Enrique Paez

[Zip_ME87]

https://enriquepaez.net/life-on-the-pitch/
 

...I spent three wonderful years in Florida, where football, physical and mental training became the priorities in my life. In the process, not only would I create lifelong interpersonal bonds, but would also be recruited and offered a spot to play for The University of Akron. I was filled with pride and thrilled to join an elite group of players in one of the best football schools in the United States.   

 

The four years I spent in Akron were without a doubt the highest point of my playing career. Apart from our incredible success on the pitch—4-time conference champions, 2 appearances in the NCAA Tournament national final, and 1 NCAA national championship—I was also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a topic that fascinated me. My leadership skills continued to develop throughout my playing career, and as a result, I became captain of every team of which I was a part.  I knew already then that when my career as a player came to an end, I would become a professional football coach.  

In January of 2011, a month after graduating and winning a National Championship with the University of Akron, I headed back to Mexico in search of professional playing opportunities. Keen to be near family, I started playing with a 3rd Division team in Mexico City called Proyecto Tecamachalco. During my first year I was invited to try out for 1st Division team Atlante F.C. Unfortunately, my dream of playing at the highest professional level would never materialize. Nevertheless, I had already planned for this moment and was eager to start the next chapter in my career; becoming a coach.  

 

My first step would be to pursue a master’s degree in Sports Science at Akron with a specific focus on coaching. Simultaneously, I would be a part of the coaching staff for the university team and provide academic support for student-athletes. I remember this time as a period of extreme growth and development as I absorbed information from some of the best coaches in the country like Caleb Porter and Jared Embick. Porter is currently the head coach of MLS club Columbus Crew, while Embick has taken the reigns at the University of Akron and has led the team to three Final Four appearances and more than 100 wins.  ...