OUR
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 Jim.Spence@sqsoccer.com
Debbie Spence is a Co-Founder and Financial Office Administrator and is responsible for day-to-day administrative, communications and financial operations for Sports Quest. Debbie is also responsible for:
• Scheduling
• Online registration
• Accounting
• Payroll
• Human Resources
Debbie may be reached at Debbie.Spence@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
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
Madison Wahl, born and raised in the vibrant city of Houston, Texas. She is responsible for ensuring the effective execution and smooth operation of administrative tasks as well as providing excellent soccer coaching for outreach sessions. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in Business Management at the University of Houston. Her studies there will help equip her with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the business world and most importantly bring knowledge to the Sports Quest Team! Madison is a wonderful addition to the soccer ministry team at Sports Quest! Her enthusiasm for the Lord, her love of soccer, and her empathy for kids offer her the ideal platform to have a profound influence on the next generation.
Maddie may be reached at Madison.Wahl@sqsoccer.com
Marc Castillo holds the highest coaching license in the United States, the USSF “A”License. Marc’s impressive credentials and experience also include:
Playing Experience:
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.
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.
Zoe Deering grew up in the Northwest Houston area. She began playing soccer at the age of eight and joined the HCYA Hurricanes program when she was eleven years old. She continued with the Hurricanes until she graduated. Zoe loves the game of soccer and continues to play on an indoor adult league. She has served many summers at Sports Quest camps and is currently in her third year of coaching for the Hurricanes. Zoe deeply values time spent with the girls and the kids she coaches. She serves beyond the soccer field mentoring some of the players and helping to lead worship at church with others. Aside from soccer Zoe is an avid rock climber and backpacker. She spends her summers serving as a wilderness guide in Colorado. She also owns and operates her own local pottery studio.
Grew up in Houston, Texas and San Felipe, Gto Mexico. Married with 2 kids. Owner of a competitive league in Waller Texas. Trained several MLS next players. Played at the pro level overseas as well as in Mexico for Toluca. I am a follower of Christ and excited to help the next generation excel in the soccer career and more importantly help spread the word of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
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
Christian Haney was born and raised in Spring, Texas, growing up with three older siblings, two of whom played soccer at the collegiate and professional levels. He began playing competitive club soccer at around six years old with Texas Rush/Dynamo Dash Youth (now HTX Soccer) and also played for HCYA Hurricanes for six years, where he served as team captain for both the middle school and high school varsity teams.
In addition, Christian attended Sports Quest summer camps as a child, later volunteering and eventually becoming a coach for the organization.
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 Special Needs Coordinator 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
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:
Playing Experience:
Other:
PO Box 1383
Cypress, Texas 77410-1383
Phone : 832-593-7777
Email : info@sqsoccer.com
