Coach John Byford
February 5, 2014. Pleasanton, CA.
Pleasanton RAGE held a nationwide search and is pleased to announce the hiring of two new full-time staff coaches. Coach John Byford comes to RAGE with extensive coaching experience, including a 6-year tenure as Head Coach at Villanova University from 2008-2013. While head coach, Villanova went to the Big East tournament 3 times and the NCAA tournament once. Coach Byford was named Eastern Pennsylvania Girls High School Coach of the year and has also served as an ODP coach from 1996-2012. He currently holds USSF “A” and “B” National Youth Coaching Licenses as well as NSCAA National and Advanced National, Premier and Goalkeeping Diplomas.
Coach Tina Estrada
RAGE’s second hire is coach Tina Estrada who comes to RAGE from DePaul University in Chicago, Il. At DePaul she worked as an assistant coach from 2010-2013 and was recognized by the NSCAA as “One of the Nation’s Top Young Soccer Coaches” and was chosen for the prestigious NSCAA 30-Under-30 education and mentorship program. A Fremont native, Estrada played on the U17 USWNT and then went on to play for and graduate from Santa Clara University with 4 All West Coast Conference Championships, 4 NCAA tournaments appearances and 2-time leading scorer (sophomore and junior year). Estrada earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication (SCU) and then earned a Master’s degree from DePaul University in Digital Cinema. She holds both the NSCAA National and Advanced National coaching diploma’s.
Coach Ramiro Rodriquez
Additionally, RAGE has contracted Coach Ramiro Rodriguez. Coach Rodriguez comes to RAGE following an 8-year stint as Head coach at Las Positas College. Growing up in his native of country of Peru, Coach Rodriguez played through the ranks of the Peruvian National Development program until he came to the US to play college soccer. Following college, Coach Rodriguez earned his USSF “A” and “Premier” Licenses. Coach Rodriguez has served as an ODP coach since 1998 and worked as a youth soccer coach in the Bay Area for 15 years with a philosophy focused on the development of both student and athlete. In 2013, Coach Rodriguez earned a Master’s degree in Kinesiology and Sport Science from Cal State East Bay.
Director of Coaching, Philippe Blin reviewed 90 applications submitted from all over the U.S. and candidates completed a 5-step interview process. Pleasanton RAGE Girls Soccer is a top nationally competitive club that strives to develop elite soccer players and, more importantly, high performing citizens.
Welcome, Coaches Byford, Estrada and Rodriguez!
