Fullerton, CA (Thursday, March 28, 2024) – Longtime Cal South Director of Coaching Education and Player Development, Steve Hoffman, has announced he is stepping down from his role after 28 years with the organization.
In his words:
It has been my honor to serve Cal South for 28 years. It is bittersweet that I write to announce my retirement from my role with Cal South, effective March 31, 2024.
I wish to express my gratitude to all who have supported me during my tenure in both our Coaching Education department and the Cal South Pro+ Olympic Development Program. My journey began in 1998 as a part-time Director of Coaching Education, transitioning to a full-time role in 2001.
Despite facing challenges, we have achieved numerous successes. I hope my contributions have positively positioned Cal South for future progress.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to past Cal South Presidents Rod Short, John Mullen, Greg Falk, and Johnny Garza; and to Board Members Ken Goldman, Allan Whitman, and Russ Martin; and to Coast Soccer Leagues’s Bernie Towers and Gary Sparks, for their incredible support.
I also want to acknowledge the dedication of all our Board Members over the years.
Special recognition goes to the Coaching Education and ODP staff for their relentless dedication to youth development. I am particularly grateful to Sean Roche, Martin McGrogan, and John Weinerth for their exceptional efforts.
My family, including my wife Kathy (Mumsie) Hoffman, my children Joey, Jaime, Melanie, and my grandchildren Nick, Sarah, Jessica, Elyssa, Josie, and Sophie, and great grandchildren have provided unwavering support throughout my journey, for which I am deeply thankful.
As I continue my coaching career with the Women’s Team at Ventura College and as a Coach Educator for U.S. Soccer, I look forward to the continued prosperity of the soccer community.
I know Mike Chin will step up and do a great job taking over my role as Mike has been on staff and worked closely with me for the past 14 years.
Yours in Service,
Steve
In Hoffman’s tenure with Cal South, their ODP department saw overwhelming success at both the regional and national levels, as Cal South ODP teams captured 116 U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regional ODP Championships and then an incredible 38 U.S. Youth Soccer National ODP titles.
He also had a hand in scouting, identifying, and shepherding scores of talented Southern Californian soccer players who went on to great success in the college, national, and professional ranks. Just a handful of those players is displayed in the photo gallery below…
