The Journey of Coach Homero Rodriguez
- .yawA
- Nov 14
- 4 min read
Some careers begin with a single defining moment. Others are built quietly over years of passion, persistence, and purpose. For Homero Rodriguez, it all began at five years old, a kid growing up in the vibrant border city of El Paso, Texas, with a ball at his feet and a dream he wasn’t yet old enough to articulate.
What started as childhood joy evolved into a lifelong pursuit. And that pursuit would eventually take him across states, into locker rooms, through academies, and onto the sidelines of championship-winning teams, building a reputation not just as a trainer or coach, but as a mentor shaping the journeys of athletes at every level.
This is Homero’s story. A story rooted in sacrifice, growth, and gratitude.
A Texas Beginning and a Leap of Faith
As Homero grew older, he realized he wanted more, more competition, more exposure, more opportunities. That meant making a decision that most teenagers would shy away from: joining a team three hours away from home in order to chase a collegiate dream.
His determination paid off. State championships. Regional finals. Hard-earned wins. Harder-learned losses.And while he jokes about never reaching nationals “like the lads from Velez”, the truth is that his journey led exactly where it needed to.
A guest appearance at the Dallas Cup changed everything.Two months before his high school graduation, he got the call. Temple University wanted him.
He packed his bags for Philadelphia, becoming part of the Owl family where he had an experience that shaped him forever.
The Unexpected Start of a Coaching Career for Homero Rodriguez
After graduating from Temple, Homero took a job working with the youngest age group at YSC, the three- to six-year-old “little kickers.” Not long after, he found himself working alongside the legendary Iain Munro, and together they launched what would become the Philadelphia Union Pre-Academy.
That was the spark.
Homero became responsible for the 2010 and 2011 age groups. He would coach the teams for four years until they “graduated” into the official Union Academy. Then came COVID. And with shutdowns came a surge of demand for small-group and one-on-one technical training. Homero gave it a shot.Eight years later, he is one of the most respected private trainers in the region working with:
Youth national team players (US, Mexico, Jamaica, Romania, and more)
Inter-Ac MVPs and leading goal scorers
MLS Academy prospects
Beginners who show the hunger and humility to grow
Every one of them receives the same dedication.
A Return to the Sidelines and Championships
While private training became his main focus, Homero missed something: the team atmosphere. That changed three years ago when Coach Keith Cappo offered him the chance to join the staff at The Haverford School.
He said yes immediately.
That decision launched an unforgettable run:
Three Inter-Ac Championship titles back-to-back-to-back, a fourth just narrowly missed, losing the league by two points.The journey continues, with Haverford now battling for a state final.
Homero often says he owes a lot to Coach Cappo, not just for the opportunity, but for modeling what transformational leadership looks like in the high-pressure world of elite school athletics.
Moments That Matter Most To Coach Homero Rodriguez
Ask Homero about his proudest accomplishments, and you won’t hear about trophies, wins, or players who went pro. As a player, his greatest gift was the lifelong friendships he formed at Temple. Beating nationally ranked teams? That was the cherry on top.
As a coach, his proudest moments are quieter:
Walking through local fields and seeing former U6 players now thriving
Having players or parents go out of their way to say hello
Knowing he positively impacted their journey, whether in soccer or life
And above all:Becoming a father, and teaching his little one about “the world’s game.” That, he says, means more than any accolade printed on paper.
Seeing the Game Differently
Coaching didn’t just change Homero’s career, it changed how he sees soccer completely.
“As a player, you’re inside the game. As a coach, you see the entire field.”
He now understands:
The psychology behind performance
The importance of confidence and communication
How individual decisions shape an entire system
When creativity serves a purpose and when it doesn’t
He still loves flair: step-overs, flicks, nutmegs, and overall the art of the game. But now he teaches players to use creativity with intention, not for show.
Community, Representation, and Continuing to Grow
Homero is also part of a BIPOC coaching collective which is a group dedicated to uplifting and connecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the soccer world. It’s a space for mentorship, support, and shared growth.
He may not coach in the club system anymore, but his impact echoes across age groups, backgrounds, and levels of play.
Tecnica: High-Quality Training With Purpose
When Homero founded Tecnica, he wanted to offer something simple but rare: high-quality, position-specific training tailored to the individual.
His focus remains on one-on-one sessions and small groups, where every rep, touch, and detail matters. He’s intentionally avoided making a dedicated Instagram business page, prioritizing meaningful communication over volume.
For those who want to train with him, he prefers direct connection:
📧 Email: homerorodriguez1991@gmail.com
🔗 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/homero-rodriguez
📸 Instagram: @yoquierohomero
A Journey Still in Motion
From a young kid in El Paso chasing a dream three hours from home…to a Temple Owl…to a Union Pre-Academy coach…to one of the region’s most trusted private trainers…to a three-time Inter-Ac champion assistant coach…to a father passing the game to the next generation…Homero Rodriguez’s story is still unfolding.
But through every chapter, one thing remains clear: his love for the game has never changed, it has only grown, deepened, and evolved. And the hundreds of players who’ve crossed his path are better for it.