Mark Gavin is the Director of Coaching at Apex Soccer Academy and Norwalk Soccer Club, bringing over 20 years of experience coaching soccer from 3U to 19U age groups across Colorado and Iowa. 

During his high school coaching career in Colorado, Mark was instrumental in Aurora Central achieving its first-ever conference title and three consecutive state playoff berths. After settling back in Iowa to start a family, Mark began coaching for Norwalk Soccer Club. Along with a few founding members from area clubs, Apex Soccer Academy was formed to give players in the southern part of the Des Moines Metro and the surrounding area a strong alternative to competitive soccer. As Apex has grown, Mark has enjoyed coaching boys and girls of all ages in competitive soccer.

More recently, he oversaw and helped guide the 2023-2024 Apex 19U Girls team and the 17U Girls team to the finals at the Iowa Presidents Cup.  The 19U girls won the Iowa Presidents Cup, marking a first for Apex and qualifying them for the Regional Presidents Cup. 

Mark's dedication to player and coach development drives his continuous pursuit of professional growth. He recently earned the U.S. National C license and holds the TOVO 11v11 Course and the U.S. Youth Soccer National Youth License. Additionally, he has earned the National Diploma and the National Goalkeeping (Level 3) Diploma from United Soccer Coaches, and completed the Coerver Youth Diploma course.

A native of Indianola, Iowa, Mark played for the Indianola Soccer Tribe and Indianola High School, continuing his passion for the sport in adult leagues in Colorado until his early thirties.

Beyond his Director of Coaching responsibilities, Mark will also oversee the Academy 9U-10U Program and serve as age group director for the 13U-14U boys’ select teams.

Outside of soccer, Mark enjoys cheering on his kids and nieces and nephews in their activities, kayaking, hiking, watching movies, and spending time with his family.