Amador Valley’s Girls Soccer program is beginning the season under new leadership with the arrival of new coach Luis Siu. Siu hopes to create a cohesive team environment as the team prepares for competition.
“[I am most excited to work with] new players, new atmosphere, and definitely joining a brand new program,” said Siu.
Siu describes his coaching approach as shaped strongly by the style in which he grew up in as a Salvadorian who played division 1 soccer. He plans to incorporate this into the team’s playing style as the season begins.
“I grew up playing in a Spanish based coaching style, so I would say that that’s definitely something that I lean more heavily towards, for sure,” said Siu.
As the season is approaching, Siu has outlined several areas he hopes to strengthen within the program, focusing on both mindset and the team’s on the field identity.
“I [want to bring] a level of grittiness, determination, and just the sense of flair and joy when playing the game,” said Siu.
Bringing a new style to a familiar game
Players who have previously worked with Siu at the club soccer level at Pleasanton RAGE believe his approach will strengthen structure within the high school program.
“With my experience with Coach Luis at RAGE, I was really impressed with how he took our team, who hadn’t played with each other previously, and turned us into a really well functioning and communicative environment,” said Austen Johnson (‘29).
She expressed that she looks forward to the season and the role Siu will play as the new face of the program as well as the things he can contribute to strengthen the team.
“I think that Luis will bring a lot of different experiences and a lot of different approaches with his coaching style. And I think he’ll make it a very good season,” said Johnson.
The player also highlighted Siu’s character as one of the most impactful parts of his coaching. She noted the type of honest feedback she received from him on the field and the way he communicated expectations.
“When I first met Luis, he gave me a lot of advice, which I think was one of my favorite things about him. He didn’t sugarcoat anything. He told me as it was,” said Johnson.
Siu’s arrival marks a shift for Amador soccer, one that combines a new coaching identity with players’ growth. As preseason approaches, the team moves forward under his guidance, working to build cohesion and define its competitive approach.
