With over 50 years of collegiate and professional playing and coaching experience, the ACPD coaching staff is positioned to elevate any student athlete for success in soccer and life.
Aaron Champenoy
Director, Head Coach of ACPD Academy
Aaron Champenoy brings over two decades of soccer leadership experience to his role as the owner, director, and head coach of AC Professional Development. A proven winner with a collegiate career record of 185-108-26, Coach Champ’s crowning achievement came in 2016 when he led Hastings College to the NAIA National Championship, earning him the United Soccer Coaches & NAIA National Coach of the Year honors.
Throughout his illustrious career, Coach Champ has consistently demonstrated his ability to develop champions both on and off the field. His teams have secured 5 league/conference championships, produced 17 All-America selections, and boasted 47 1st League Team selections, including 8 Players of the Year. His commitment to academic excellence is evident in his players’ success, with 35 Academic All-League selections under his guidance.
Coach Champ’s coaching philosophy is rooted in building trust-based relationships with every team member. He believes in giving as much of himself as he expects of others and setting high standards based on enduring principles. His holistic approach to athlete development focuses not just on soccer skills, but on creating better individuals in sport and life.
His commitment to strong character and values is at the heart of Coach Champ’s approach. As a devoted family man, he extends this ethos to his players, treating them as part of his extended family. He holds his athletes to high standards but always backs these expectations with trust, compassion, and unwavering support. This family-oriented environment fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect, encouraging players to grow not just as athletes but as responsible, caring individuals.
At AC Professional Development, Coach Champ applies his extensive experience and innovative methods to prepare high school graduates for successful college soccer careers. His experience in video scouting and analysis (WyScout/InStat/Hudl), GPS analysis (Catapult & StatSport), and periodized on-field and strength & conditioning programming provides academy players with a professional training environment.
Coach Champ’s vision for AC Professional Development is to bridge the gap between high school and college soccer, offering young athletes the opportunity to refine their skills, gain valuable experience, and earn college credits without sacrificing eligibility. His proven track record of fundraising, having raised over $1 million throughout his career, ensures that the academy has the resources to provide top-notch facilities and opportunities for its players.
With a Master’s degree in athletic administration and Coaching from Concordia University—Irvine and a Bachelor’s in Biology from Bellevue University, Coach Champ brings a well-rounded educational background to his role. His educational experience at various institutions further enhances his ability to mentor and develop young talent.
Under Coach Champ’s leadership, AC Professional Development is set to become the premier destination for aspiring college soccer players. It offers a unique blend of athletic excellence, academic opportunity, and personal growth in the heart of Houston, Texas. His family-first approach ensures that players develop as athletes and as well-rounded individuals prepared for success in all aspects of life.
Daniel Fragachan
Associate Head Coach & Recruiting Director
Daniel Fragachan brings a wealth of international experience, professional playing expertise, and a deep passion for soccer to his roles as Associate Head Coach and Associate Recruiting Director at ACPD Academy. Born in Venezuela and raised in Spain, Daniel’s soccer odyssey began in the youth academies of U.E. L’Hospitalet and C.E. Europa, where he laid the foundation for his technical proficiency and tactical understanding of the game.
Daniel’s collegiate career is a testament to his skill and adaptability. At the University of St. Thomas, he played a pivotal role in securing the team’s first-ever Red River NAIA Men’s Soccer Conference Championship in 2013. His journey continued at Hastings College, where he reached the pinnacle of collegiate success as a key member of the 2016 NAIA National Championship team that went undefeated. Throughout his college years, Daniel’s relationship with Coach Aaron Champenoy, whom he describes as a key mentor, significantly shaped his development as a player and a future coach.
Following his collegiate triumphs, Daniel began a professional career that saw him compete in Spain’s 3rd and 2nd Division B with Los Yebenes de San Bruno and U.B. Conquense, respectively. His journey culminated with a stint in Venezuela’s 1st Division with Aragua FC, rounding out a diverse playing career that now informs his coaching approach.
Daniel’s transition to coaching began as a student assistant at Hastings College in 2017 under the continued mentorship of Coach Champenoy. He helped lead the program to back-to-back GPAC Conference titles and a top-10 National ranking. This experience laid the groundwork for his coaching philosophy, which centers on technical excellence, tactical awareness, personal growth, and cultural adaptability.
At ACPD Academy, Daniel works closely with Head Coach Aaron Champenoy to implement a comprehensive player development program. His international background and experience at multiple levels of the game provide invaluable insights for aspiring players. As associate Recruiting Director, Daniel leverages his extensive network to identify and nurture local and international talent, guide student-athletes through the college recruitment process, and maintain relationships with college programs and professional clubs.
Holding degrees in Business Administration and Economics, Daniel brings a strategic mindset to player development and program management. His commitment to continuous learning ensures that ACPD athletes benefit from cutting-edge training methodologies and career guidance.
Luis Colmenares
Assistant Coach & Sports Mgmt. Director
Luis Colmenares stands as a pillar of excellence at ACPD Academy, bringing a wealth of international experience and a deep passion for developing young athletes. With over five years of coaching expertise across various age groups and a proven track record of managing more than 50 sport-related events, Luis is dedicated to nurturing the holistic growth of student-athletes, preparing them for success both on and off the field.
Currently serving as the U16-U10 Coach and Campus Coordinator at Kaptiva Sports Academy Texas, Luis is instrumental in creating dynamic training environments that prioritize technical skill development, character building, and team cohesion. His coaching philosophy aligns seamlessly with ACPD Academy’s mission, focusing on cultivating not just soccer players but well-rounded individuals ready to take on the challenges of collegiate athletics and beyond.
Luis’s journey in soccer is marked by significant roles that highlight his versatility and commitment to athlete development:
- Sports Director at Kaptiva Sports Spain: Luis excelled in aligning sports activities with the academy’s overarching educational goals, managing multiple projects that improved operational efficiency and athlete engagement.
- High School Program Director at Crush FC: He led U15-U19 teams to successful seasons, emphasizing teamwork, resilience, and individual growth, which are crucial elements in a young athlete’s development.
- Coach at Valencia CF Academy Houston: Luis’s experience with this prestigious academy, where he coached the U8 team, underscores his ability to work with athletes at all stages of their development, laying strong foundations for future success.
Beyond his coaching roles, Luis’s expertise in sports management sets him apart. As Lead Manager at Max Sports Group and Project Manager at MAD Sports Group, he has honed his skills in event coordination, logistics, and strategic planning, ensuring that every event and program he oversees runs smoothly and achieves its goals.
At ACPD Academy, Luis is dedicated to:
- Cultivating technical proficiency and tactical understanding: Ensuring that each athlete develops the skills necessary to excel in soccer.
- Instilling values of sportsmanship, resilience, and leadership: Preparing athletes to be leaders on and off the field.
- Providing guidance on college recruitment and career pathways in soccer: Helping student-athletes navigate their journey to collegiate athletics and beyond.
- Creating a supportive community: Encouraging athletes to reach their full potential in a nurturing and motivating environment.
Parents can rest assured that their children are receiving top-tier training under Luis’s guidance, which balances competitive drive with personal growth. College coaches will find ACPD graduates, shaped by Luis’s coaching, to be well-prepared for the rigors of collegiate soccer. Club directors will appreciate the comprehensive approach to player development that professionals like Luis bring to ACPD Academy.
Luis Colmenares’s commitment to excellence and his strategic approach to athlete development make him an invaluable asset to the ACPD community. He is not just coaching soccer players; he is inspiring the next generation of well-rounded athletes, leaders, and individuals who are passionate about the beautiful game.
Manu Hernandez
Assistant Coach & Director of Goalkeeping
Manu’s soccer journey is rooted in a deep understanding of player development, having worked as the Director of Operations for Kaptiva Sports in North America and served as Technical Director for various soccer academies such as Crush FC Houston, B-Elite Soccer Academy, and Cedar Stars Rush. His coaching expertise extends across all levels of competitive youth soccer, with a focus on fostering technical excellence and tactical understanding in his players.
As a former Goalkeeper Coach for Real Betis Balompié Escuela in Spain and the Head Coach for Fundación Real Madrid, Manu’s experience with elite programs speaks to his commitment to producing top-tier talent. His role at ACPD Academy allows him to apply his specialized knowledge of goalkeeping, helping players excel in one of soccer’s most challenging positions. His work is characterized by a focus on building strong technical foundations, enhancing decision-making, and cultivating leadership on and off the field.
In addition to his extensive coaching experience, Manu holds several prestigious coaching qualifications, ensuring that ACPD athletes benefit from the latest methodologies and best practices in soccer coaching.
Licenses and Certifications:
- UEFA A License (RFEF/RFAF)
- UEFA B License (RFEF/RFAF)
- US Soccer C License
- United Soccer Coaches National Diploma
- United Soccer Coaches Director of Coaching Diploma
- Real Federación Andaluza de Fútbol Goalkeeper National Diploma
- Coaching Certification Level I (USSA)
- LGBTQ Diversity and Inclusion Certification (USC)
- Get Ahead Safely in Soccer (USC)
- Constructive Soccer Principles of Play (US Youth Soccer)
At ACPD Academy, Manu plays a critical role in shaping goalkeepers and outfield players alike, combining technical training with a focus on personal growth and resilience. His holistic approach aligns with ACPD’s mission to develop not only exceptional soccer players but also well-rounded individuals who are prepared for success in collegiate and professional soccer.
Message to Aspiring Players: “Goalkeeping requires more than just physical skill—it demands mental toughness, tactical intelligence, and leadership. At ACPD, we are committed to helping you develop these qualities so you can excel in your soccer journey and beyond.”
Manu Hernandez’s passion for developing elite players, combined with his vast international experience, makes him an invaluable asset to the ACPD Academy community. Parents, college coaches, and club directors can trust that under Manu’s guidance, players are receiving top-level training and mentorship, preparing them for the next stages of their soccer careers.
Our Mission
To empower aspiring student-athletes through a transformative gap year experience that develops exceptional soccer skills, fosters academic excellence, and cultivates personal growth, preparing them to make an immediate impact in collegiate athletics while preserving their NCAA eligibility.
Vision Statement:
To be the premier bridge between high school and college soccer, recognized globally for producing well-rounded student-athletes who excel on the field, in the classroom, and in life. We envision a world where every passionate player has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their future teams and communities.
Our Core Values
01
Excellence in All Pursuits
We strive for the highest standards in athletics, academics, and personal development, believing that success in one area fuels achievement in others.
02
Holistic Development
We nurture the complete individual, balancing physical training with intellectual growth and character building to create well-rounded leaders.
03
Innovative Preparation
We embrace cutting-edge techniques and technologies in training, education, and personal development to give our athletes a competitive edge.
04
Integrity and Ethics
We uphold the highest standards of honesty, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior, both on and off the field.
05
Personalized Pathways
We recognize and celebrate the unique potential in every athlete, tailoring our approach to help each individual find their optimal path to success.
06
Community and Teamwork
We foster a supportive, inclusive environment that values collaboration, mutual respect, and the power of collective achievement.
07
Lifelong Learning
We instill a passion for continuous improvement and adaptability, preparing our athletes for success in an ever-changing world.
08
Global Perspective
We embrace diversity and cultivate a worldview that prepares our athletes to thrive in multicultural environments and make a positive impact globally.