Los Angeles, Calif. (May 9, 2013) – The Pali Blues are excited to announce Shayon Jalayer as the newest member of the organization as an assistant coach to head coach Charlie Naimo for the 2013 W-League season. Having previously added former US National Team member Angela Hucles as Naimo’s assistant, Jalayer now completes the coaching staff ahead of the Blues’ season-opening game on Saturday, May 18.
Jalayer brings a wealth of experience having coached soccer at the youth, collegiate, and professional levels. As a player, Jalayer was a NAIA All-American at Azusa Pacific University where he was team captain and voted MVP by his team.
He was the youngest player to sign a professional contract at the age of 17 in the defunct American Soccer League with the Washington Stars.
From 1999-2002, he was head coach of the men’s team at the University of La Verne (NCAA, DIII), and then spent six seasons as head coach at California Baptist University (NAIA, DI) fro 2002-2007.
In 2009, Jalayer helped Naimo lead an undefeated Pali Blues team to their second W-League Championship. In 2011, he and Naimo both left Pali to coach the LA Blues in the USLPRO.
Jalayer is currently the Director of Coaches at BYSC Corona United, the owner and head instructor at Soccer Odyssey, a one-on-one soccer training company, and Associate Head Coach at Riverside Community College.
“Having Shayon back is a very big step in completing our staff,’ said Naimo. “Having been around a bit, there are not many that have the professionalism, passion, and flat out coaching ability that he has. Our players will certainly benefit from the training that Shay brings.”
Jalayer shared his thoughts on returning to Pali this season. “I’m very excited to be part of the Pali coaching staff once again,” he said. “I look forward to working with both Charlie and Angela, but in particular working with this talented group of players.” “It is my hope that we will continue to honor the Blues badge and provide people of the Palisades an entertaining brand of soccer, and ultimately have the W-League championship trophy return to the Palisades and this first class organization.”
