along the way.
He holds theĀ U.S. Soccer āAā LicenseĀ and has served as aĀ U.S. Soccer Youth National Team Scout and National Training Center Coach, helping identify and develop players within the national team pathway.
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Coaching Philosophy:
"My role as a coach is to mentor and challenge players to become the best version of themselvesāboth on and off the field. I believe in creating an environment that emphasizes daily improvement, accountability, and a strong team culture. By focusing on effort, supporting teammates, and embracing challenges, players develop the confidence and resilience needed to grow as athletes, teammates, and individuals."
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Favorite Team / Player:
Arsenal FC/ Diego Maradona & Thierry Henry
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Licenses/Credentials:
- USSF National "A" License
- United Soccer Coaches (Formerly NSCAA) Premier Diploma
- United Soccer Coaches (Formerly NSCAA) Advanced Diploma
- BA - Liberal Studies/Biology
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Coaching Experience:
- Vista Storm B2012 NPL (2023-2026)
- University of Houston Women's Soccer - Head Coach (2017-2022)
- Houston Dash NWSL - Assistant Coach (2017)
- Notre Dame Women's Soccer - Assistant Coach (2014-2016)
- Cal State Fullerton Women's Soccer - Associate Head Coach (2009-2014)
- Cal State San Bernardino Women's Soccer - Head Coach (2007-2008)
- Fullerton Rangers Asst. Director of Coaching/College Recruiting Coordinator (2009-2014)
- Arsenal FC (now Sporting CA) Director of Coaching/Staff Coach (2000-2009)
- U.S. Soccer Federation Youth National Team Scout/National Training Center Coach (2012-14,2017-2022)
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Playing Experience:
- UCLA (1995-96)
- Grand Canyon University (1993-95)
- Arsenal FC (1988-1993) - 1992 National Champions
- Alta Loma High School - 1993 CIF-SS Champions, CIF-SS Player of the Year
