FIRE FC COACHING STAFF
Shaun Howe
Executive Director
EDUCATION
Academic Education:
BA University of Colorado, Boulder
Drake University Secondary Education
Coaching education:
USSF A License
United Soccer Coaches Advanced National License
United States Youth Soccer Association – Youth License
Dutch Youth License
EXPERIENCE
"I played for 2 years at Bowling Green State University. I started coaching with Club Columbine (now Rush Soccer) in 1993. In 1995, I shifted to a staff coach with West Des Moines Soccer Club. At this time I was also an assistant coach at Drake University 1998-1999. Was an ODP Head Coach for 3 years while living in Des Moines. Moved to Phoenix, AZ in 2000 where I worked with SC Del Sol. I started at the bottom and became the Assistant Director of Coaching in 2004. I was also an ODP Head Coach in AZ for 2 years. In 2005 we moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where I took the Director of Coaching Job. We won over 20 state championships in 5 years. I was involved with ODP as a regional staff coach for 3 years and the state ODP Staff for a few years. In 2010, we moved to Grand Junction, CO and I soon took the Executive Director position. We moved around a bit because my wife was going to Osteopathic School, her residency, loan repayments and finally where we really wanted to raise our 3 kids in Grand Junction, CO."
Danny Molineaux
Technical Director
CONTACT
EDUCATION
Experience: Have been coaching club soccer for almost 15 years at Grand Junction Soccer Club. Have been lucky enough to coach every age group from U11-U19 competitive soccer in both genders. Have also coached with Colorado Olympic Player Development. Have also attended 5 of the annual United Soccer coaching conventions in the past 10 years.
Why I coach soccer – I am addicted to the game. If I am not playing/coaching soccer I am usually watching it on television or reading something about the game. My passion for the game just continues to grow every year. I also love making a positive impact on kids' lives through the game of soccer and watching them progress and become better soccer players as well as good human beings and learn a lot of valuable life lessons that should benefit them in their future.
My Vision: I will continue to further educate myself in order to provide the best professional level coaching I can whilst continually referring to what I call the 5 C's of successful soccer. Competitiveness, Communication, Creativity, Composure and Consistency.
EXPERIENCE
Education: Graduated CMU University with a bachelor's degree in Sports Management and Business Administration. I have my FA Level 1 and 2 license from the United Kingdom. I also earned my United Soccer (formerly NSCAA) National C license and Advanced National B License. Have also earned my F,E,D and C USSF Soccer Licenses.
Matt Leach
Technical Director
CONTACT
EDUCATION
Academic Education:
Graduated from Colorado Mesa University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration
Coaching Education:
USSF C Licenses
United Soccer Coaches Advanced Nation License
EXPERIENCE
“I grew up moving around a lot. With all of the moving, soccer has been a constant factor in my life. I started playing in Arizona when I was 6 and was lucky enough to play and learn the game in Guam, Hawaii, Colorado, and Brazil. I moved to Grand Junction in 2007 where I played for Grand Junction High School and Fire FC. As a player and as a coach, I have had the great opportunity spend time in Brazil. While at Colorado Mesa University, I helped found the college club men’s soccer team where I was co-captain and helped lead the team to their first Club National Tournament. I coached the women’s club team at CMU for a year before putting more of my efforts into youth soccer. My coaching career started with Fire FC in 2011. Throughout my time with Fire FC, I have gained many experiences and skills ranging from creating and running programs, tournaments, recreational league, adult league, etc. I have coached all age groups and levels of play for both boys and girls within our club. Outside of Fire FC, I have been the head coach of the 2009 Boys team for Colorado Mountain Select (ODP) Program for the past three years. Fire FC has been a big part of my life and I enjoy watching and helping this club and soccer in general to progress. I like to consider myself a life learner and will continue to learn and grow.”
Ryan Arotin
General Manager & Staff Coach
CONTACT
EDUCATION
Academic Education
Ryan provides Fire FC with a wealth of knowledge on and off the field. Upon graduating Colorado Mesa University in 2015 with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science he went on to obtain a Masters Degree in Sports Administration/Management at the University of California of Pennsylvania in 2017.
Coaching Education
USSF C License
United Soccer Coaches National Diploma
Head Coach CO Select Program (2012 Boys)
EXPERIENCE
"I grew up playing soccer in Maryland just outside of the Washington DC area. I played for a few different clubs but eventually landed at Potomac Academy. In 2006 I moved to Grand Junction, CO where I played for Fire FC and Fruita Monument High School. After graduating in 2010, I continued my playing career at Colorado Mesa University at both the varsity and club level. I was the co-founder of the club team for the University and help lead the team to it's first and only Club National Tournament. Following my playing days I immediately moved into the coaching world with Fire FC where I have now been since 2013. I have worn many hats with the club but am now the General Manager as well as one of many staff coaches. In addition to my many years with the club I have also been involved with Colorado's Select (ODP) program as a head coach for over 3 years. I consider this club my home and am very thrilled to see this club continue to grow!"
will lukowski
Director of Goal Keeping
CONTACT
EDUCATION
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EXPERIENCE
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Mark Ashworth
Staff Coach & u7/8 Level Up Director
CONTACT
EDUCATION
Graduated from the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, England with a BSc in Sport Psychology.
USSF F,E and D licenses as well as 4v4 and 7v7 Grassroots Courses.
FA Levels 1 and 2.
EXPERIENCE
I grew up playing soccer in and around Burnley in England, playing for a number of my local teams. I continued to play through college and was a part of setting up a student only 5v5 league in Preston during my second year of college.
I moved into coaching around 2009, working with a couple of youth teams in my hometown. I started working in the US on summer camps before moving to Grand Junction in 2013 and working with teams and in our PDP during the season, before moving here full time in 2017. Since then I have been a staff coach as well as running our 7/8 and 9/10 Level Up (previously PDP) programs.
I've also been involved with the Colorado Mountain Select (ODP) program as a head coach for the 2009 girls in recent years.
Karl Biddison
Staff Coach
CONTACT
EDUCATION
USSF D License
United Soccer Coaches National Diploma
United States Youth Soccer - Youth License
Bachelors in Business Administration - Finance
Bachelors in Sports Management
EXPERIENCE
I grew up in Fort Collins, CO and played my competitive club soccer for Arsenal Colorado. We played in the highest division in CSA Premier 1, and traveled across the country and competed in tournaments. I played my high school soccer at Fort Collins High School (home of the lambkins) and won the 2009 5A State Championship as a Junior. I decided to forgo playing competitively in college and instead took the pathway of club player at Colorado Mesa University.
While in college I became a part of the Fire FC Coaching Staff in 2012, and have had a hand at some point or another in a majority of the programs at Fire FC. Right now I coach the 2013 Girls Premier Team.
Outside of soccer I work a 9-5 implementing and selling an accounting software for businesses. My wife, Jacqueline, and I have planted our roots in Grand Junction where in our free time we love to ski, hike, mountain bike, and enjoy everything the western slope has to offer. We welcomed our first born child, Bowen, in July 2024.
Marc halberg
Staff Coach
CONTACT
EDUCATION
Graduated from Fruita Monument HS in 2018. Went on to get my bachelors degree at a small Catholic liberal arts school in Atchison, KS. I graduated in 2021 from Benedictine College with a BS in Psychology, Pre-Physical Therapy, and a minor in Philosophy.
EXPERIENCE
"I grew up living in Grand Junction for the majority of the life. I played for Fire FC all the way through my club career. Then I attended and played college soccer at the NAIA level as Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. After college I had the opportunity to come back to Colorado and coach at Fire FC. I have had the opportunity to attend the United Soccer Coaches Convention last January and have completed my USSF D license.
Ramses Atahualpa
Staff Coach
CONTACT
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management with a minor in Coaching and Officiating - Colorado Mesa University (2022)
- Associate Degree in Science - Western Nebraska Community College (2019)
- Currently pursuing a U.S. Soccer D License
EXPERIENCE
- Played for Club Alianza Lima youth teams (U10 - U18) in Peru
- Signed a professional contract with Club Alianza Lima and played for 2 years
- Western Nebraska Community College player (2017 - 2019)
- Colorado Springs Switchbacks USL2 team (2019) and trained with the professional team
- Colorado Mesa University player (2019 - 2022)
- Utah Red Wolves F.C USL2 player (2022)

ABOUT ME
Originally from Lima, Peru, I’ve been passionate about soccer since I started playing at the age of six. The game has shaped who I am today, opening doors and helping me develop skills that have greatly impacted my life. In 2017, I came to the United States on an athletic scholarship, which allowed me to receive a top-quality education. I coach because I want to give back to the sport that has given me so much, and I believe soccer is a powerful tool for helping kids grow into better people in our society.
Kenna Flinn
Staff Coach
CONTACT
EDUCATION
Graduated from Fruita Monument High School in 2021.
EXPERIENCE
I grew up in Grand Junction, CO and started playing for Fire FC when I was 6 years old. I was very passionate about soccer as soon as I started playing, and continued my sports career until I graduated from Fruita Monument High School. Once I graduated, I spent a season volunteering with FMHS’s Girls Soccer team and helping out with Fire’s Level Up Program. I’ve been with Fire FC for 3 years now, coaching the 9/10 Level Up Program, Girls Academy Teams, and competitive leagues for 11/12 year old girls, as well as the 14/15 year old boys. I was able to attend my first coaching convention last year (2024) in California.
It’s been an amazing experience being able to give back to the same community that helped grow my love for the sport.
beto Lopez
Staff Coach
CONTACT
EDUCATION
- Adam State University Bachelor’s of Sports Psychology
- Utah State University Bachelor’s of Human Movement Science with an emphasis on Physical Education Teaching K-12
- USSF D license
- Educator’s License in State of Colorado (Elementary Physical Education)
EXPERIENCE
Grew up in Utah.
Played at Adams State University 2010-2014 as a winger/midfield/fullback.
Coached youth soccer in Utah for Avalanche for 2 years.
Moved to Indiana and coached 2 years at Delaware County Futbol Club.
Values
- Innovation - Creating a fun and engaging learning environment that maximizes achievement and success.
- Responsibility - acting independently and making right decisions on and off the pitch. Leaving things better than when you arrived. Being on time.
- Character - honesty, respect, and compassion for others. Play with a purpose. Embrace expectations. Sacrifice.
- Joy - showing love and passion for their sport. Know yourself. Create your own story.
Coaching Statement
I coach to share my passion for sport to others and to use its influence to build good character and become better versions of themselves.
