Coaches

Karyna Figuero

Originally from Wellington, FL, Figuero grew up playing soccer.  She began playing competitively at an early age for  numerous local South Florida Clubs and there she was able to participate in many prestigious tournaments.

Figuero was a 4-year letter winner for the Wellington High School Wolverines Women’s Soccer team. She was voted the offensive MVP in her freshman year, 2nd Team All Area - All Conference as a sophomore, and she was unable to participate in her junior year due to a season ending ACL injury. As a senior she received the Cole Minors Award, was named to the 1st Team All Area All Conference, and was voted team Captain. She helped lead her team to the Sweet 16, win the District Championship, and finish runner-ups at the State Tournament in her 2002-2003 season.

She played Division I Collegiate Soccer at Florida Atlantic University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Marketing.  There she helped her team place 2nd in the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship tournament.  She was also a part of the All Academic Team.

She began her coaching career in South Florida with the Wave Soccer Club.  After relocating to San Diego Figuero has had the opportunity to continue her love and passion for coaching.  She currently coaches at the club level in Poway and at the High School level for Serra.   At the community college level she spent the 2010 season as the assistant coach at Grossmont College. Figuero currently holds her National "C" License. 

Soccer has always been a true passion for her and she feels there is nothing more rewarding than teaching others the skills, fundamentals, and tactics of the game while watching them excel and grow, both on and off the field.  She loves the game and wants to share it with others while also building a good foundation based on teamwork.  She hopes to be a good role model for her players and lead by example.  She exploits discipline, teamwork, and dedication as her principles to becoming successful, not only at the sport but in life. She wants to see her players succeed in whatever it is that they do. She will give them her heart and she will push them to the limit, beyond the point where they ever thought they could go themselves.

Mike Smith

Over 25 years of experience coaching local and state competitive youth boys and girls soccer teams ranging from ages 5 through 19.

Coach Smith served as head coach for local South Bay and North County Teams.  Due to his many years of experience he was successful in earnng his USSF "B" license as well as a National Youth license.

Coach Smith has been on the Cal South Staff since 2005, serving as head coach, assistant coach and Olympic Development Program (ODP) Scout.  As an assistant coach he has helped led the 1992 girl's team and 1993 boy's team to an ODP National Championship.  As head coach, the 1997 boy's team captured two Regional Championships and placed third in the National Championships. 

Coach Smith is currently the Cal South Coaching Education Program Instructor.