Director of Coaching
Phone: (970) 683-1121
ErinSharpe@pleasantonrage.org

Erin Sharpe

Years Coaching at RAGE: 2 years

Team(s) Coaching at RAGE: Director of Coaching

Coaching Credentials: 
• USSF ‘A’
• USC Advanced National Diploma
• Franz Hoek Director of Coaching Certificate

Coaching Experience: 
• Over 20 years in club soccer in Coaching and Director roles
• 6 years Head Coach at Colorado Mesa University
• Current NorCal PDP State Coach

Notable Coaching Achievements
Coached multiple ECNL Divisional Conference Championships, USYS National Championship team, various State Cup and other tournament Championships (Coach San Juan SC, 2004-2008; ECNL Director and Coach 2014-2019)
• Co-Founder, Girl’s Director of Coaching and Coach, Colorado West Select Soccer Club (2011-2014)
• NCAA Tournament Selection, 4 Conference Playoff selections and over 80 student-athlete award recipients for athletic and academic achievements at the conference, regional and national levels (Colorado Mesa University 2008-2013) 

Playing Experience:
• Santa Clara University: NCAA National Champions 2001; 2002 National Finalists; 1999 National Semi-Finalist; 2000 National Quarter-Finalist
• Semi-Professional in Switzerland  

Favorite Professional Soccer Player(s): Michelle Akers, Heather O’Reilly, Julie Ertz, Kelley O’Hara, Steven Gerrard, Mo Salah

Enjoy About Coaching: 
I love being a part of a player’s journey as they develop in every facet of the game and in life.  I also love helping players achieve their goals and dreams, whatever they may be.  For those who aspire to play in college or beyond, I am very passionate about assisting them in this process.

Enjoy Doing in Free Time: Playing Pickleball and spending quality time with my Weimalab, family and friends.

Any Other Notable or Fun Facts: 
I am the Chair of the NorCal Women’s Committee and am passionate about improving and promoting all aspects of girl’s and women’s soccer, including increasing and retaining the number of women in leadership positions within the game. 

2015-2013 (7v7) AGC
2010 (U13) ECNL
Sarah@pleasantonrage.org

Sarah Fawcett

2012-2011 (9v9) AGC
2008 (U15) ECNL
grant@pleasantonrage.org

Grant Matsumoto

Years Coaching at RAGE: 6 years

Team(s) Coaching at RAGE: 2008 (U15) ECNL

Coaching Credentials: 
• NSCAA Advanced National
• NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Diploma
• USSF Grassroots

Coaching Experience: 13 years

Notable Coaching Achievements: 
• Alhambra High School Varsity Men’s coach
• Amador Valley High School Varsity Women’s Assistant
• Dougherty Valley High School Varsity Women’s Assistant
• RAGE Excellence in Coaching Award

Playing Experience: 
• Sonoma State 
• Sonoma County Sol NPSL
• San Ramon FC NPSL
• Diablos Professional Futsal

Favorite Professional Soccer Player(s): Rose Lavelle and Xavi Hernandez

Enjoy About Coaching: 
What I enjoy most about coaching is the idea of creating a competitive learning environment so that players have the ability to become the best players they can. 

Enjoy Doing in Free Time: 
I am a teacher, so I love learning new things! I especially enjoy cooking and golfing!

Any Other Notable or Fun Facts: 
I hold a master’s degree in the arts of teaching from Saint Mary’s College and teach the 5th grade in Martinez.

Family: 
I grew up in San Ramon with parents Frank and Rene. I am the oldest of three children. I have a younger sister named Colby and a younger brother named Parker.

2010-2008 (11v11 Stage 1) AGC
2009 (U14) ECNL
alena@pleasantonrage.org

Alena Thom

TECHNICAL STAFF

Years Coaching at RAGE: 3 years

Team(s) Coaching at RAGE: 2009 (U14) ECNL

Coaching Credentials:
• USSF ‘C’
• USC Advanced National Diploma

Coaching Experience: 
• Youth Level 14 years
• College: 4 seasons: 2 seasons at NCAA  DI level and 2 season at Community College level
• Current NorCal Region 3/4 and State PDP Coach

Playing Experience: 
• Semi-Professionally and Professionally in the USA (Various WPSL and W-League teams across the States)
• Two different clubs in Swedish Norettan
• 1st Division Bundesliga in Germany
• Wake Forest University

Favorite Professional Soccer Player(s): Kristine Lilly, Tiffeny Milbrett, Philip Lamb

Enjoy About Coaching: 
I have always enjoyed being part of a team and as a coach, that is still an aspect I love! When you are working for something more than yourself, I believe you can become more than you thought possible and a team environment helps provide that. Contributing to development is also extremely rewarding. Most people don’t see the amount of work that goes into getting from point A to B. Being part of the day-to-day effort, overcoming obstacles, celebrating the successes, and ultimately helping guide players to their potential is another special part of coaching I enjoy.

Enjoy Doing in Free Time: 
Mountain biking and other outdoor adventures, seeking out new experiences and DIY projects.

Any Other Notable or Fun Facts: I tend to read magazines from back to front.

 

U16-U19 11v11 AGC
2006 (U17) ECNL
WalterPratte@pleasantonrage.org

Walter Pratte

TECHNICAL STAFF

Years Coaching at RAGE: 16 years

Team(s) Coaching at RAGE: 11v11 (U16-19) AGC, 2006 (U17) ECNL

Coaching Credentials: 
• USSF ‘A’
• USSF ‘Y’

Coaching Experience:
25 years, including Club, High School and WPSL

Notable Coaching Achievements: 
Assisting with placing our players into collegiate programs, including 23 players in our biggest class.

Playing Experience: 
• Real Colimas Colorado League, Team Captain; 2000 League Champions/1998-2001
• Puebla Denver Latin League, Team Captain 1995, 1996, 1997; League Champions/1
• Guadalajara Colorado Division 1/1993-1995
• Club Buenaventura Semi-Professional Team Paraguay, Striker 1990-1991; League Champions/1990-1991

Favorite Professional Soccer Player(s): 
Alex Morgan and Leo Messi

Enjoy About Coaching: 
I want kids to learn a sport that will not only make them a good athlete but will make them a good leader on and off the field. I believe soccer gives the opportunity to help build character, discipline, commitment, and the responsibility that an athlete can carry throughout their life. When working with the youth, it is about the ability we have as coaches and parents within a community to bring out the highest playing potential, and in doing so, they become one step closer to achieving their own dreams and aspirations. I love connecting with the needs of youth soccer players of today.

Enjoy Doing in Free Time: 
I believe every girl has a voice that can change the world, starting with her own. The most impactful way to create change and break the cycle of poverty within any community is to EMPOWER and EDUCATE girls, and that is what I have set out to do. One community, one girl at a time! My goals are centered around empowering the next generation of female student-athletes to rise up, make a difference, and become strong leaders in their own communities. I accomplish this through my work with Girls Soccer Worldwide.

Any Other Notable or Fun Facts: 
I was in the Argentina Army.