From the coastal city of Vigo, Spain, to the heart of American soccer fields, José Soutullo’s journey transcends geographical borders and personal expectations. It’s a narrative of grit, growth, and grandeur, showcasing the spirit of a true champion.
A Dream Ignited In 2019, José attended the SIS Showcase, stepping onto the stage with aspirations larger than life. His talent and determination were evident, earning him a place at Greenville University. There, not only did he excel academically and athletically, but he also led by example, captaining his team to a coveted conference title. His leadership on the field mirrored his spirit: relentless, focused, and inspiring.
Beyond the Field: A Coach’s Journey José’s journey didn’t peak at Greenville; it was just the beginning. Recognizing his profound impact and understanding of the game, he was appointed assistant coach at Bethel College. Under his guidance, the team achieved what many only dare to dream: winning the NAIA National Championship. His story at Bethel wasn’t just about coaching a team to victory—it was about molding character, instilling resilience, and crafting champions.
The Skills Behind the Success José’s skills extend far beyond tactical nous and motivational speeches. He’s mastered the art of people management, event planning, and sports business acumen—skills that make champions off the field too. Currently, as a key figure at Northern Indiana FC, he continues to apply his extensive knowledge, contributing to the growth of the sport at the grassroots and national levels.
Legacy in the Making What makes José’s story so compelling isn’t just his achievements, but his ability to inspire others to pursue excellence relentlessly. His career path through various prestigious roles—including managing soccer operations and navigating the complexities of sports industry logistics—highlights a path laden with opportunities for those who dare to chase them.
An Inspiring Figure José Soutullo is more than a coach or a player; he’s a beacon of hope for every young athlete dreaming of making it big. His commitment to excellence, ability to overcome adversity, and passion for the sport exemplify what it means to live a life of dedication and drive.
Join the Journey With each player like José that passes through our programs, we see the power of sport to transform lives. It’s not just about playing the game; it’s about changing the game—for oneself, for the team, and for the world.
José Soutullo’s story is a clarion call to all aspiring athletes: the field is vast, the possibilities limitless. Let José’s journey inspire you to start your own. Lace up, step out, and unleash your potential. The game awaits.
Jose Soutullo PhotoJose SoutulloJose Soutullo with the CrossRoads Champions Trophy
Jason Van Achteren’s soccer journey is a testament to his adaptability, skill, and deep connection to his Belgian roots. Born in Antwerp, Belgium, Jason’s talent on the field was evident from a young age, earning him a spot on the Belgian U-15 National Team and opportunities with top Belgian clubs such as KV Mechelen, K. Lierse S.K., and Germinal Beerschot. His soccer career took an international turn when he was recruited by Kevin Zimmermann to play collegiate soccer in the United States.
Collegiate Success in the United States
Jason began his college soccer career at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he started all 12 games as a freshman. His impressive performances led to a transfer to Eastern New Mexico University, a Division II school, where he played a pivotal role in 12 games during his sophomore year, starting in 10 and frequently logging full 90-minute matches.
In 2018, Jason took his talents to Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), a Division I program, where he continued to excel. As a senior, he made 12 appearances, scoring his first career goal, a game-winner, against Jacksonville. His time at FGCU was marked by his development as a strong, tactical midfielder, ready to take on professional challenges.
A Professional Journey from Iceland Back to Belgium
After finishing his collegiate career, Jason spent a season with Selfoss in Iceland’s 2. deild during the 2021 campaign. Although his time in Iceland was brief, Jason made a significant impact as a defensive midfielder, helping Selfoss in their push for promotion. His experience in Iceland added another dimension to his game, enriching his understanding of different playing styles and conditions.
Following his stint in Iceland, Jason returned to Belgium, where he continued his professional career. He played for clubs like Lyra-Lierse and Oxford Hemiksem, bringing with him the diverse experiences gained from his time in the United States and Iceland. His return to Belgian soccer allowed him to reconnect with his roots while applying the knowledge and skills he had acquired abroad.
Building a Solid Soccer Foundation in Belgium
Before his international journey, Jason developed his soccer foundation in Belgium, playing for notable clubs such as K. Rupel Boom FC, KV Mechelen, K. Lierse S.K., and BX Brussels. His time with these clubs, along with his participation in the Belgian U-15 National Team, laid the groundwork for his later successes and adaptability in various competitive environments.
Looking Ahead
Jason Van Achteren’s journey is a powerful example of how talent, hard work, and a willingness to embrace new challenges can lead to success across borders. From his early days in Belgium to his collegiate career in the U.S., a professional stint in Iceland, and now back to Belgium, Jason’s story is one of growth and resilience.
As he continues his career in Belgium, Jason remains a versatile and experienced player, ready to tackle whatever challenges come his way. His journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes, showing that with dedication and an open mind, it’s possible to thrive in different environments while staying true to one’s roots.
Ithaisa Viñoly: From SIS Free Trial in Tenerife to College and Professional Soccer Success
Ithaisa Viñoly’s remarkable journey from Lanzarote, Spain, to the competitive world of American college soccer began at the SIS Free Trial in Tenerife. It was there that her talent was recognized by Coach Jonathan Garbar, who recruited her to join Franklin Pierce University, marking the start of a promising career.
A Promising Start at Franklin Pierce
After being recruited by Coach Garbar, Ithaisa made an immediate impact at Franklin Pierce University. In her freshman year, she appeared in five games, including four starts, logging 348 minutes in goal. Her strong performances, which included 22 saves and a .759 save percentage, earned her recognition on the Northeast-10 Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Shining at FIU
Ithaisa’s success at Franklin Pierce paved the way for her transfer to Florida International University (FIU), where she continued to excel in the highly competitive C-USA league.
2021 (Junior Year): Ithaisa started all 12 of her appearances, playing 1,140 minutes in goal. She recorded a team-high 51 saves, including a season-high 10 saves in a draw against FAU, and posted two shutouts, proving her ability to perform under pressure.
2022 (Senior Year): In her senior year, Ithaisa continued her strong form, starting in all 10 of her appearances. She logged 848 minutes, made 33 saves, and consistently delivered solid performances against top teams like Mississippi State and Lipscomb.
2023 (Graduate Student Year): In her final season at FIU, Ithaisa played and started in 15 games, logging 1,282 minutes in goal. She led the team with a 0.7 goals-against average and 42 saves, earning six shutouts and a place on the C-USA All-Conference Third Team.
A Leap to Professional Soccer
Following her successful college career, Ithaisa took the next big step by signing with Necaxa Femenil in Liga MX Femenil, one of the world’s most competitive women’s soccer leagues. Her professional debut came against Mazatlán FC, where she immediately secured the starting goalkeeper position, marking the beginning of her professional journey.
A Future Bright with Promise
Ithaisa Viñoly’s story is a testament to hard work, talent, and perseverance. From being recruited at the SIS Free Trial in Tenerife to making her mark in American college soccer and now stepping into the professional arena, Ithaisa continues to break new ground. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, demonstrating that with dedication and the right opportunities, anything is possible.
Guillermo Segovia’s journey is one of remarkable achievements, both on the soccer field and in the world of software engineering. Originally from Madrid, Spain, Guillermo first caught the attention of scouts during your very first showcase, a pivotal moment that set him on the path to collegiate soccer success in the United States. His journey has been marked by a seamless blend of athletic prowess and academic excellence, culminating in a promising career in software engineering.
Soccer Success at Florida Tech
Guillermo’s athletic journey began at Ohio Valley University, where he made an immediate impact by leading his team to both the GMAC regular season and tournament championships. His standout performance earned him second team All-GMAC and All Mid-West region team honors. Following his success at Ohio Valley, Guillermo transferred to Florida Tech, where he continued to excel as a forward.
Over his collegiate soccer career at Florida Tech, Guillermo’s contributions were nothing short of impressive:
2018: Scored five goals and recorded one assist in his debut season, earning spots on the Sunshine State Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll and the Florida Tech Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
2019: Tallied 8 goals and 8 assists, becoming the first Men’s Soccer player in Florida Tech history to be named a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American.
2020: Scored three goals over four spring games in a shortened season.
2021: Led the team with 10 goals, earning All-Sunshine State Conference Second Team, D2CCA All-South Region Second Team, and CoSida Academic All-District honors.
A Career in Software Engineering
While excelling on the soccer field, Guillermo also pursued his passion for technology. He graduated with a degree in Software Engineering, developing a strong technical skill set that includes Python, SQL, Java, Flask, and machine learning. Guillermo has two years of professional experience, specializing in Python and working extensively with Java and Flask to develop REST APIs. His work in an Azure DevOps environment, where he implemented deep learning models following the SCRUM methodology, has given him hands-on experience with modern software development practices.
Guillermo’s technical expertise also extends to managing and administrating relational databases, deploying microservices in Linux environments, and utilizing tools like Bash and Agile methodologies to streamline workflows. His blend of technical skills and practical experience makes him a valuable asset in the field of software engineering.
Balancing Soccer and Software
Guillermo’s ability to balance a demanding athletic career with rigorous academic and professional pursuits speaks to his dedication and time management skills. His experience as a student-athlete at Florida Tech has not only prepared him for success on the soccer field but also equipped him with the resilience and problem-solving abilities needed in the fast-paced world of software engineering.
Looking to the Future
As Guillermo’s collegiate soccer career comes to a close, he is poised to continue his journey in the field of software engineering. With plans to pursue a master’s degree and further his education, Guillermo’s future is bright, whether he continues to score goals on the soccer field or tackles complex challenges in the tech world.
Guillermo Segovia’s story is one of ambition, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days at the showcase to his dual success in soccer and software engineering, Guillermo’s journey is an inspiration to all aspiring student-athletes and tech enthusiasts.
Gema Fernández’s journey from the soccer fields of Madrid to competing at the collegiate level in the United States is a testament to her dedication and skill. It all began in 2018, when Gema participated in an SIS Free Trial in Madrid, where she showcased her talent and caught the attention of scouts. This pivotal moment set her on a path that would take her across the Atlantic to pursue her soccer dreams.
Early Beginnings in Spain
Gema’s passion for soccer was evident from a young age. She played at Zurbaran and later for the well-known club Rayo Vallecano, where she was part of teams that consistently finished in the top three in the rankings. These formative years in Spain laid a strong foundation for her future success.
Collegiate Soccer Journey
After impressing at the SIS Free Trial, Gema took her talents to the United States, where she began her collegiate career.
Junior College Success: Gema spent two seasons at Monroe College in New Rochelle, New York, where she made an immediate impact. As a freshman, she led the Mustangs with three goals and two assists, contributing to a 9-1-3 overall record. In her sophomore year, she started every game and helped her team finish the season ranked No. 11 in the United Soccer Coaches Junior College poll, while also scoring a crucial goal.
Transition to Division I: Gema continued her soccer journey by transferring to a Division I program. In 2018, she joined the Lady Techsters, where she saw action in four matches. Her first appearance came against Northwestern State, and she earned her first start later that season against Western Illinois, where she recorded a shot in the match.
A Future Driven by Passion
Gema Fernández’s journey from Madrid to the United States is a story of ambition and perseverance. From her early days playing in Spain to making her mark in American collegiate soccer, Gema has shown that with hard work and the right opportunities, great things are possible. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, proving that with determination and the right platform, like the SIS Free Trial, dreams can indeed become reality.
