Technical Staff – Bellevue Athletic FC

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

Goalkeeper Coach - Dorian Lair

With over 20 years in the game, Dorian Lair brings experience as a player, coach, and mentor. A former goalkeeper at Edmonds College and Warner Pacific University, he also competed with FC Mulhouse Portland (NPSL), St. Petersburg Aztecs (UPSL), and Snohomish County Steelheads (CPL).

He is the Director of Goalkeeping at Sound FC and founder of Lair Athletics a premier goalkeeper academy. At Bellevue Athletic FC, Dorian focuses on developing the next generation of goalkeepers through technical excellence, mental strength, and game intelligence.

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.

B2 Head Coach - Rick Sepulveda

Rick comes with a proven track record in elite youth development, holding a USSF C License and coaching roles across club youth programs like Western Washington Surf SC. He’s also served Bellevue Athletic in a crucial technical support role—as our Technical Assistant & Performance Analyst—ensuring our coaching system remains sharp and data-driven.

Known for his deep tactical knowledge and player-first coaching style, Rick has built his reputation by developing young talent and helping them reach the next level—whether that’s college, USL2, or professional trials. His transition into the head coach role for B2 is a natural step in elevating our player development pipeline and preserving our club’s high standards.