Stein Garcia
Executive Director of Coaching & Player Development/Girls Director
Stein Garcia has over 25 years of coaching experience and has a tremendous background in developing youth. A Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) "Double Goal Coach" National Finalist, Stein currently holds a USSF National "A" License, USYSA “NYL” National Youth License, is a former Illinois Olympic Development Staff Coach, and has a Masters Degree in Youth Development and Degree in Kinesiology from UIC. Stein is also on the board of advisers for TPSR-Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Through Sport. Stein is a true teacher of the game and a youth development practitioner. "Coaching is all about developing players and building relationships. It's important to connect with players and families and be a positive role model and mentor. I strive to inspire players to realize their potential, take responsibility, be leaders, and apply what they have learned on the field to their everyday lives. I want to give back to the game that has given me so much." In the 25 years that Stein has been coaching in Arlington Heights, Stein has 5 Chicago National Premier League (NPL) Championships and NPL Finals National Championship Tournament appearances. Stein has developed players in the club that have excelled in their high school careers with 9 IHSA, MSL Players of the Year, one Daily Herald Player of the Year, one Chicago Tribune Athlete of the year and two Daily Herald All-Area Captain. Stein has helped several players move on to college soccer programs at the Division I, II, III, and N.A.I.A. levels. Stein also has experience coaching at the college level when he served as an assistant coach at UIC under Sasha Begovic from 2000-2001. Stein helped the program win the Midwestern Collegiate Conference Championship and reach the sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament in 2001.
Playing Experience:
Started his college career at Creighton University from 1996-1997 helping the program to back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference Championships and a birth to the Sweet 16 in 1997 and the Final Four in 1996. Stein finished his playing career at UIC from 1998-1999, where he helped the program win its first ever Midwestern Collegiate Conference Championship and trip to the NCAA tournament. In his prep years, Stein was a 4 year varsity starter at Hoffman Estates High School…a three-time Mid-Suburban South All-Conference and all-sectional honoree…a three-time Daily Herald All-Area player and two-time Pioneer Press All-Area recipient…served as team captain for three years, where he was voted most valuable player each year and was named First Team IHSA All-State as a senior. Stein also played in the Illinois Olympic Development Program from 1992-1996 and played for The Chicago Pegasus Soccer Club.
Personal:
Stein comes from a big soccer family. His father, Sam Garcia coached Schaumburg U19 Soccer club to one State Cup Championship and one runner up award. Stein’s father was head coach for the Mens Harper College soccer program and also started the Women’s program in the 90s. His eldest Sister, Sheila played soccer at the University of Chicago. His other sister Steph played soccer at Loyola University and his brother Vince Garcia played at Harper Jr College. Stein’s Mom, Mabel is a super soccer supporter. Stein and his wife, April, have 2 Siberian Huskies.
