Today we’d like to introduce you to Hector Prado.
Hi Hector, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Oceanside and Vista. I went to school at Del Rio Elementary, Martin Luther King Middle School and El Camino High School. Soccer has always been a part of my life, from playing recreation with my friends to playing professionally in Mexico. Growing up, I played soccer on Saturdays and Sundays in Oceanside and Vista, Soccer, soccer has helped me stay out of trouble and has helped me be the person I am today. I Played recreational for the Liga Azteca league in Oceanside, Oceanside Soccer Club, Vista Soccer Club, Mira Costa College, Palomar College and, Morelia Monarcas FMF. I also played Pro for Futbol Futsal in Mexico and Futbol Playa Xolos de Tijuana (Beach Soccer in Mexico). After playing soccer, I decided to give back to my community and become a coach. I have been coaching soccer from 2009 to the present, and it is very fulfilling in my life to help groom young men into men and coach the sport I love. From 2010-2012 I coached at Palomar College as an Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper coach. At the same time, I also wanted to coach my club teams u8 and u9 Mondays and Wednesdays year-round.
In 2012-2013, I was hired as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Pacifica University and start up the program. After the program was up and running, I decided to focus on my community and In 2014, I was hired as the Boys Head Varsity Coach at Vista High School still coach there presently. After my first season as the boy’s head coach, I was hired at Vista High School as Security in which I work there actively. In 2016 I was also hired as the Girls head coach at Vista High School, and I coach them actively also. I coach both boys and girls and manage both programs. Since I have taken over both programs, we have had many Alumni Athletes play College soccer from Community College to four year Universities to playing pro oversees. We have incorporated core values in the program that has helped us be successful through the years, with education being first. In 2018, I was also hired as the Athletic Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Vista. My emphasis is to focus on all Middle School Sports for four middle schools Vista Magnet Middle School, Madison Middle School, VIDA Middle School and Rancho Minerva Middle School. I am facilitating sports for Fall, Winter and Spring and offering sports like Cross Country, Flag Football, Boys and Girls Basketball and Coed Soccer. I am sure you are wondering how this is possible but it has manageable with a great support system from staff and parents that have very supportive in what I do. I have been blessed to coach and build relationships with many families in the community. It’s always nice for former players and parents to come out and volunteer and support our kids. Working with kids drives me to be the best and try and provide the best experience possible through youth sports. Youth sports saves lives and I am very fortunate to be part of it.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road because sometimes I wish to help and support everyone but sometimes it is not always possible.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am known for being a soccer coach. I specialize in youth sports and I am very proud for being able to guide kids in their lives.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Honestly, the best resource I have is real life and experiencing life and learning from your mistakes.
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