Meet The Team
Coach Teddy
Owner | Founder | CEO
Teddy’s passion for soccer began in his childhood, playing with friends of all ages in the streets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. After moving to Texas, Teddy was chosen to train with the Houston Dynamo Youth Academy and participated in an elite summer program with the Houston Texans SC in Europe where he was selected as MVP during multiple games in Spain and England.
Teddy began his collegiate soccer career as an attacking midfielder at Carson - Newman University participating in their conference-winning season which won them a place in the NCAA division finals. He moved to Austin to play with the Concordia University Tornadoes during their historic first winning season in school history.
Teddy has been coaching soccer since middle school, volunteering with the local youth leagues as a young boy and more recently coaching seven seasons with Austin’s Lonestar Soccer League. His proudest moment as a coach was watching his under-10 team with the Lonestar Spring Shootout in 2017.
Coach Caden
Coach at First Touch Soccer Academy | Wingback for Huston-Tillotson University
I’m a wingback for Huston-Tillotson University, where I’m a starting player, bringing my skills and passion to the field every game. With over a year and a half of coaching experience at First Touch Soccer Academy, I love sharing my knowledge and helping players grow both technically and mentally. My coaching philosophy is built on fostering a love for the game while developing key skills that make players more confident and effective on the field.
Coach Ricky
Soccer Training Coach | Former MLS Next Player | Forward for Lonestar ECNL & Westwood Varsity
As a former MLS Next player and current forward for Lonestar ECNL and Westwood Varsity, I specialize in developing players' dribbling skills and first touches. With years of experience at high levels, including a commitment to Marymount University, I focus on creating personalized training sessions that build technical skills, confidence, and tactical awareness. My goal is to inspire and develop the next generation of soccer players.
Coach Joshua
Coach at First Touch Soccer Academy | Former International Player with Youth World Cups | Recruited by Austin FC
My name is Joshua Montero, and I’ve been playing soccer since I was 3 years old. Over the past 14 years, I’ve gained invaluable experience, including playing internationally in Spain and the Dominican Republic for Youth World Cups, being recruited by Austin FC, and competing for my International youth team. As a coach, I’m committed to passing on everything I’ve learned to help your child become a better soccer player every single day. Training with me ensures that your child will receive the best coaching and guidance to elevate their skills and achieve their full potential.
Coach Sibo
Coach at First Touch Soccer Academy | Soccer Player | Actor
Sibonelo Shezi was born in Houston, TX, and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. His soccer journey began at the age of 7, playing with friends in school and local parks. He joined Corinthians FC at 14, where he played from the U-14 level through U-19 and into the adult team.
At 19, Sibonelo moved to the U.S. to pursue his soccer career. He was recruited to play for St. Andrews in North Carolina, where he competed for one year before transferring to Richland College in Dallas, TX. He later finished his college career at Concordia University, graduating in 2020. During his college years, Sibonelo also played for 10/15 Soccer Ministry in Dallas, TX, and Round Rock Soccer Club in Austin, TX.
Coaching Career
Sibonelo began his coaching career in 2019 with Lonestar Soccer Club. In 2020, he joined Coach Teddy to help establish First Touch Soccer. After a period coaching at Lonestar from 2021-2023, he returned to First Touch Soccer in late 2023, where he continues to coach today. Outside of soccer, Sibonelo is passionate about reading, writing, and acting. He is also a local actor based in Austin, TX.
Coach Tiana Jones
Coach at First Touch Soccer Academy | Former Semi-Pro Player with Austin Rise FC | Former D1 JUCO Player at Navarro College
I’ve been passionate about soccer since I was 5 years old. My journey in the sport led me to play semi-professionally with Austin Rise FC and at the D1 JUCO level with Navarro College. Now, as a coach at First Touch Soccer Academy — the same club where I played from ages 12 to 18 — I’m dedicated to sharing my experience and helping develop the next generation of players. When I’m not coaching, I enjoy playing pick-up games and spending quality time with my dog, Zara.
