Spartans Coaching

Lea Westlake

Lea Westlake

Director of Coaching / Head Coach 2002 Boys

Hometown: London, England. Resides in NOLA

Philosophy

I am a firm coach that is loyal, hardworking and determined. I use soccer to teach kids the same beliefs.  I believe all children should be given equal opportunities; as coaches we must strive to give our all to the youth of today. I am also a firm believer in being able to demonstrate what you teach.

Playing Experience (30 years+)

  • Charters Sports and Science College (4 years)
  • Europe – Amateur & Semi pro (25 years)
  • USA (New Orleans Jesters) – Amateur & Semi pro (5 years)

Coaching Experience (10 years+)

  • New Orleans Spartans FC – Director of Coaching
  • Olympic Development Program Louisiana – Head Coach
  • New Orleans Soccer Academy (NOSA) – Head Coach
  • Baton Rouge Capitals (PSL – UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES) – Assistant coach
  • Academy of the Sacred Heart (Girls High School) – Assistant coach
  • Louisiana Fire Soccer Club – Head Coach
  • UE Cornêlla (Barcelona) – Assistant Coach*
  • Espanyol / Chelsea (ISLANO Mens league) – Head Coach

*I spent 1 month in Barcelona working alongside the academy directors and assisting the 19U boys team. A game against Barcelona 19U whist there (1-1 draw).

License

  • US Soccer – National Youth Diploma – Distinguished Pass
Lea Westlake

Josey Portillo

Head Coach 2008 Boys

Hometown: Kenner, LA

Philosophy

My philosophy as a coach is to make sure I create an environment where the kids have fun and learn to be better everyday. I also teach them to respect the game and to treat their teammates like brothers and play for each other. I strive to have my players perform together as a team with a style of football that is possession based.

Playing Experience (20 years+)

  • Grace King High School
  • New Orleans Soccer Academy
  • Olympic Development Team Louisiana
  • Region 3 ODP Team
  • Excelsior – Netherlands
  • New Orleans Shell Shockers
  • Baton Rouge Capitals
  • DC United (Pre Season)
  • Atlanta Silverbacks
  • Chicago Fire Reserves
  • VSI Tampa
  • Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) – Selected Pre-season All American and nominee for Mac Hermann Trophy – Full Scholarship – Team Captain

Coaching Experience (5 years+)

  • New Orleans Spartans FC
  • Louisiana Fire Juniors – Head Coach
  • St Charles FC – Head Coach
  • Brother Martin High School – JV Coach
Lea Westlake

Jonathan King

Head Coach 2009 Boys

Philosophy

I believe that it is important to create an environment where children learn to love the game and they are not afraid to fail; where they learn to love the game and be apart of a team.  I believe it is important to teach children to give all they have while playing and to be proud of what they have accomplished even if it is a loss.  I believe in the fundamentals of the game.

Playing Experience (9 years+)

  • Recreational / High School
  • Indoor

Coaching Experience (20 years+)

  • New Orleans Spartans FC – Staff Coach
  • Mandeville Soccer Club – Staff Coach
  • STYSA – Staff Coach
  • Hammond High School – Head Coach
  • St Paul’s School – Varsity Assistant Coach, JV Head Coach
  • Fountain Bleu High School – Head Coach – Boys
  • St Thomas Aquainas – Head Coach – Girls
  • Ponchatoula High School – Head Coach – Boys

License

  • US Soccer – National “D” License
  • US Soccer Coaches
    • National Diploma – Distinguished Pass
    • National Youth Diploma – Distinguished Pass
    • Regional Diploma – Distinguished Pass
    • State Diploma – Distinguished Pass
Lea Westlake

Eddie Choe

Staff Coach – Head Coach 2004 Boys

Hometown: Seoul, South Korea. Resides in NOLA

Philosophy

Firm believer in the developmental values of football and to create a positive environment that encourage the players to constantly learn & grow on and off the field. I strive to demonstrate effective leadership by maintaining a high standard of behavior within the group that will instill confidence. While I’m competitive and winning is part of the process, my goal is to provide our players with an education and experience that goes far beyond.

Playing Experience (20 years+)

  • Grace King High School – LA All-State Selection, All-Metro Team, and Team MVP.

  • New Orleans Soccer Academy (NOSA)

  • Louisiana Fire 94B

  • Louisiana ODP 94’ Team

  • ODP Region III Selection Team

  • Rogers State University – CoSIDA All-Region Selection, Heartland Conference Pre-season watchlist, Team Captain.

  • Tulsa Athletics PDL

Coaching Experience (8 years+)

  • Maui United Soccer Club (Hawaii) – Head Coach
  • Northeast Oklahoma Football Club (Owasso, OK) – Head Coach
  • Tulsa Soccer Club (Tulsa, OK) – Assistant Coach
  • New Orleans Spartans – Head Coach

License

  • US Soccer – National “D” License
Lea Westlake

Marvin Buendia

Head Coach 2010 Boys

Hometown: Kenner, LA

Philosophy

I am a loyal, hard working, dedicated coach who shares a love for the game with my players. I encourage character development, self-discipline, self-motivation, self-worth, and joy for life.  I foster strong partnerships with my players, driven by appreciation, compassion, and integrity.  I enjoy coaching for the New Orleans Spartans because we focus more on development than game results.

Playing Experience (20 years+)

  • Played in an Academy in Honduras for 3 Months every year, May 1996 – August 2000

Coaching Experience (5 years+)

  • New Orleans Spartans FC – Head Coach
  • Motagua Juniors – Head Coach
  • Morris Jeff High School – Head Coach

License

  • US Soccer – National “F+” License
Lea Westlake

Alexi Petrou

Head Coach 2006 Boys / 2003 Girls

Hometown: Metairie, LA

Philosophy

I believe there are two things you can control:  Your attitude and your work ethic.  I strive to instill this in my players and prepare them for the challenges they will face both on and off the soccer field.  I believe in positive reinforcement and encouraging my players to take risks and step outside their comfort zone.  I want them to believe anything is possible as long as you put the work in, have the right attitude, and are relentless in your pursuit of perfection.

Playing Experience

  • Jesuit High School
  • New Orleans Soccer Club
  • Lakeview Soccer Club
  • Louisiana ’92 Olympic Development Team

Coaching Experience (5 years+)

  • Mount Carmel Academy – Varsity Head Coach (current)
  • Mount Carmel Academy – Varsity Assistant (7 years)
  • Louisiana Fire Juniors – Head Coach (5 years)
    • YDP Girls, U11 Boys, U12 Boys, U13 Boys, U15 Girls, U16 Girls, U17 Girls

License

  • US Soccer – National “D” License
  • LSU – Bachelor of Science in Psychology
  • University of Florida – Master of Science in Sport Management
Lea Westlake

Dr. Tyler Lusignan

Doctor of Physical Therapy/Performance Coach 

Hometown: New Orleans, LA

Philosophy

I am a firm believer in empowering athletes with the tools they need to feel confident in their own bodies but also how to push themselves, so they do not settle on their goals. I pride myself on keeping athletes on the field but if injuries do occur, working collaboratively with the athlete, parent, and coach to ensure a safe return to the field performing better than before. My main goal is to teach the principles of a healthy lifestyle so being active becomes a habit even after their time with a coach comes to an end.

Education

  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center – New Orleans
  • Bachelor of Science – Louisiana State University