Sam “Jr” Gonzales shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sam “Jr”, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
“Coaching soccer makes me lose track of time and find myself again. When I’m out there on the field, surrounded by players who trust me to guide them, everything else fades. It’s not just the game: it’s the energy, the lessons, the connection. I could spend hours breaking down tactics, building confidence in a shy kid, or planning a session that challenges hearts, minds, and legs.
It’s in those moments: watching a young player finally ‘get it,’ seeing belief light up in their eyes, the smile when they overcome difficult moments or hearing a team move as one, that I remember exactly who I am and why I do this. Soccer isn’t just my profession it’s my calling, my healing, and my mirror. It’s where I show up for others, and in doing so, show up for myself.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello,
My name is Sam “Coach Jr” Gonzales. I am the founder of El Sueño de Sueños Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering youth through soccer, mentorship, and community support, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. Our mission is to inspire children to dream beyond their circumstances and believe in their potential.
Currently, I serve as the Head Coach for Albion SC Los Angeles MLS NEXT AD boys teams (2012 and 2013 age groups), where I develop high-level youth talent with a long-term objective of establishing pathways to professional and collegiate soccer. I also continue to lead the girls soccer program at Fulton College Prep, where our focus is on fostering both character and competitiveness both on and off the field.
In partnership with my close friend and business partner, Sarah Altamira, we are launching a new family-oriented recreational soccer league through MLS GO. This league is designed to provide a positive and inclusive environment for children of all skill levels, particularly beginners, with a strong emphasis on enjoyment, learning, and community engagement.
All of my endeavors, from coaching to program development, are rooted in passion, purpose, and the conviction that soccer possesses the capacity to transform lives. We are not merely constructing teams; we are constructing futures ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most profoundly shaped my self-perception is the one I share with my mother. While I hold my father in high regard, my mother played a pivotal role in my growth and developments. She embodies resilience through her unwavering sacrifices. Quietly, consistently, and with boundless love. To provide us with a better life. Witnessing her navigate challenges with grace, faith, and affection instilled in me a profound sense purpose. She showed me what it means to lead with your soul, to protect your family, and to keep showing up even when you’re tired, broken, or overlooked.I carry her lessons in every space I walk into: as a coach, a leader, a mentor, a friend, because of her, I’m grounded in love and driven by something bigger than myself.
I also owe so much to my sisters (Evelin and Izzy I love you!) all my amazing cousins but s special s\o to my cousin Kevin (Thank you primo!), Mikey Loks (Thank for always supporting my visions and being supportive) my close friends (Keaton, Izzy, Alex (Yansi), Oscar, polo, Mario and everyone at Fulton (Mr G, Mr Holtzman, and all my girls along the way) Each of them helped me feel seen when I needed it most. They’ve lifted me, held me accountable, celebrated me, and reminded me who I am when I started to forget. I’m forever grateful for that circle, because without them, I wouldn’t be standing where I am today.
— I wouldn’t be here without you Sarah Altamira!
Thank you!!
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me to “figure it out”
To problem-solve when there was no blueprint, no backup plan, and no safety net. It forced me to get creative, stay grounded, and move forward even when everything around me felt uncertain or unfair.
Where success often brings comfort, suffering brought clarity. It revealed who I really am when things fall apart. It taught me to be resourceful, to rely on faith and hard work, and to never wait for perfect conditions to start building something meaningful.
Suffering taught me how to lead with empathy, how to listen better, and how to connect with others through shared struggle. It stripped away ego and replaced it with purpose. While success can be rewarding, it was suffering that gave me the tools, the heart, the mindset and the hunger to grow, not just for myself, but for those I serve.
And most importantly, suffering taught me that if I can survive it, I can guide others through it too.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m relentlessly committed to building El Sueño de Sueños Foundation into a life-changing force for the communities that raised me. No matter how long it takes, I will continue pouring into this project, because it’s not just a non profit organization, it’s a reflection of every kid who’s ever felt overlooked, unheard, or forgotten. I believe deeply in the power of sport, mentorship, and community support to transform lives, and this foundation is my way of creating long-term, generational impact.
Starting one dream at a time.
Alongside that mission, I’m fully committed to the development and future success of my MLS NEXT teams with Albion SC Los Angeles. These boys aren’t just players to me. They’re young men I’ve dedicated myself to shaping on and off the field. My coaching goes far beyond tactics. I’m building mindsets, character, leadership, and belief. I want them to grow into confident, accountable individuals who understand their worth, chase big goals, and become leaders in their own communities.
My message to my Albion family;
Thank you for trusting in me! Enjoy this beautiful journey!
I’m also proud to coach the girls team at Fulton College Prep, where I’ve helped lead a growing program built on respect, accountability, and belief. These young women inspire me daily. They’re building something from the ground up, and I’m honored to be part of their journey. To give them the same level of dedication, structure, and opportunity that every athlete deserves.
My message to my Fulton Family;
Thank you for welcoming me with open arms! Being at Fulton has been the greatest decision I’ve ever made. Thank you to all my alumni players who helped me grow and evolve as a soccer coach, person and mentor.
To my current and future players, our journey is just starting, I’m excited to see what the future has in store for us!
Whether it’s through the foundation, my boys at Albion, or my girls at Fulton, I’m in this for the long haul. My mission is simple: empower youth, develop excellence, and create lasting change in the communities I love.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I do this for the kids and for my community, not for recognition, not for likes, and definitely not for social media. I do it because I remember what it felt like to have nothing, and still be given something by the people around me: love, support, a chance. I know what it’s like to grow up overlooked, to fight through silence, and to feel like no one’s watching. That’s why I show up the way I do, LOUD IN MY EFFORTS. That stayed with me. It shaped who I am. Everything I do now, through my foundation, through coaching, through building programs, is my way of giving that back. I’m not chasing attention. I’m chasing impact. I want to be the person I needed when I was younger, and I want to help these kids realize they’re worth something, that their dreams matter, and that someone truly believes in them. I need to know that one more kid believes in themselves today, that one more dream got lit on fire because someone believed it was possible. That’s my reward. That’s why I give it everything, every time!
Even if no one ever says a word.
