April 15, 2025
VSA is thrilled to announce Isaac Sam as the new Director of Soccer. Isaac will help lead strategic planning, oversee training operations, develop programs, as well as recruiting and mentoring coaches. His leadership will also play a vital role in shaping player development as a Head Staff Coach within our Academy. Isaac brings a wealth of coaching experience at the academy and college level. Most recently, he led multiple teams at Liverpool FC International Academy in Washington, guiding squads to 1st and 2nd place tournament finishes and supporting GA teams to the national stage. He also served as Head Women’s Coach at Whatcom Community College and as an Assistant Coach at the University of South Dakota. Earlier in his career, Isaac held the Head Coach position for the Yankton U19 and U17 boys' teams, leading the U17s to a 2nd place finish at the Norfolk Soccer Tournament. Isaac is also a published research author, with his work appearing in the Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal (2024). His study, “ Factors Influencing Hard Running Distances in NCAA Division I Female Soccer Players ,” explored the relationship between physical performance data and their contribution to high-intensity running in women's soccer. Not only does his research provide coaches with valuable insights into workload management, performance optimization, and injury prevention strategies, but it also gives him a unique edge in applying evidence-based methods to real-world training environments. As a former collegiate and semi-professional player, Isaac understands what it takes to compete and succeed at the next level. He was recognized as a Daktronics NAIA Scholar All-American at Mount Marty University and earned Third Team NJCAA All-American honors at Western Nebraska Community College. Isaac went on to play semi-professionally with Sioux Falls Thunder FC in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and with Bellevue Athletics 2 in the Cascade Premier League (CPL). Isaac's academic accomplishments include dual master’s degrees—in Kinesiology and Sport Management from the University of South Dakota, and in Football Coaching and Sports Direction from Real Madrid Universidad Europea. His education, combined with hands-on experience, equips him with a unique perspective to elevate the club's programs and operations. Please help us welcome Isaac to the VSA family!