Meet The Team
SAN DIEGO

Co-Owner | Director of Operations | Coach

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“A goal is just a wish without a plan”- Universal Well-Known Wisdom

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I have always known I wanted to play soccer and have been driven by my passion of the game, but my dedication in advancement derived from my intrinsic motivations; because the internal rewards I gain by living a healthy lifestyle played such a role in the person I have become and will continue to be part of my growth as an individual. I grew up in Kansas, have played for ODP at the State level and competed Internationally; that led to relocating to California as I seized the opportunities I was offered for advancement. I have been lucky to have amazing former and current professional players as my coaches and mentors. Having people believe in you, creates an environment where you then believe in yourself. As I continue to play soccer competitively, I want to bring what I have learned forward to others and be part of their developmental journey. As an owner of Soccer TrainR- San Diego, we can provide data analytics and evidenced-based results that allows us to optimize and evaluate each training session. The idea is to identify your desired goals and to work together to create specific training plans for individuals at any age and any level to then take action in our versatile and progressive training environments.

Co-Owner | Coach

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Christian Duke currently works with Sporting KC Academy technical staff. He attended the University of San Diego, where he and the Toreros went to the Elite 8 his senior year and won the WCC Title 2 times as a student athlete. The Overland Park, Kansas, native enjoyed a nine-year playing career in Major League Soccer and the USL Championship from 2013-2021, including his first two professional seasons with Sporting KC from 2013-2014 and two separate spells as captain of Sporting KC II in 2016-2017 and 2020-2021. The 2013 MLS Cup champion later led SKC II, formerly the Swope Park Rangers, to consecutive USL Western Conference championships in 2016 and 2017. Earlier this year, he had a brief stint with the Kansas City Comets of the Major Indoor Soccer League. Duke has been working on the side while playing professional soccer for 10 years doing private lessons and private group training. Prior to retiring as a player, Duke coached at Sporting Blue Valley and assisted at Sporting KC Academy training sessions while taking U.S. Soccer coaching courses. He began his post-playing career in early 2022, when he started Soccer TrainR-KC, offering private soccer training to youth players across Kansas City.

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Coach

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As a coach, while I'm dedicated to guiding aspiring athletes, my own playing career is far from over. I continue to compete in the semi-professional leagues in San Diego, California, where I apply the very principles I instill in my players – dedication, hard work, and passion for the game.

My transition into coaching represents a natural progression from years of top-level fitness and rigorous training sessions. I've been fortunate to learn from the best and experience firsthand the demands of the sport. Now, as a coach, I'm committed to passing on this knowledge and instilling in my players the same level of dedication and determination that has defined my journey.

This dual role allows me to bridge the gap between playing and coaching, providing a unique perspective that benefits both myself and those I mentor. It's a journey that combines the thrill of competition with the joy of nurturing the next generation of athletes.

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Coach

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My name is Anaïs Thompson. I am still enjoying carrying out my own soccer career. My playing experience includes playing collegiate soccer at the University of St. Katherine while also competing semi-professionally in the WPSL. Prior to transferring to USK, I was the captain of the San Diego City Knights, and I received the award of being an all-conference player. Soccer has been my passion from a very young age. I am hoping to inspire the next generation of soccer players by sharing the knowledge I have acquired throughout my career. I am currently finishing up my master’s degree in an effort to further my coaching skills. It is a huge blessing to be a part of the Soccer Trainr-SD team and I look forward to working with aspiring athletes.

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