Juan Sanchez is in his 22nd season at the helm of the Mt. SAC men's soccer program and his fifth season directing the women's program. Sanchez has an overall record of 374-55-56 with the men's team and has mirrored that success with a 65-16-13 record with the women's team. He has led the Mt. SAC men's program to six California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) State Championships, two United Soccer Coaches National Championships (formerly National Soccer Coaches Association) and 16 SCC Championships including the last seven consecutive titles.     

SANCHEZ MT. SAC WOMEN'S PROGRAM BIO

Over the last five seasons, Sanchez has helped transform the Mt. SAC women's soccer program back into a powerhouse.  In his first season (2020), he led the women's team to an overall record of 14-7-3 and to the second round of the SoCal Regional Playoffs; something the Mounties had not accomplished since 2008. In his second season, alongside Co-Head Coach Rachel Schmid, the women earned an overall record of 16-3-6. Under their leadership, the team broke a 25-year state championship drought by advancing to the 3C2A State Championship semi-finals.

Throughout his career, Sanchez has worked with and guided a number of local girls' club soccer programs. He is currently the Arsenal ECNL 2005 Head Girls Coach and assists with the 2003 Arsenal Girls. His extensive experience includes leading various girls' teams to numerous prestigious championships and tournaments. Notable achievements include the 2014 Coast Soccer League Championships and the 2015 State Cup President Final with the 2003 girls, and the 2016 Coast Soccer League Cup Finalist title, 2017 State Cup Presidents Championship, 2019 California Regional League Championship and 2019 National Cup Semi-Finalists with the 2005 girls. 

SANCHEZ MT. SAC MEN'S PROGRAM BIO

The 2021 men's soccer season was particularly historic for Sanchez and the Mounties. Under his guidance, the team had an exceptional record of 19-2-2 and captured the college's sixth overall state title on the home field. This victory cemented Sanchez as the winningest men's soccer coach in history with six state championship titles. He also moved up on the Mt. SAC history books, tying with legendary Golf Coach Stan Gonta, in the number two spot on the all-time state championship title list.  Additionally, Sanchez set a new record in the South Coast Conference (SCC) when he was named the 2021-2022 SCC All-Sports Men's Coach of the Year for a record 5th time, having previously won the award in the 2003-2004, 2009-2010, 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 sport seasons. 

In 2018, Coach Sanchez led the Mounties to their 12th South Coast Conference Men's Soccer Championship and earned his ninth SCC Coach of the Year honor. The team advanced to the SoCal Finals, but lost to Golden West College, 2-0, ending their quest to defend their state championship title and ending their streak of 11 consecutive appearances in the 3C2A State Championship Final Four. The team finished with a winning overall record of 18-4-3.  

In 2017, Sanchez guided the Mounties to their 11 consecutive appearance in the 3C2A State Championship Final Four, with a season record of 18-5-3. They were narrowly defeated by the eventual state champion, Fresno City College, with a score of 2-1. The Mounties 2016 trip to the 3C2A Men's Soccer State Championship marked Sanchez's 10th consecutive Final Four appearance and his fifth 3C2A State Championship. With this achievement, Sanchez joined the ranks of legendary soccer coach George Avakian of Foothill College, as the winningest men's soccer coaches in 3C2A history with five state championships apiece.  

The 2012 season was particularly notable, as Sanchez led his team to their fourth consecutive 3C2A State Championship, surpassing the previous record of three consecutive titles. The Mounties finished the season with an impressive 21-3-1 overall record, earning Sanchez his eighth SCC Championship and another Coach of the Year honor. 

In 2011, the Mounties ended the season undefeated with a record of 20-0-3, capturing the California Triple Crown (conference, Southern California and state championships) for the third consecutive year. They also secured the 2011 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Junior College Championship, with Sanchez being named the NSCAA National Coach of the Year for Junior College Division III. 

In 2010, Sanchez's team continued their exceptional performance by winning their second consecutive state championship, defeating College of the Canyons 4-0. The Mounties also captured the state, Southern California and conference championships, finishing the season with a 19-1-4 record. 

The 2009 season was a dream for Sanchez, who guided the Mounties to the state championship and secured the title with a 2-1 win over Taft College. The team finished with an impressive record of 20-1-3 and was named the 2009 National Community College Champions by the NSCAA. 

Sanchez began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Mt. SAC and Damien High from 1997 to 2000.  He then took on the role of Head Men's Soccer Coach at Diamond Ranch High School in 1999, followed by Mt. SAC in 2001 and Cerritos College in 2004. In 2005, he returned to Mt. SAC as a full-time professor and coach. 

Before his time with Cerritos College, Sanchez led Mt. SAC to back-to-back South Coast Conference Championships in 2002 and 2003, with a state finals appearance in 2002. In national polls, the Mounties finished 6th in 2002 and 9th in 2003. His 2003 team achieved an impressive 14-0 undefeated conference record, earning Sanchez the titles of SCC Men's Soccer Coach of the Year and SCC All-Sports Coach of the Year. 

From 1999 to 2004, Sanchez managed dual roles as the Mt. SAC men's soccer coach and the head soccer coach / physical education teacher at Diamond Ranch High School in Pomona. During his tenure at Diamond Ranch, he led his teams to the finals in 2000-2001 and the semi-finals in 2003-2004, as well as securing two undefeated league championships. 

Sanchez played soccer at California State University, Los Angeles, where he helped lead the Golden Eagles to the 1993 CCAA Conference Championship. During his college career, he was a two-time First Team All-CCAA selection and earned All-Far West Region First Team honors as a senior. He continued his playing career as a professional with the University of Mexico reserves (1994), Anaheim Splash (1994-1995), Pittsburgh Stringers (1995-1996) and the Detroit Safari (1997). 

Sanchez earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from California State University, Los Angeles and his master’s degree in education from the University of La Verne.  He also holds a USSF "A" Coaching License, the highest soccer certification.

In his spare time, he enjoys exploring various cuisines, with a particular fondness for tacos arabes and arrachera steaks. 

Sanchez and his wife, Gabriella, a high school counselor, live in Eastvale with their four children: Alex, Maya, Samantha and Gabriel. 

updated 08/27/24