OUR

TEAM

STAFF

Jim Spence, Founder and Executive Director

Jim Spence is the Founder and Executive Director of Sports Quest. Jim moved to Houston from the UK in 1992 to pursue soccer ministry. Jim is a highly qualified soccer coach with the following credentials:
• STYSA State Instructor 
• South Texas ODP ’89 & 92 Girls Coach  
• Former St. Agnes Academy Girls Varsity Head Coach (2007-2011)
• Soccer Development Officer, England 
• School of Excellence Soccer Trainer, England 
• United States Soccer Federation (USSF) “A” License
• National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Premier License  
• National Youth Coaching License  
• English Football Association (FA) Coaching License 
• National Goalkeeping Level 1 and level 2 Diplomas  
• BA Honors Degree in Sports and Recreation 
• Former Player in Houston Premier League 
• Former competitive club coach (1992-2016)
• Technique Training Program / Under 10 Development Program

Jim may be reached at info@sqsoccer.com 

Debbie Spence, Co-Founder and Operations Manager

Debbie Spence is a Co-Founder and Operations Manager and is responsible for day-to-day administrative, communications and financial operations for Sports Quest. Debbie is also responsible for:

• Scheduling
• Online registration 
• Website management
• Fundraising
• Marketing and promotions
• Accounting
• Payroll
• Human Resources

Debbie may be reached at info@sqsoccer.com

Eric Cowpersmith, Director of Advancement

Eric Cowpersmith is responsible for enhancing the different facets of Sports Quest, expanding its reach and influence, and empowering the staff and volunteers. He is a Houston native and has been involved in local ministry throughout the city for 17 years with a focus on student ministry and outreach to underserved communities. Eric’s previous experience includes working as an Operations Manager for a custom furniture manufacturer and as the Associate Children’s Director at Houston’s First Baptist Church – Cypress. He is also bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish fluently, and is a massive soccer fan.

Eric may be reached at Eric.cowpersmith@sqsoccer.com

Kristy Holder, Director of Community Outreach

Kristy Holder joined Sports Quest from Reach Unlimited where she served impressively as the Volunteer Coordinator.  She is a Houston native and very active in the Cypress-Northwest community. Kristy also serves on the Board of Directors for Chromosome 18 Registry and Research. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Marketing and has a Master’s in Education. Kristy’s experience comes first hand as a Mother of a child with special needs and her passion is undeniably one of the best we’ve seen. Her role as the Director of Community Outreach is primarily responsible for creating and maintaining a year-round soccer program for children with special needs, and we are thrilled to have her on our team. Kristy’s infectious enthusiasm will undoubtedly impact the lives of countless special needs children and families for their good and for God’s glory!

Kristy may be reached at Kristy.holder@sqsoccer.com

Ignacio Paredes, Director of Community Relations

Ignacio (“Nacho”) Paredes grew up in California before moving to Houston in October, 2020. He is married with 3 amazing kiddos! Nacho played soccer for 3 years at Antelope Valley College and college of the Canyons, as well as 1 year as a semi-pro. He has experience coaching JV and Varsity boys soccer, and excels in individual and/or small-group training. He also has a background in Holistic Nutrition, and with his teacher’s heart, Nacho faithfully serves within the children’s ministry of his local church. Nacho has an extensive background in business and financial services where he led and trained a sales team which was becoming one of the fastest growing agencies in Houston until he answered God’s call to ministry. Sports Quest is excited to welcome Nacho to the soccer ministry TEAM! His love for soccer, compassion for children and (most importantly) his passion for the Lord provides a perfect platform for him to make an incredible impact on the next generation.

Nacho may be reached at Ignacio.paredes@sqsoccer.com

COACHES

Besu Caskey, Coach

Besu Caskey was born in Ethiopia and came to America aged  8 years where he was first was introduced to Sports Quest as a camper. Besu has been working with SQ since his early teens, and is blessed to be able to give back as a coach of young players. Besu is a licensed instructor and has been coaching for 9 years. He excels with players of all ages, but especially  those at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. While Besu loves the game of soccer, he is very intentional about training players not just in soccer, but also in life through sharing Biblical truths.

Alayna Vanhorn, Coach

Alayna VanHorn is the Head Coach of HCYA’s Hurricanes Middle School Girls Team. Alayna has been playing soccer since she was 5 years old. Her club team experience includes Premier, Legacy and the El Segundo Gunners. Alayna played Varsity for HCYA Hurricanes from eighth grade through her Senior year, captaining the team in her final season. She was awarded HCYA’s “Spirit Award” for her demonstration of leadership and dedication to the team.

Alayna graduated from Houston Christian University in 2021 with a degree in psychology and is currently working on completing her Masters in Pastoral Counseling. Next to playing and coaching soccer, Alayna’s greatest passion is foster and adoption ministry, which she plans to pursue upon completion of her Masters Program.

Alayna has worked at Pine Cove Christian Camps for multiple summers serving on their leadership team and joyfully serves at Big House Church, as part of the church planting team. Alayna demonstrates a passionate love for Jesus and others in her leadership and coaching.

Marc Castillo, Coach

Marc Castillo holds the highest coaching license in the United States, the USSF “A”License. Marc’s impressive credentials and experience also include:

  • Co-Director Aspire Futbol Club
  • Master’s degree in art of teaching
  • BS Health and Exercise Science
  • TOVO V1 Coaching Certifie
  • Mentorship with APFC methodology
  • Mentored by Horst Wein (Funino)
  • Coach Div. 1 Centenary College Men’s Soccer Program
  • Coach Div. 1 Centenary College Women’s Soccer Program
  • HCYA homeschool Hurricanes Varsity Boys Head Coach
  • Director of Future Stars dynamos-
  • Trainer Rush Soccer Club
  • Trainer and Youth academy Director Texans/Classic Soccer club
  • Caddo Magnet High School Varsity Head Coach

Playing Experience:

  • Pro-USISL Shreveport/Bossier Lions
  • 1 Centenary College (4 years, Captain for 3 years
  • Hurricanes Soccer Club under Glenn Davis
  • Olympic Development Region team

Other:

  • Owner/Co-founder The Training Grounds
  • Owner/Founder FC Cypress Soccer Club
  • Previous Co-owner Coto Sports youth sports facility
  • Previous owner of SoccerTots North Houston

 

Jim Spence is the Founder and Executive Director of Sports Quest. Jim moved to Houston from the UK in 1992 to pursue soccer ministry. Jim is a highly qualified soccer coach with the following credentials:
• STYSA State Instructor 
• South Texas ODP ’89 & 92 Girls Coach  
• Former St. Agnes Academy Girls Varsity Head Coach (2007-2011)
• Soccer Development Officer, England 
• School of Excellence Soccer Trainer, England 
• United States Soccer Federation (USSF) “A” License
• National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Premier License  
• National Youth Coaching License  
• English Football Association (FA) Coaching License 
• National Goalkeeping Level 1 and level 2 Diplomas  
• BA Honors Degree in Sports and Recreation 
• Former Player in Houston Premier League 
• Former competitive club coach (1992-2016)
• Technique Training Program / Under 10 Development Program

Jim may be reached at info@sqsoccer.com 

 

 


Debbie Spence is a Co-Founder and Operations Manager and is responsible for day-to-day administrative, communications and financial operations for Sports Quest. Debbie is also responsible for:

• Scheduling
• Online registration 
• Website management
• Fundraising
• Marketing and promotions
• Accounting
• Payroll
• Human Resources

Debbie may be reached at info@sqsoccer.com

 

 Eric Cowpersmith is responsible for enhancing the different facets of Sports Quest, expanding its reach and influence, and empowering the staff and volunteers. He is a Houston native and has been involved in local ministry throughout the city for 17 years with a focus on student ministry and outreach to underserved communities. Eric’s previous experience includes working as an Operations Manager for a custom furniture manufacturer and as the Associate Children’s Director at Houston’s First Baptist Church – Cypress. He is also bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish fluently, and is a massive soccer fan.

Eric may be reached at Eric.cowpersmith@sqsoccer.com

Kristy Holder joined Sports Quest from Reach Unlimited where she served impressively as the Volunteer Coordinator.  She is a Houston native and very active in the Cypress-Northwest community. Kristy also serves on the Board of Directors for Chromosome 18 Registry and Research. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Marketing and has a Master’s in Education. Kristy’s experience comes first hand as a Mother of a child with special needs and her passion is undeniably one of the best we’ve seen. Her role as the Director of Community Outreach is primarily responsible for creating and maintaining a year-round soccer program for children with special needs, and we are thrilled to have her on our team. Kristy’s infectious enthusiasm will undoubtedly impact the lives of countless special needs children and families for their good and for God’s glory!

Kristy may be reached at Kristy.holder@sqsoccer.com

Ignacio (“Nacho”) Paredes grew up in California before moving to Houston in October, 2020. He is married with 3 amazing kiddos! Nacho played soccer for 3 years at Antelope Valley College and college of the Canyons, as well as 1 year as a semi-pro. He has experience coaching JV and Varsity boys soccer, and excels in individual and/or small-group training. He also has a background in Holistic Nutrition, and with his teacher’s heart, Nacho faithfully serves within the children’s ministry of his local church. Nacho has an extensive background in business and financial services where he led and trained a sales team which was becoming one of the fastest growing agencies in Houston until he answered God’s call to ministry. Sports Quest is excited to welcome Nacho to the soccer ministry TEAM! His love for soccer, compassion for children and (most importantly) his passion for the Lord provides a perfect platform for him to make an incredible impact on the next generation.

Nacho may be reached at Ignacio.paredes@sqsoccer.com

 

Noah Toribio was born and raised in England before he moved to America. Here he played for some Academy soccer teams as well as with HCYA Hurricanes and Sports Quest until he moved to Argentina in 2015. Noah played in Argentina for 5 years on Boca Juniors and Banfield youth and reserve teams before beginning his professional career in Europe where he was blessed to play in several countries, experiencing different cultures and developing new language skills. In may 2023 Noah ended his professional career and is now working alongside some great coaches and staff. Sports Quest looks forward with great anticipation to what God  has in store for Noah’s new career!

 

Besu Caskey was born in Ethiopia and came to America aged  8 years where he was first was introduced to Sports Quest as a camper. Besu has been working with SQ since his early teens, and is blessed to be able to give back as a coach of young players. Besu is a licensed instructor and has been coaching for 9 years. He excels with players of all ages, but especially  those at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. While Besu loves the game of soccer, he is very intentional about training players not just in soccer, but also in life through sharing Biblical truths.

 

Alayna VanHorn is the Head Coach of HCYA’s Hurricanes Middle School Girls Team. Alayna has been playing soccer since she was 5 years old. Her club team experience includes Premier, Legacy and the El Segundo Gunners. Alayna played Varsity for HCYA Hurricanes from eighth grade through her Senior year, captaining the team in her final season. She was awarded HCYA’s “Spirit Award” for her demonstration of leadership and dedication to the team.

Alayna graduated from Houston Christian University in 2021 with a degree in psychology and is currently working on completing her Masters in Pastoral Counseling. Next to playing and coaching soccer, Alayna’s greatest passion is foster and adoption ministry, which she plans to pursue upon completion of her Masters Program.

Alayna has worked at Pine Cove Christian Camps for multiple summers serving on their leadership team and joyfully serves at Big House Church, as part of the church planting team. Alayna demonstrates a passionate love for Jesus and others in her leadership and coaching.

 

Marc Castillo holds the highest coaching license in the United States, the USSF “A”License. Marc’s impressive credentials and experience also include:

  • Co-Director Aspire Futbol Club
  • Master’s degree in art of teaching
  • BS Health and Exercise Science
  • TOVO V1 Coaching Certifie
  • Mentorship with APFC methodology
  • Mentored by Horst Wein (Funino)
  • Coach Div. 1 Centenary College Men’s Soccer Program
  • Coach Div. 1 Centenary College Women’s Soccer Program
  • HCYA homeschool Hurricanes Varsity Boys Head Coach
  • Director of Future Stars dynamos-
  • Trainer Rush Soccer Club
  • Trainer and Youth academy Director Texans/Classic Soccer club
  • Caddo Magnet High School Varsity Head Coach

Playing Experience:

  • Pro-USISL Shreveport/Bossier Lions
  • 1 Centenary College (4 years, Captain for 3 years
  • Hurricanes Soccer Club under Glenn Davis
  • Olympic Development Region team

Other:

  • Owner/Co-founder The Training Grounds
  • Owner/Founder FC Cypress Soccer Club
  • Previous Co-owner Coto Sports youth sports facility
  • Previous owner of SoccerTots North Houston

EXCELLENCE IN CHRISTIAN SOCCER TRAINING SINCE 1996!