CASC Teams Coached
Kiel McClung (Boys 2014 SCV)
Background
Kiel attended Quartz Hill High School and continued his soccer career at UCLA, where he won the Pac-10 Championship three times and was the Team captain for the NCAA National Finalists. Kiel was named to the All Pac-10 Team twice and earned 10 caps with the U20 National Team.
Professionally, Kiel was drafted by the Los Angeles Galaxy and had a loan stint with the USL 1 Franchise, California Victory, where he was named Player of the Month.
In coaching, he was the former Boys’ Director at Crescenta Valley SC, where he and Coach Chad Borak paved the path with the first boys’ team to compete and win the Surf College Showcase and Disney Cup College Showcase, alongside other marquee events like the Dallas Cup and Far West Regionals.
Kiel has coached over 30 players who moved on to play college soccer and a few who went professional. Kiel introduced the club’s inaugural College Information Night and currently coaches the CASC 2014 SCV team while working for Grammarly for Education.
Coaching License(s)
• U.S.S.F. National C License
Playing Experience
• UCLA: 2003-2007
• Los Angeles Galaxy : 2007
• USL 1 – California Victory: 2007
• USL 1- Cleveland City Stars: 2008
Educational Background
• B.A Sociology, University of California, Los Angles
• M.A. Kinesiology & Sports Management, University of South Dakota
Favorite Position
• Center Back
Favorite Soccer Player
• Roy Keane
Favorite US Soccer Player
• Brian McBride
Favorite Pro Club Teams
• Manchester United
• LAFC
Favorite National Team (besides USA)
• Brazil
Any superstitions before a game
• I didn’t have any superstitions, but I would go for a walk and stretch on gamedays.
Favorite Part about Coaching Soccer
With over 15 years of coaching experience, I’ve seen it all. From top youth tournaments to managing local AYSO teams, one key factor stands out: the parents. Ensuring that parents understand their roles and support their children positively can make or break a season.
My favorite part of coaching youth sports varies depending on the level I’m coaching. In AYSO, it’s incredibly rewarding to see kids associate the word “fun” with the soccer ball and enjoy the game without stressing about winning or losing.
In the lower ages of club soccer, I love introducing building block concepts that will be foundational to their success, from technical skills to understanding team shape and building out of the back. For the older ages in club soccer, the thrill of high-level tournaments and exposing players to the college recruiting process is unmatched, especially when I see players fulfill their dreams.
Ultimately, my favorite part of coaching is seeing kids enjoy the game and parents creating a supportive environment where children can thrive and develop a lifelong love for sports.
Best advice to soccer players
Be a Goldfish (Ted Lasso’s Advice): Learn to let go of mistakes quickly and move on. Like a goldfish with a short memory, don’t dwell on errors or setbacks. Instead, focus on the present moment and your next opportunity to improve.
Fall in Love with the Process: Enjoy the journey of learning and improving. Focus on the small steps you take every day that lead to progress, rather than just the end goals. Embrace the practice, the drills, and the hard work as opportunities to grow.
Create Daily Habits: Establish consistent routines that support your development. Whether it’s practicing specific skills, maintaining fitness, or following a balanced diet, daily habits build the foundation for long-term success.