A Family of One
The South Bay Force SC U14 girls’ team has been together with a core group staying intact from the 8 and under years. They have had many girls come and go. Since November to 2011, these ladies have put together a rather impressive 3 championship, 2 semi-finalist and 1 finalist run in their age division.
They are currently ranked 6th in Southern California, 17th in their region and 37th in the nation. Judging from their performance in 2011, 2012 is sure to be a banner year for this amazing group of young ladies.
Gustavo Salazar has been the head coach for this outstanding group of young ladies since 2008. Under his tutelage and leadership, they have matured, developed and become champions on and off the soccer field. Together with his son Luis Salazar, the Assistant Coach, the team is getting stronger every year and with every game played.
Gustavo Salazar
Head Coach
Playing History
• MVP La Salle High School Risaralda 4 years (Colombia)
• Pereira 2 years (Colombia)
• Semi LA league
Coaching History
• South Bay Force 2008- Present
• The David Beckham Academy, Staff 2006- 2009
• SAS, Arsenal, NHB Club Coach
• Galaxy BU16-18 Staff
• El Monte S. High School, Girls Varsity Coach
• J.F. Kennedy High School Girls Varsity Coach
Coaching Accomplishments
• U.S. Soccer Federation “B” License
• 2010 State Cup Championship, GU13 and GU14
• B License
Teams: GU12 Blue, GU12 Co-coach
Luis Salazar
Assistant Coach
Playing History
• Currently playing in Coast Soccer Adult League
• 2005-2008 UCSD Division II Mens soccer
• 2001-2004 Irvine Strikers, 2004 State Champion, Regional Champion, and National Finalist
• 2000-2004 Downey High School Varsity, Team MVP and SGVL All League Selection
Coaching History
• South Bay Force 2009 – Present
• Anaheim Soccer Club Express GU18 Silver Elite Coach 2009
• David Beckham Academy Staff 2009
Coaching Accomplishments
• US Soccer Federation “E” Coaching License
• Assistant Coach for 2010 State Cup Champion GU13 and BU14 teams
• D License
Player Impact Statements
I have been on this team for about 5 years and being here has really helped me mature and grow. Our amazing coach, Gustavo, taught us about responsibility and team unity both on the soccer field and in the real world. My team is like my second family and if I didn’t have them with me through my struggles then I don’t know what I would do. Soccer has become a part of me and my life … it has impacted so many of my decisions both hard and easy. If I didn’t play soccer, I would be a completely different person.
Caroline Keever
I have been part of this team for several years and we have become good friends, better soccer players and it is all due to our coach and his dedication to us all.
Alli Doami
“Over the years of playing on this soccer team, I have not only grown to love the game but also the people. It has impacted my life by making me busier during the week and on the weekends. It’s worth it to me. I get amazing skill practice, I have a whole other family, and last but not least an amazing coach. Gustavo has helped me in many ways from life to the game. I would not be at the skill level I am at without Gustavo.”
Christie Carey
I’ve been on Gustavo’s team for about 4 years. Being on this team has brought me many things. Since the day I joined I have made many new friends. Some of my closest friends are on this team now which makes the experience much better for me. I have also learned how to work together and make sacrifices. In order to be a good team you have to work with each other and if something doesn’t work out you have to make sacrifices. Because I have such an amazing coach who has not only taught me to become a better soccer player but has taught me to be an all-around better person. Gustavo has taught me how to be more respectful, how to work hard in order to achieve what you want, and how to understand that the game of soccer doesn’t only have to do with your skills, it has a lot to do with how much you want it and how hard you are willing work for it.
Delaney Hawkes
Being on Gustavo’s team is almost like having a second family. My team mates are my sisters on and off the field. We are an excellent team because we have a wonderful coach. I was starting to lose interest in soccer until the day I tried out for Gustavo’s team and fell in love with the sport again. Our team has progressed in the last two years because he makes each and every one of us feel like we’re important to the success of our team.
Claire Stromme
Soccer in my life has been and hopefully will continue to be a great experience for me. My teammates and I work very hard along with our coach Gustavo to make us a better team and become one off and on the field. I look forward to many more years with this team and our coach.
Jeanette Paul
There has never been a moment in the four years that I have been on the South Bay Force team when I have felt unwanted or excluded from the rest of the group. All of my teammates have accepted, supported, and impacted me, but no one has more than my incredible coach Gustavo Salazar. He has helped me improve my speed, my technique, and my attitude towards the game. Through good games and bad games, he is always there for me. I could not have asked for a better coach and team!
Danielle Major
Being on this team has made me a better person and an even better soccer player. We started as a low silver elite team and eventually became one of the top teams in Southern California.
Hanna Watkins
There is so much to say about my team and South Bay Force. One word that comes to mind is “Teamwork”. We show this on and off the field, we communicate with each other and work well with one another and our coach Gustavo. Each player on this team has great leadership and good sportsmanship. As a team we have grown so much to become better players and we have worked very hard to get to where we are now as a team, but we could not have done it without our coach Gustavo. He is a great coach and is always trying to make us work harder and become better players and do what is best for us. The thing I most love about our team is there’s nothing like us. We are all unique in our own way and we will always be a family on and off the field.
Hannah Ortega
My team is a family, made up of amazing and caring teammates and friends. We work very hard together, but more importantly, we care about one another. All of us have a passion for soccer and we have been very lucky to find Coach Gustavo to help us be the best players that we can be. Not only does he teach my teammates and I how to grow as soccer players, but he cares so much about us and he’ll do anything to help each one of us achieve in life.
Julia Freeman
“I joined this team 2 years ago and it has been such an amazing experience. I love my coach and all the girls. We’ve accomplished a lot together and we’ve really improved as a team. This team is very important to me and I have learned so much from being with them. I hope I’ll be playing soccer for a long time to come.”
Kate Brunskill
Being on this team has been a great experience for me. When I am having a bad day, or I am in a bad mood, playing on this team is a great escape. Our coach Gustavo does a great job of helping us excel at soccer, but also in our studies and as a person. I can’t imagine doing anything else but play soccer with the girls on this team. My teammates and I have learned so much about each other and help each other become better. All of my teammates are like sisters and we get along with our coach we are like family!
Layne Eichenlaub
“This team keeps me organized. It not only offers me great friendships, it teaches me trust. We all trust each other to do our job on the field. We all have unique abilities. Our coach Gustavo sees them and puts them to good use.”
Loren Teter
Being on this team has introduced me to many different people. From the many years that I have been playing on this team I know that I can rely on them with anything. They are more than just teammates, they are my family. Not only do I learn from Gustavo but from my teammates. By working with other people we all strive to compete with each other. My dedication to soccer has brought many sacrifices that I am willing to make in order to be my best.
Maddy Emerson
Our team has been together through thick and thin which only makes us stronger players and closer as friends. We have grown so much and worked together as a family. Gustavo Salazar (our coach) has inspired to work hard and as team…
Katherine Ascher
“Soccer is my escape, it’s not just a sport to me, I love the game and this team. This team is our family and the field is like my second home”. I am so grateful to have Gustavo as my coach. He has helped me to become a better player from day one and has always shown me that hard work and dedication will make a difference both on and off the field.
Malina Maeda
The experiences that I have had from playing soccer are things that I would never do if I wasn’t on a team. I have met so many different players that have become my friends and have had some really great coaches that have taught me a lot of new things. I get to travel and see places that I might not get to see if I didn’t play sports. Coach Gustavo is an awesome coach and he takes a lot of time with us so that we can be better soccer players. Being on South Bay Force is a lot of hard work but is it fun and my teammates are the best!
Mia Ramirez
“Soccer in my life has made me a strong person both on and off the field”
Alicia Sloss
Being on this team has been such a great experience! Not only have I learned so many new things about the game, but I have met new friends and have had so much fun at the same time. I love the players on my team and my coach so much. They are like my family away from home. I hope that we can remain a team and continue being successful for as long as we can.
Kendall Douglas
“Even though this is my first year with this team, everybody has been so supportive and hard-working. Being on South Bay Force has been the best experience. It is so great to be playing with amazing soccer players who really stick together like a family. Everyone is high in spirit and always motivating each other to do their best. Playing at this level is such a privilege, especially with our passionate coach. We work hard every week and help each other along the way. Soccer is our life, and I couldn’t ask for a better team than South Bay Force.”
Moorea “Mo” Henn
I have been the manager for South Bay Force and Gustavo Salazar for the last 6 years and I could not be more proud to be part of this group of girls. I have watched this group of girls work hard to become the soccer players they are today. This team has a great group of parents that love and support their daughters no matter what the challenge is. The girls are committed to the team and to Gustavo. It is a pleasure to manage this group of girls, they respect each other both on and off the field and as a manager you could not ask for more. I am very lucky to have a great group of parents, coaches and girls that I respect and enjoy being around.
Norma Ortega – Team Manager
Parents Quotes
We are truly blessed and thankful to be on this team and with the South Bay Force Organization. We have only the highest respect and gratitude for both Coach Gustavo and Coach Luis for their time and energy in coaching our girls. From the very beginning, Gustavo provided our daughter with his knowledge, guidance and passion for this wonderful sport which extends far beyond the soccer field and cannot say enough for the positive impact he has had with Malina. We know that she will one day reflect back with fond memories of great coaching, great competition, lifelong friendships, and the true meaning of TEAM Soccer! The wonderful families who share the sidelines shower their kids with positive encouragement which translates to positive reinforcement by the players as they communicate and encourage each other on the field and from the bench. We truly have an awesome team.
Maeda Family
Soccer has made Alicia a more determined person not only does she want to get to the ball first; she also approaches her studies with the same attitude. That alone sets a good example for her little sisters.
Alicia’s Parents
Many of the girls on this team have been together since they were U8, and the teamwork and chemistry shows. Yes – we parents like to grumble about all the sacrifices we make for club soccer – weekends at far away tournaments, driving the girls to and from practice twice a week, the cost. But I don’t doubt for a minute that when she is done with club soccer I will miss the special times spent with my daughter on those long drives. As a lifelong competitive soccer player myself, I can only hope that the sport gives back to her half as much as it has to me.
Scott Douglas
“Playing club soccer at a very young age has had a very positive effect on our daughter. She has become a better player, but even more importantly she has become a better person. She has learned the importance of hard work, dedication, discipline, and the balance of individual and team efforts. We are very thankful she has found something that she loves and teammates who share her love.”
Henn Family
