Elijah Galbraith-Knapp
Title: Assistant Coach

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 

I attended and graduated High Tech High school before receiving a scholarship to the University of San Diego to play soccer. I studied humanities at University of San Diego but left school a semester early to play soccer professionally.

PLAYING BACKGROUND (HS, College or ProfessionaL) 
I grew up playing for the La Jolla Nomads from age 10-18, and credit much of my knowledge and success in the sport to the education I received from Derek Armstrong, David Armstrong, Manny Diaz, and Paul Holohan. I did not play high school soccer due to playing in the USDA system. I received a scholarship to the University of San Diego— I was a four year, starting 76- of 78 games (8th most on school history) scoring 9 goal and recording 8 assists, as a defender. 
After college I spent time playing professionally abroad in Spain, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, and Mexico. I returned to the US to play for the Tulsa Roughnecks, Baltimore Blast, and am still playing for the San Diego Sockers.

PLAYING BACKGROUND AWARDS / HIGHLIGHTS 
USD freshman of the year 2011
WCC freshman of the year 2011
WCC all first team 2012 (led team in goals and assists)
USD defense player of the year 2012
WCC all second team 2013
Elite 8 appearance 2013, named best right back in college soccer

Tulsa Roughnecks:
19 appearances scoring 2 goals, and notching 2 assists
San Diego Sockers, 1 assist (2016-current)
San Diego Sockers 2, 20 goals, 13 assists (2018-current)
San Diego Sockers 2 National champions 2019

Atletico Baja: 6 appearances, 2 goals 2 assists

COACHING BACKGROUND (Include HS, College, or Pro) 
I have been coaching soccer for 5 years— entering my 5th year of coaching club soccer, 4th year of coaching High School at Cathedral Catholic, and starting my first year with coaching college soccer.

COACHING BACKGROUND AWARDS / HIGHLIGHTS 
I was the Southern California chapter winner the Positive Coaching Alliance’s Double Goal award in 2018.

COACHING PHILOSOPHY OR BELIEF 
I have learned everything I know about life with a ball at my feet.
My goal is to pass on my knowledge of the game and the life lessons the sport has taught me, which formed me into the person I am today.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR YOUR ATHLETES? 
My goal is to make my players better soccer players on the pitch, and better people off the pitch. Not all players make soccer a career, but the lessons we learn in soccer can be applicable to all parts preparing my players for whatever path they pursue.

FAVORITE QUOTE 
"Playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the hardest thing there is.”
-Johan Cruyff

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COACH AT MESA COLLEGE? 
To pursue my goal to be a professional coach, and to inspire, motivate, and educate the next generation of soccer players.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY IN YOUR SPARE TIME? 
I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, running, music, reading, and of course playing, coaching, and watching soccer.
I am the biggest Tottenham Hotspur fan you will meet.
PERSONAL LIFE (MARRIED, SINGLE, KIDS) 
I have 2 loving parents, an amazing twin sister, and a wonderful girlfriend.