Jonathan Rivera - New Director of Rec

Apex Soccer Academy is thrilled to welcome Jonathan Rivera to our coaching staff as the new Director of Recreation! Jonathan will collaborate with Apex technical leaders to implement new programs and resources specifically designed for our Recreational teams (3U-15U) and coaches. Jonathan will also be involved in our Player Development Program impacting Apex players on the Select and Rec pathways. 

“We believe our recreational program is the foundation of our organization, and we're committed to investing in its continued growth and success,” stated Kris Ray, Technical Director. “Having worked with Jonathan previously, I am confident he will have a significant impact on the entire Apex family."

Jonathan Rivera is entering his 4th year as the assistant coach at Grandview University. Rivera spent the previous seven years as an assistant coach at Lyon College with four of those years with Head Coach, David Groves. 

In addition to assisting with all aspects of the program, Rivera developed, implemented, and supervised the speed, strength, and conditioning program for the men’s soccer team. During his tenure at Lyon, the Scots held a 79-43-8 overall record and 48-18-4 record in the American Midwest Conference. The Scots made 3 National Tournament appearances (2015,2019,2021) and 4 AMC tournament championship games (2016,2018,2019,2021), winning both the AMC league and AMC tournament in 2021 for the first time in program history. 

In addition to coaching, Rivera spent his summers assisting with the University of North Carolina Soccer Camps, which are led and directed by NCAA coaching legend, Anson Dorrance.

An undergraduate at the University of North Carolina, Rivera also played for Triangle Brigade FC where he led the team to a USASA Championship. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Rivera graduated from UNC in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science with an emphasis in Sport Administration.

Please welcome Jonathan to the Apex family!