Our Team
Coaches Who Help Kids Grow On and Off the Field
At CORE, our coaching staff is one of the biggest reasons families trust our programs.
Our coaches combine sports knowledge, youth-development experience, and genuine care to help kids build athletic skills, confidence, character, friendships, and a positive relationship with movement.
We believe great coaching starts with seeing the whole child. That’s why CORE coaches focus on more than drills and games — they use sports, teamwork, and coach-led moments to support growth on and off the field.
What Makes CORE Coaches Different
Child-First Coaching
CORE coaches meet kids where they are, helping each child feel encouraged, included, and capable.
Sports With Purpose
Every game, drill, and activity is an opportunity to build teamwork, sportsmanship, communication, resilience, and leadership.
Small-Group Attention
Our low coach-to-kid ratios help coaches give kids more guidance, encouragement, and support.
Fun, Supportive Leadership
CORE coaches create active, positive environments where kids can try new things, build confidence, and enjoy being part of a team.
Leadership Team
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Coach Jon brings more than 25 years of experience working with children and has a passion for introducing young athletes to sports in a fun, supportive, and confidence-building way.
Before founding CORE, Jon served as the Director of Basketball for PreK–5th grade at the Merage Jewish Community Center for three years. He went on to launch CORE, which has now served more than 4,000 students from over 30 schools throughout Newport Beach and the surrounding area.
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Coach Indyah graduated from Concordia University Irvine and has been involved in sports and athletics throughout her life. Growing up, she competed in soccer, basketball, roller derby, and flag football, developing a strong passion for teamwork, competition, leadership, and staying active.
Indyah has worked closely with athletes and youth sports programs, helping create positive, encouraging environments where kids can grow. At CORE, she brings energy, organization, and care to her role while helping young athletes build confidence, teamwork, athletic skills, and personal growth in a fun, supportive setting.
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Coach Adrian brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and coaching experience to CORE, where he has served as Director of Basketball Operations for more than seven years.
A Marina High School alumnus, Coach Adrian earned awards and recognition from respected basketball camps, including Five-Star Basketball Camp and USC’s High School Varsity Camp. A favorite among CORE kids, he brings energy, experience, and a strong ability to connect with young athletes while helping them build skills, confidence, and love for the game.
Additional CORE Team Members
Every CORE program is supported by coaches and team members who care about helping kids feel safe, included, encouraged, and excited to participate.
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Coach J.R. brings more than 15 years of soccer experience to CORE. At Santa Margarita Catholic High School, he became the only player in the men’s soccer program’s history to earn Comeback Player of the Year twice after battling back from a broken leg and working his way into a varsity starting role.
J.R. has also worked in soccer development with Premier Youth Soccer Academy and is currently studying Finance at the Knauss School of Business at the University of San Diego. At CORE, he brings determination, enthusiasm, and positive energy to help young athletes grow socially, physically, and mentally on and off the field.
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Coach Zach grew up playing baseball, basketball, and football before focusing on football and rugby at JSerra Catholic High School. After facing a brain tumor diagnosis in 2017, Zach battled through recovery and continued competing, developing the resilience and determination he now brings to coaching.
Zach continued his football career at St. Norbert College before transferring to Chapman University, where he completed his collegiate career. He has also coached football at Laguna Beach High School and Marina High School. At CORE, Coach Zach helps young athletes build confidence, character, toughness, and a lasting love for sports.
Join Our Team of Mentors & Role Models
CORE is always looking for caring, energetic coaches who love working with kids and believe sports can help children build confidence, character, friendships, and life skills.