THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE EXPERIENCE / LGU
COACHING & LEADERSHIP
Know the player. Teach the game. Build the club.
LGU brings together executive leadership, technical direction and sporting experience. The goal is a club families can count on and a soccer environment where players are known, challenged and supported.
A coaching conversation on the LGU training field.
CLUB LEADERSHIP
Three complementary responsibilities: the organization, the development approach and the competitive environment.
PHIL GIBSON
Executive Director
Phil leads LGU’s strategy, operations, financial management, facilities, partnerships and long-term development.
A former NCAA Division I player at Santa Clara University who later played semi-professionally, he brings an MBA and a career building and leading education organizations. He joined LGU in 2019 and became Executive Director in 2024.
SHAUN TSAKIRIS
Technical Director
Shaun leads LGU’s technical methodology, player development framework and coach development.
He returned to LGU in 2025 after three consecutive MLS NEXT championships with the LA Galaxy. His background also includes coaching experience with the U.S. U-20 National Team.
SHAWN BLAKEMAN
Sporting Director
Shawn helps guide competition platforms, team placement and the competitive pathway across the club.
A co-founder of NorCal Premier Soccer, he brings decades of soccer leadership and joined LGU in 2019.
THE STANDARD SHOULD REACH EVERY SESSION.
LGU expects coaches to teach the game, know the player and create accountability. That means building technique and decision-making, understanding what each player needs next, and setting standards while leaving room for mistakes and learning.
Leadership at each stage
Age Group Directors connect the club’s methodology to team coaches, player evaluation and the practical needs of each format.
The intention is consistent coaching without treating every player, team or age group as though they are the same.
SPECIALIST PERFORMANCE SUPPORT
Expertise that complements the team coaching environment.
DR. DREW CLEARY
Director of Sports Performance
Drew leads strength, speed and movement work at LGU, helping players build the physical foundation for increasing training and competition demands.
He holds a PhD in Human Performance and brings elite-sport experience, including work in the NBA.
GET TO KNOW THE PLAYER EXPERIENCE.
Explore how the competitive program works, or contact LGU about your player’s age group and the environment that fits their next stage.
Read the competitive family guide · Meet the goalkeeper program