American River FC Director of Coaching

American River FC's director of coaching is Monica Gerardo.

Monica brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to our Club. Monica learned the fundamentals of the game while being coached by her Dad in southern California's competitive youth soccer leagues. After winning the U-18 National Championship with Fountain Valley Spirit, she played college soccer for four years at the University of Notre Dame. While playing for the Fighting Irish, Monica scored an incredible 73 goals and her team was also crowned the 1995 NCAA Division I National Champion!

After this stellar college career, Monica played in the 1999 FIFA Woman's World Cup held in the United States. She logged over 25 international appearances for the Mexico National Team. Monica topped off her playing career by playing professional soccer for the Washington Freedom in the WUSA from 2001-2003.

Monica began her coaching career as a volunteer assistant coach at the United States Naval Academy. From there, she went on to become the assistant women's coach at the University of Pittsburgh and then St. Mary's College, Moraga back in California. In addition to coaching, she was the head recruiting coordinator for the St. Mary's College women's team. While coaching at St. Mary's, Monica also served as a Director of Coaching with the Pleasanton Rage Soccer Club. Most recently, Monica coached at the youth competitive level for the San Juan Soccer Club and the Davis Legacy Soccer Club. Lastly, Monica is a teacher credentialed by the State of California.

Monica is committed to teaching your kids the same fundamentals of the game that served her so well during her own playing career. We can barely imagine a more qualified person to be our Club's Director of Coaching.