Elite Coach Spotlight: Jesus Pinedo Cervantes
Western Washington Surf is thrilled to recognize Jesus Pinedo Cervantes as Coach of the Month in this month’s newsletter. A passionate leader and dedicated mentor, Jesus serves as our South Regional Director and one of our Elite South Head Coaches, bringing a wealth of experience, ambition, and commitment to player development.
A JOURNEY ROOTED IN PASSION
Born on July 23, 1988, in Jalisco, Mexico, Jesus grew up alongside his two brothers and two sisters in a family that deeply valued soccer. His love for the game began at age seven in his backyard, where he played alongside his father and siblings using makeshift goals. These early experiences ignited a passion that has remained central to his life and career.
After relocating to the United States, Jesus began playing soccer at a young age and competed at various levels across the Puget Sound region. Having been part of many local youth clubs during his adolescence, Coach Jesus understands what it takes to succeed and is driven to help others compete at the highest level. His dedication to the sport earned him the incredible opportunity to play college soccer, where he contributed to his teams’ success, including multiple championship wins throughout his career.
Reflecting on his soccer journey, Jesus shared, “Soccer has always been more than just a sport to me; it’s a passion that fuels my drive and connects me to something greater. My family and the game itself have shaped who I am today.”
Building a Vision For the future
As a coach, Jesus is committed to fostering the growth of his players, both as athletes and individuals. His aspirations include obtaining advanced coaching certifications, such as the USSF A License, and one day coaching at the collegiate level. Beyond competitive success, Jesus aims to create an environment where players thrive holistically, balancing athletic achievement with personal growth.
“My goal is to leave a positive legacy in the game,” Jesus said. “I want to inspire the next generation to love soccer as much as I do, while also mentoring aspiring coaches to navigate their own paths.”
Jesus also embraces a mantra instilled by his parents: “Inspire, Develop, Succeed—Together.” This philosophy emphasizes teamwork, community, and personal growth, underscoring his commitment to his players and the broader soccer community.
“Soccer has always been more than just a sport to me; it’s a passion that fuels my drive and connects me to something greater. My initial youth inspiration for playing comes from my father and family, who have always supported and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. They instilled in me a love for the game and a deep appreciation for the lessons it teaches, both on and off the field.
I’m also inspired by the global nature of the game. It unites people from all walks of life and teaches valuable lessons in resilience, discipline, and humility. I’m also inspired by the joy of teamwork, the thrill of competition, and the challenge of constantly pushing my limits. Watching great players lead with skill and heart motivates me, but so does the idea of giving back. I want to help players develop and reach their highest potential, supporting them as they grow into confident and capable individuals, both as athletes and people.
Ultimately, soccer gives me a sense of purpose, community, and a chance to inspire others the way it has inspired me.”
Jesus at Western WA surf
As Jesus continues to make his mark as a coach and leader, we invite the community to join us in celebrating his dedication and accomplishments. Western Washington Surf is proud to have him on our team, and we look forward to seeing the impact he will continue to make on and off the field.
Eddie Henderson, Elite Director at Western Washington Surf, praised Jesus’ impact on the club, saying, “Jesus is an inspiration to the club and especially his location. He is passionate about what he does and committed to not forgetting where he came from. He puts the game and the players ahead of himself, making him a valuable asset to our organization.”
Help us welcome Jesus and his family to Western Washington Surf!
