Vanguard University

Coach Juan Mares is coming from Azusa Pacific University where he was the men’s assistant/goalkeeper coach and recruiting coordinator for the last 6 years. In his time at APU, he has helped the GK corps to 28 shutouts, a 1.38 GAA, an overall record of 64-36-8, and a conference record of 50-20-4. 

Coach Mares has been coaching for over 30 years. He is the holder of some of the highest soccer coaching licenses in the United States: the USSF "A", "National Goalkeeping" "National Youth plus the USA 'Premier' and "National Goalkeeping" license. This past summer he completed the training to be a USSF “Grassroots Instructor”. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength Conditioning Association (NSCA). Juan graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 1990 with a degree in Physical Education. He continued his education at California State University Fullerton, where he received his Master's in Science in Kinesiology, double majoring in Biomechanics and Sport Psychology.

Juan has been married to the lovely wife Marjorie for 12 years and has a nine-year-old budding soccer star, Ricardo, whom he coaches at FC Premier. They currently reside in Bellflower and attend Cottonwood Church. In his free time, he likes to cycle, kayak, and spend time with his family at the beach.