COACH PAUL CASAREZ

Paul Casarez serves as the Director of Coaching for Apple Valley Storm, overseeing the technical direction, player development pathway, and coaching standards across all levels of the club—from grassroots recreation to elite competitive and semi-professional soccer.With more than 30 years of coaching and leadership experience, Paul provides a unified vision for how Storm players are trained, developed, and supported. His role ensures consistency in playing philosophy, curriculum, and expectations, while maintaining a strong emphasis on player welfare, accountability, and long-term development. Role & ResponsibilitiesAs Director of Coaching, Paul is responsible for:
  • Establishing and maintaining the club’s technical philosophy and playing model
  • Designing age-appropriate training curricula and development benchmarks
  • Mentoring and evaluating coaches across all programs
  • Supporting player identification, movement, and placement
  • Aligning recreational, competitive, and elite pathways
  • Ensuring best practices in player safety, communication, and culture
  • Creating clear pathways to college, elite leagues, and the adult game

Paul’s leadership ensures that every Storm player—regardless of age or level—receives consistent, high-quality instruction aligned with the club’s long-term vision.Development PathwayUnder Paul’s direction, Apple Valley Storm provides a complete player pathway:

  • Recreation Soccer – foundational skills, love for the game
  • Competitive Youth Soccer – technical and tactical development
  • Elite & Premier-Level Competition – high-performance environments
  • College Placement Support – academic and athletic guidance
  • Adult Semi-Professional Soccer – bridge to the next level through UPSL Premier

This structure allows players to progress organically within one unified system, guided by consistent standards and expectations.Leadership Philosophy Paul’s approach as Director of Coaching is built on:

  • Player-first development
  • High standards with accountability
  • Long-term growth over short-term results
  • Education for both players and coaches
  • Building strong character alongside strong competitors

His leadership reflects a rare, truly homegrown soccer journey—built by High Desert players, for High Desert players.Credentials

  • U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) C Coaching License
  • USSF B License – scheduled Summer 2026
  • Director of Coaching & Technical Leadership experience across youth, high school, collegiate, and semi-professional levels