Sporting Director
Anastacio Rivera
Anastacio is the acting Sporting Director and an assistant coach for the program. He is responsible for player acquisition, team-related sponsorships, arranging friendlies, and handling general team-to-player communications, along with addressing any other needs the Head Coach may have.
He also serves as an assistant coach for the first and second teams. His experience includes nearly 10 years of coaching youth soccer on the Eastside, primarily with Bellevue United FC and Mercer Island FC. Additionally, he coached at Juanita HS for one season before shifting his focus to the development of Bellevue Athletic.
First Team Head Coach
Mike Mata
Mike Mata's soccer journey began at the age of five in Venezuela, where he played in the academy of Real Esppor Club, a first division team. For the past seven years, he has gained experience in 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 formats, leading teams to four WPL titles and three State Cups (WA CUP). Mike currently holds a USSF C License and is eagerly awaiting registration for the B License to further contribute to developing young athletes. Additionally, he holds a UEFA Grassroots Leaders Certificate. Joining Bellevue Athletic excites him, as the club's values align with his own, prioritizing the development of both players and better individuals for life.
First Team Assistant Coach
Brian Burkholder
With over 40 years of experience in soccer as both a player and a coach, Brian Burkholder brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the sport. Brian has coached at various levels, including recreational, select, premier, high school, ODP, EDP, junior college, and NorCal, and has spent the past two years with Bellevue Athletic’s semi-pro team. His passion for the game extends beyond the field, as he has served on several committees focused on developing and expanding opportunities for players who aspire to reach the next level.
First Team Assistant Coach
Dawda Dibba
Dawda Dibba brings a wealth of international playing and coaching experience to Bellevue Athletic FC. He currently leads the Sunday Academy for EJ Training Academy and plays an integral role in camps and Friday Academy sessions, helping to develop young players at all levels.
As a player, Dawda has competed at high levels both domestically and internationally. He played for Golden State Force FC (NPSL/USL2) in California and had professional stints in France, Turkey (4th division), and Thailand (4th division). At the collegiate level, he was a standout at Peninsula College, contributing to a championship-winning campaign. Most recently, he was a key player in Bellevue Athletic’s undefeated Fall 2024 league season, making a strong impact in the attack.
With experience in multiple playing styles and a deep understanding of the game, Dawda is committed to developing the next generation of talent at BAFC
B2 Head Coach
Tao Shen
Coach Tao holds a USSF C License. He previously served as the head coach at Trinity Lutheran College and Bellevue College, as well as the head coach for the Snohomish Skyhawks, a semi-professional team. He brings extensive experience working with various local premier youth clubs, including academy teams, futsal teams, camps, and team settings. He firmly believes that player development varies for each individual, and he emphasizes that proper training and the right environment are key to success.
Coach Tao is happily married to his wife, Emerisse. They are proud parents of two children: Izzy and Evan.
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Austin Hill
With a passion for soccer deeply rooted from his upbringing in Bothell, Austin Hill brings a wealth of experience to our coaching team. He spent three years playing professionally in Tijuana, Rochester, and Hamburg, and four years as a semi-professional player across four different countries.
Austin has transitioned into coaching with four years of experience at various levels, including high school, youth clubs, and academy teams. As the Director of Outdoor Soccer at Snohomish Sky, he has been instrumental in developing young talent and fostering a culture of excellence.
Austin’s coaching philosophy focuses on a holistic approach, blending technical skills with a deep understanding of the mental and physical aspects of the game. His commitment to nurturing players' strengths and capabilities makes him a key mentor and leader within our club.
Goalkeeper Coach
Dorian Lair
With over 20 years immersed in the game, Dorian Lair brings a wealth of experience as both a player, coach, and entrepreneur in the soccer world. A former goalkeeper at Edmonds College and Warner Pacific University, he went on to compete with clubs like FC Mulhouse Portland (NPSL), St. Petersburg Aztecs (UPSL), and Snohomish County Steelheads (CPL). His deep understanding of the position has shaped his approach to goalkeeper development, emphasizing technical excellence, mental resilience, and sharp game intelligence.
Off the field, Dorian is the Director of Goalkeeping at Sound FC and the founder of Lair Athletics, a premier goalkeeper training academy designed to develop keepers for the highest levels of competition. His work in soccer operations extends to club management, previously overseeing recruitment and community engagement at Snohomish County Football Club.
As Bellevue Athletic FC’s goalkeeper coach, Dorian is committed to refining the next generation of shot-stoppers, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of high-level play. His passion for the game, strategic coaching methods, and experience at multiple levels of the sport make him an invaluable addition to the club.