Coaches & Tryout Info
Meet Our Coaches
At Ascent United, every team has a dedicated head coach, but our club’s strength comes from working together. Our coaching staff operates as a true team of mentors, collaborating to ensure that every player — on every team — receives the support, training, and encouragement they need to grow and succeed. This unified approach allows us to focus on what matters most: developing complete players both on and off the field.
Head Coaches
Coach Nick Fenimore
2011-2012 Girls
Coach Nick Fenimore is a USSF D Licensed coach with over 10 years of experience coaching youth soccer. He has worked with players across multiple age groups, helping athletes build the technical skills, tactical awareness, and confidence needed to excel at the next level.
As the Director of Coaching for Ascent United, Nick leads the club’s player development philosophy, ensuring every athlete benefits from high-quality training in a positive, competitive environment. His focus on growth both on and off the field gives Ascent players the foundation to succeed in soccer and beyond.
Coach Keven Cardenas
2016-2017 Boys
Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Coach Keven Cardenas discovered his love for soccer at just seven years old and has been connected to the game ever since. From competing at the club and collegiate levels, Keven developed not only technical skill and tactical awareness, but also a deep appreciation for the discipline, teamwork, and character that soccer builds. His lifelong connection to the sport has fueled his passion for giving back to the community that shaped him.
For the past three years, Keven has been coaching at the high school level, where he has found a new calling in developing the next generation of athletes. Known for his positive energy and ability to connect with players, he focuses on teaching fundamentals, building confidence, and fostering leadership on and off the field. At Ascent United, Coach Keven is committed to guiding young athletes with the same passion that first drew him to the game, helping them grow as players and as people.
Coach Anthony Neal
2014-2015 Boys
Coach Anthony Neal is a lifelong competitive athlete and passionate supporter of youth sports who brings both experience and enthusiasm to his coaching role. Having been actively involved in his own sons’ athletic journeys, Anthony understands firsthand the value of creating a positive and engaging environment where young players feel supported and inspired. His coaching reflects a balance of competitiveness and care, always focused on the best interest of the athletes.
As a U.S. Soccer Grassroots–licensed coach and dedicated student of the game, Anthony emphasizes fundamentals, teamwork, tactics, and strategy in every training session. His approach prioritizes keeping soccer fun while challenging players to grow in confidence, skill, and character — both on and off the field.
Coach Justin Hughes
2016-2017 Girls
Coach Justin Hughes has been part of the game since age 3 and spent 11 years competing with Alliance Soccer. In 2015, he began his coaching career as an Assistant Boys Varsity Coach at Pinnacle High School, later becoming the Men’s Varsity Director and Head Coach in 2018.
Recognized as a 4× Region Coach of the Year, Coach Justin has led Pinnacle to consistent 6A Quarterfinal appearances and a 2024–2025 Open Division Semifinal run. At Ascent United, he brings this high-level experience to youth soccer, focusing on technical development, tactical growth, and building confident players who succeed both on and off the field.
Coach Caleb Paliotto
2013-2014 Girls
Coach Caleb Paliotto brings over 20 years of experience as a personal trainer, specializing in strength and conditioning as well as athlete development across a wide range of sports. His expertise goes beyond the physical — combining training, nutritional guidance, and performance coaching to help athletes build a strong foundation and reach their peak potential. Caleb emphasizes not only how players train, but also how they fuel their bodies, ensuring they are prepared for maximum performance on and off the field.
In addition to his work in fitness, Caleb has dedicated the past nine years to coaching youth soccer, including boys and girls teams at all competitive levels with CCV Stars Soccer. He holds multiple U.S. Soccer coaching licenses and is also certified in areas of youth athlete safety and security. Caleb’s holistic approach — blending technical soccer coaching with physical preparation and life skills — gives Ascent United players the tools they need to grow as well-rounded athletes and leaders.
Assistant Coaches
Coach Drew Horton
2011-2012 Girls
With over 20 years of coaching experience, Coach Drew Horton brings elite playing and coaching knowledge to Ascent United. A former All-State soccer and track athlete, he competed for four years at Grand Canyon University before playing semi-professionally with the Arizona Saguaros (now Phoenix Rising). Drew has coached at the collegiate, high school, and club levels, holds multiple U.S. Soccer Federation licenses, and is a certified personal trainer. Known for his tactical understanding, focus on fundamentals, and ability to connect with athletes, he has developed players who have gone on to thrive in upper-level clubs and at the college level. His passion, professionalism, and dedication to player growth make him an invaluable part of Ascent United’s coaching team.
Coach Anthony Smith
2016-2017 Boys, 2014-2015 Boys
Coach Anthony Smith brings over eight years of club coaching experience and a lifelong passion for the game. Having played soccer competitively through high school before pursuing college and professional basketball, he carries a unique perspective on athletic development. Anthony values soccer for its creativity, teamwork, and global reach, and his coaching style emphasizes a positive, competitive environment where players build confidence, sharpen technical skills, and develop a lasting love for the game.
Coach Ryan Stjernholm
2016-2017 Girls
Coach Ryan Stjernholm has been immersed in soccer for most of his life, both as a player and a coach, bringing valuable experience from youth club to high school programs. He combines strong technical knowledge with a genuine commitment to player growth, focusing on developing skills, confidence, and teamwork. Known for his supportive and positive approach, Ryan creates an environment where athletes can challenge themselves, thrive, and grow not only as players, but as individuals prepared for success on and off the field.
Tryout FAQs
Player Evaluation Process
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Coach Evaluation
Roster Placement
Online Tryout Sign-up Form
At Ascent United, we’re more than just soccer.
We’re building a community where players grow as athletes and as people.
With experienced coaches, a positive culture, and a commitment
to development, we give players the tools to reach their full potential
on and off the field.