Kiko Lopez
Kiko Lopez, a familiar name in the Northeast Ohio soccer coaching community, began his soccer career overseas in his home country of El Salvador, though not as a coach – but a professional player. The idea of coaching had not presented itself until the fall of 1973 while he was still playing in El Salvador’s 2nd Division. When approached by neighborhood students of San Salvador Technical College, Kiko was asked to coach their school soccer team with no prior coaching experience. Surprised and skeptical, he graciously denied their offer, saying he had never coached and was not ready for the task. Nevertheless, as the winter passed and spring approached, Coach Mojaro of San Salvador Tech suffered an illness in which he could not coach the team anymore, leading to the principal of the school sending a letter to Kiko pleading for his assistance. “I don’t know how to coach,” the letter continued, “nor do I know where to find one. Can you help me?” Convinced and primed for a new challenge, he accepted the offer, embarking on what would become a lifelong journey of coaching.
Kiko’s first experience as a soccer coach began with an immediate obstacle – he only had eight players on his team, not even enough to field a full team. Nevertheless, he and his team still competed in their division of ten teams, advancing to the semifinals before losing a close game to end their season. When asked about how he managed to lead his team of only eight players to the semifinals, Kiko stated very clearly, “I did not do anything special, no coaching tactics or schemes. All I did was provide the boys with what I have learned from playing professionally, that’s all.” Little did he know, the incredible production he’d shown in his first season as a coach would lead to even more opportunities and accomplishments.
Following his season with San Salvador Tech, Kiko was offered another position by Capri Mattress, a company whose team, “Plastic Mettles” had been looking for a coach. After accepting the offer and coaching the team, he began to develop his trademark coaching style, “Uno Contra Uno” or “One on One.” As a free service for the community, Kiko coached local children “Uno Contra Uno” in addition to his regular coaching positions. As his immersion into soccer and coaching became more and more evident, he discovered his true passion and purpose in life, and traveled to the U.S. in 1977 to continue his dream.
Life in the United States proved to be even more exciting, rewarding, and prosperous, with multiple coaching connections made shortly upon his arrival. He would initiate his private training lessons, formerly known as “Footskills” at Bridgeside Park in Cleveland, with supplies generously offered by NASA. Positions with teams such as Latinos FC, Emerald SC, Cleveland United SC, and St. Edward High School would eventually culminate with his current position as Girls Varsity Head Coach at Avon Lake High School. A legendary career not yet complete, if ever asked about his career as a coach, the same response is always provided; “It’s about the kids.” Kiko has dedicated his life to the coaching of kids in a manner that extends to both on and off the field. He not only focuses on creating a successful soccer player, but a successful student and human being. He has transformed the art of coaching in a method that promotes character, class, and commitment, a method visible every time he takes the field.
