Happy September, and welcome to the first installment in our new series: USA Stars Academy Coaches Highlight! Each month, we’ll be asking our soccer coaches a little bit about themselves so you can get to know them better. For this month’s Coaches Highlight, we’re checking in with Aliyah Utush, our Director of Grassroots!
1. What team do you support?
San Diego State Women’s Soccer! Go Aztecs!
2. How did you get into coaching?
After playing my whole life, I wanted to stay involved in the soccer community so I started coaching alongside my dad and uncles. I also work in education and coaching is similar to teaching but for soccer.
3. Favorite player?
I would have to say Messi!
4. What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My dog Charlie likes to wake me up each morning but anyone who has met me knows I need a coffee ASAP in order to function!
5. Do you have any random pastimes you enjoy?
My favorite pastime is spending time with my husband and Charlie. We love to visit different coffee shops on the weekends and just enjoy each other’s company
6. What was your favorite TV show growing up?
I watched Disney Channel a lot growing up so probably Hannah Montana or The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.
7. Favorite moment from your playing career?
My favorite moment from my playing career would have to be the Mountain West Conference Tournament Championship game my senior year. This game was the highlight of my career because I scored a hat trick in that game for my team to win the championship!
8. What do you like about USA Stars Academy the most?
What I love most about USA Stars Academy is the community of families and players we have within our club. This club was started by a family with a love for soccer which they wanted to share with the El Dorado Hills community. We as a club care about developing players both on and off the field and want our players to have a positive youth soccer experience.
9. Where do you see USA Stars Academy in the near future?
In the near future, I see our club community and membership continuing to grow. Our year-round Grassroots and competitive programs will continue to offer all players the opportunity to play soccer and have fun.
Our thanks to Aliyah for answering our questions and for all the great work she does for USA Stars Academy. If you’d like to learn more about our Grassroots program — which is one of the best in El Dorado County! — please visit our website for info.
