Coaching Staff
The Houston Dynamo employ a professional coaching staff capable of providing the player centered and challenging environment required to aid development. All staff members are qualified through the USSF and/or NSCAA, with a "D" license or higher, and work specifically for the Houston Dynamo, either in Pre-Academy, Academy or affiliated Dynamo Juniors programs.
Tim Grove
Education: B.S. Exercise Physiology from Stephen F. Austin State University; Currently studying toward an MA in Sports Administration.
Coaching licenses: NSCAA Premier; USSF "B" license; USSF National Youth; FA Psychology; FA Fitness.
Prior coaching experience: Sioux Falls Spitfire (USL); University of Texas at Tyler(NCAA); Alma College(NCAA); Eastfield College(NJCAA); McMurry University(NCAA); Texans Soccer Club; East Texas Spirit Soccer Club; Everton FC America Academy; Doches Soccer Group.
Playing experience: Laredo Heat (United Soccer Leagues) Captain; Eastern Illinois University (NCAA 1); St. Edward’s University (NAIA); Texans Soccer Club; Klein Oak High School Captain; South Texas ODP Captain..
Cesar Hernandez
Education: Kinesiology major at HCC/University of Houston.
Coaching licenses: USSF "B" license; Brazilian Soccer Federation "A" license.
Prior coaching experience: Founder of Elite Futbol Training, Texas Heat Wave Soccer Club, West University SC, Texans SC, Houstonians FC, Director of Soccer Preogram YES College Prep, Director of indoor program Mustang SC.
Playing experience: Nuevo Laredo Inter (Mexico); Houstonians FC and Houston Nationals (USA).
Greg Hess
Education: Bachelors Degree from the University of New Mexico. Majored in General Management and Marketing Management.
Coaching licenses: USSF "C" license.
Prior coaching experience: Head coach at the University of Arkansas Little Rock for seven years after serving as assistant coach for two; Coaching 13 state champion teams in Arkansas in nine-year span; Goalkeepers coach and Director of Summer Camps at Texas A&M, University of New Mexico, University of Southern Mississippi, and Huntington College.
Playing experience: Former A-League goalkeeper for Albuquerque Geckos; All Western Athletic Conference goalkeeper for division I University of New Mexico Lobos.
Amr Neamatalla
Education: B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas.
Coaching licenses: USSF "C" license.
Prior coaching experience: Seven years of coaching experience including high school, club teams ages U7-U16 and now the Houston Dynamo.
Playing experience: Played semi-professional soccer in Egypt.
Josh Rivas
Education: Houston Community College.
Coaching licenses: USSF "C" license.
Prior coaching experience: Houston Soccer Club (1995-); University of Houston-Downtown (2008-); Houston Dynamo Youth Programs (2010-).
Nathan Thackeray
Education: Communications major at Williams Woods University.
Coaching licenses: USSF "D" license; FA Level 1.
Prior coaching experience: Young Harris College (Goalkeeper's coach); Emory and Henry College (Assistant coach); Tony Glavin Soccer Club; Oundle Town Football Club (England); Fulton Soccer Club.
Playing experience: Bradford City FC; Mansfield Town FC; Corby Town FC; Saint Louis Lions PDL; Knoxville Force NPSL; Kalamazoo Outrage PDL.
Hernan Villenas
Education: AAS in Advertising from the Instituto Celler Viña del Mar, Chile (1989).
Coaching licenses: USSF "C" license.
Prior coaching experience: I have coached for more than ten years for recreational and competitive teams between the U8 and U18 age groups.
Playing experience: I played amateur soccer for Houstonians FC Veteranos (2008-09) and indoor soccer for Houstonians FC Veteranos (2009-10).
Application Information
If you are interested in a coaching position with the Houston Dynamo Youth Programs please email preacademy@houstondynamo.com
Application FAQ’s
Click here for frequently asked questions about the application process.

