Today we’d like to introduce you to Miguel Angel Gutierrez.
Hi Miguel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Unmatched Performance was founded at the conclusion of my last collegiate season in 2016. At that moment, I knew my playing days were over, but I still wanted to be involved in the sport of soccer. Goalkeeping has been my lifelong passion and I decided to pursue coaching as a way to give back to the game that I love so much and pass along some of the knowledge I acquired throughout the years. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to coach full-time and make a living off a profession that I truly cherish.
I vividly remember driving down to my local soccer store to purchase 5 soccer balls and a stack of 10 cones, after that I began reaching out to youth goalkeepers through social media in hopes of getting them out to train for little to no charge. Most of my sessions took place at a small neighborhood park near my house. I can’t recall the number of times we got kicked out by the park ranger because we didn’t have a permit. Truly humble beginnings, but the drive, vision, and passion were present from the start.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Adversity has presented itself in a variety of ways over the last 6 years. However, I would say that my biggest challenge was in the infant stages of my academy due to the lack of clientele. I distinctly remember traveling up north to attend soccer events in Del Mar, Orange County, Norco, etc., with the intention of recruiting new clients and coming back empty-handed. Definitely, we’re a lot of character-building moments in the early stages of Unmatched Performance.
As you know, we’re big fans of Unmatched Performance. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
A native of San Ysidro, CA, played as a professional all over North and South America with stops at CR Vasco da Gama (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), Pumas UNAM (Mexico City), and C.D. Veracruz (Heroica Veracruz, Mexico) among others. Following the conclusion of my playing days, I directed my passion for the game toward coaching goalkeepers. My experiences and exposure to different coaching styles throughout my career have played a pivotal role in shaping the way I train goalkeepers. As a goalkeeper coach, I’ve had the opportunity to work with goalkeepers across various levels from youth to professional.
Unmatched Performance is a goalkeeping academy based out of Chula Vista, CA; specializing in goalkeeper development in high-performance environments. We are renowned for our practical experience in identifying, selecting, developing, and transitioning local talents with the goal of preparing goalkeepers to compete at the next level.
Currently:
Founder of Unmatched Performance
San Diego State University Men’s Soccer Goalkeeper Coach
Albion SC Goalkeeping Director MLS Next / Girls Academy
What does success mean to you?
Looking back at the last 6 years of my life and realizing how far we’ve come feels surreal at times. Whenever I’m facing any sort of doubt or uncertainty, I remember the 2016 Miguel, that wasn’t afraid of being told no, knocking on every door until someone took notice. Overcoming every challenge life throws my way and pursuing my calling all while positively impacting my community through the beautiful game, is how I define success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @unmatchedperformance
