CESAR ELIZONDO
DIRECTOR OF COACHING
Cesar Elizondo Quesada joined Pura Vida in 2021, concluding his 17 year Pro career, with the singular purpose of sharing his passion for fútbol with Minnesota's rising stars. A striker, Coach Cesar has played at the top level of the game. He played for the Costa Rican National Team and participated in two FIFA Youth World Cups, U-17 Peru 2005 and U-20 Canada 2007. Cesar has played in Copa America, Copa UNCAF and Gold Cup.
Cesar began his pro career at the age of 17 with Deportivo Saprissa, the club he has loved since childhood and the most celebrated team in Costa Rica, also nicknamed "CONCACAF 21 Century Team" and "Los Morados." With Los Morados, he won 3 national championships and competed in top international tournaments, like CONCACAF Champions League. Cesar won the 2014 NASL Championship with the San Antonio Scorpions and Thailand's King Cup with Buriram United. Cesar has accumulated extraordinary experience playing against other world class players like Lionel Messi, Radamel Falcao, Landon Donovan, Raul Gonzales, Keilor Navas, and Sergio Kun Aguero. Cesar is an open book - all of his experiences are at the disposal of Pura Vida's players. He is committed to helping some of our Pura Vida players achieve higher levels of success one day. "That will be a dream come true," Coach Cesar says.
GUSTAVO DURUTY
HEAD COACH GK + PRE-CANTERA
ALVARO ARCE
COACH
Alvaro Arce was born in Minnesota but found his true passion for futbol after moving to Ecuador at the age of nine. There, he joined one of Ecuador's prestigious academies, FC Cuenca, where he developed his skills from U12 to U15, winning notable tournaments such as the Miami international Cup + Peru Cup. Alvaro then moved back to the states and continued his development in the DA program with MN Thunder Academy.
Alvaro caught the attention of scouts, earning multiple trials with professional clubs in Denmark, Spain + Portugal. Ultimately, Alvaro returned home to Minnesota, where he has played several seasons with Minneapolis City.
Now setting his sights on coaching while still actively playing at Minneapolis City, Alvaro is driven to help the next generation of futbollers reach their potential as key coaches once helped him.
A fun fact about Alvaro's journey is that he was scouted while playing in a recreational game, much like the plot of the movie 'Goal: A Dream Begins'. Vamos!
AVERY LARSSON
COACH
Avery is a native Minnesotan, who started playing fútbol at the young age of 3. He grew up watching and supporting Manchester United!
Avery has an impressive coaching record from his days at U of MN, St. Paul Blackhawks, Joy and MNUFC! Just ask him - he's happy to share! Avery dons the iconic #10 and headband to emulate his favorite player Luka Modric.
Avery's dedication to elite level coaching is simple: he wants to give back to the sport that has given him so much joy and to support young athletes so they may experience the same.
Fun fact- Avery was an 8 time state champ classical pianist!
JOVANI FLORES
COACH
Jovani Flores was born in Tlatizapan Morelos, Mexico & raised in Shakopee MN. At the age of 2, Jova's parents brought his family to the US in search of a better life and opportunities. At the age of 12, Jova earned the opportunity to play for his first club team, Eden Prairie Premier. With EP, Jova won the State Cup twice and competed in Regionals in Kansas and Ohio, earning MVP honors. Jova played Varsity for EP High School, receiving Most Improved Player his first season and MVP each season thereafter. Jova was selected 3x to the All-Midwest Conference Team, Midwest All State Team, 2x MVP.
In 2020 Jova attended Iowa Spencer Division1 Jr. College where he made school history by competing in Nationals in Kansas and finishing 3rd in the Nation. In the summer of 2021, Jova returned to Minnesota to take a position with Pura Vida Elite. Jova is a passionate coach and credits his mentors with teaching him his deep love of the game. Jovani's personal goal is nothing short of lighting a fire in each and every player who enters Casa Pura Vida! Pura Vida!
NICO MENDIVIL
HEAD COACH PERFORMANCE
LEAD COACH PV MENTAL GYM
Nico was raised in Argentina, the birth place of his passion for sports. A lifelong multi-sport athlete, Nico played competitive tennis, soccer, swimming + running. Nico moved to MN in 2015 to earn Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology + Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degrees from the U of M. Never resting on his laurels, Nico also conducted research in Exercise Science, worked as a Certified Personal Trainer + joined the U of M Triathlon Club! Nico has since completed several Olympic distance triathlons, one Ironman triathlon + four marathons, raising the bar to best his performance each and every race!
Nico earned his master’s in Sport + Performance Psychology from the University of Denver, where he was supervised by some of the world's top professionals in the field of Sports Psychology, while providing mental performance services to a wide range of athletes. Committed to offering a holistic approach by supporting athlete's physical + mental performance, Nico obtained a Certified Strength + Conditioning Certification.
Nico answered the call to join fellow University of Denver alum, Carlos Coto, in Minnesota to launch Pura Vida Elite's Mental Performance Department. Truly dedicated to developing players both on and off the field, Nico serves as Lead Mental Gym Coach + Head of Performance for Pura Vida Elite. Vamos Nico!
ANNIE WILLIAMS
COACH
Annie is a home-grown Minnesota talent whose work ethic and deep love for futbol continue to propel her to greater success. Annie played club soccer for Cottage Grove United and MTA. She attended Park Cottage Grove High School, where Annie was twice voted All-State, All Midwest Region Team and was a Ms. Soccer Finalist. Annie played Division 1 college soccer at South Dakota State University, where she double majored in English Education and Spanish. Annie was a 2-time All Summit League 1st Team selection, a 2-time Defensive Player of the Year and was voted to the All Western Regional Team.
Annie made her professional debut in 2019 with with Deportivo Saprissa of San Jose, Costa Rica. The silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic for Pura Vida might well have been Annie's return to the US. She coached with Pura Vida Elite from early 2020. As a coach and mentor, Annie finds great joy in sharing her wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm with Pura Vida's athletes. Always leading by example, Annie trained diligently in pursuit of her personal goal to continue playing professional futbol at the highest level internationally. In 2021, Annie played professionally for IBV in Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland, in the women's first division of the Urvalsdeild Kvenna League.
We are thrilled to have Annie back with Pura Vida for the remainder of 2021 and are excited to see where her skills and drive take her next. Welcome home Annie!
HAKEEM MORGAN
COACH
Born and raised in San José, Costa Rica, Hakeem Morgan learned to run behind a futbol. The son of a professional fútboller, Hakeem was fed a pure diet of Brazilian fútbol and Ronaldinho on the tele at home. Hakeem's early formative fútbol years were spent with Deportivo Saprissa's development academy in San José.
Hakeem + the Morgan family placed great value on academic achievement combined with fútbol development. After his U20 season with Saprissa, Hakeem came to the US for a Post Grad year at Williston North Hampton prep school in Massachusetts. Hakeem's fútbol journey next carried him to MN, where he played all four years at St. Olaf College, earning 2x All-American honors + leading the 'Olies' to Minnesota's first Men's NCAA National Championship in 23/24.
Hakeem's Tico fútbol roots remained strong, answering the call (La Seleccione) to join Costa Rica's U23 National Team, before
attending D1 powerhouse Loyola Marymount University in CA for a 5th year of college fútbol.
Pura Vida is proud to have Hakeem among our talented professional fútbol community, training, mentoring + coaching. Hakeem's future is bright! Pura Vida!
JORGE ARTAVIA
PERFORMANCE + FIELD COACH
Coach 'Tuto' is a true 'Minneso-Tico,' born and raised in Minnesota with Costa Rican parents.
ALLAN SEGURA
COACH
Coach Allan was born in San José, Costa Rica.
TATE MICHELSON
COACH +
COLLEGE RECRUITMENT ADVISOR
Tate Michelson is a Rhode Island native who has come straight to Pura Vida post graduation from Williams College in Massachusetts. Tate was a Psychology + Religion double major, an attacking midfielder and a Captain of the Williams Men's Soccer Team. He was a key member of the 2022 team that made it to the NCAA D3 National Championships + the 2024/25 team that made it to the round of 16, before falling to Washington & Lee in penalties.
Tate brings valuable coaching experience to Pura Vida. He has served as a Player-Coach for Williams College as well as Assistant Coach for Bethel University. Championing Pura Vida's mission to mentor young athletes and inspire them to reach their full potential, Tate is bringing his dual passion for high-level fútbol + academics to Pura Vida Elite's newly launched College Recruitment Department. Vamos!
JANAINA ZANIN HAYES
COACH
Coach Janaina "Jai" Zanin was born and raised in Pierre, SD. Daughter of a Brazillian fútboller + Mexican dancer/pilates instructor, Jai's home-cooked fútbol diet produced the grace, strength + Jenga magic that made Jai a formidable defensive-midfielder for D1 SDU Coyotes.
ARIANA DEL MORAL
COACH
Ariana
CARLOS COTO
DIRECTOR MENTAL PERFORMANCE
M.A., CMPC
Born and raised in San Jose, Costa Rica, Carlos Coto came to the United States in 2014 to pursue his academics + fútbol careers. Coto earned an undergrad degree in Psychology at the NY Institute of Technology, where he was a 4-year captain of their DII fútbol team, winning a conference title + individual All-Conference, All-Region + Student-Athlete of the year accolades.
Coto earned his Master’s in Sport & Performance Psychology from the University of Denver, where he was awarded the Distinguished Master’s Student Practice Award.
Coto began practicing as a Mental Performance Consultant with Premier Sports Psychology + the Minnesota Twins, for whom he served as LatinX Sport Psych Services Coordinator. Eager to turn his talents towards empowering fútbollers, Coto joined Pura Vida to launch the 'Mental Gym' and now serves as Director of PV's Mental Performance Department. Last but not least, Coto serves as the Head of Sport Psychology at San Diego FC, the newest MLS expansion team + residential Academy.
Coto + Pura Vida are proud to bring a holistic, inclusive approach to player development, creating a support system for our community of players, parents and staff PURA VIDA!
VIVIAN ROJAS COLLINS
COACH
Vivian Rojas Collins is a home grown MN talent. Vivi played club soccer with MTA and remains one of Pura Vida's OG athletes. Vivi's consistency and dedication made her one of PV's most technical players, and reigning Teqball champion!
Vivi has been a standout Centerback for Pomona Pitzer's Women's NCAA D3 soccer team. She has earned SCIAC Defensive Player of Week, All-SCIAC + SCIAC Defensive Player of the Year. Vivi has led the Sagehens to frequent top 10 National Rankings.
ANDRES "ANDY" MASIS
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
DPT CSAC FMS SFMA
Pura Vida Elite Training is proud to work with some of the top specialists in the field of Injury Prevention, Athletic Sport Performance and Rehabilitation. Dr. Andres "Andy" Masis serves as a consulting PT and member of Pura Vida's advisory board.
Based out of Ortho Rehab Specialists in Edina, Andy works with professional athletes throughout the world. He has worked with players from the top European futbol clubs and has been a member of the sports medecine staff for the Costa Rican National Futbol Team during World Cup Competition.
With specialty areas focus in Foot & Ankle, Speed & Agility & Functional Sequencing of Explosive Movement, Andy provides his generous expertise to PV's ongoing program development as well as Professional level Injury Prevention and rehab for Pura Vida Elite's athletes. GRACIAS ANDY!
CLARA BROECKER
COACH
MIMI EIDEN
COACH
DANIEL DE LEON
COACH
Daniel De León was born in Minnesota and has lived in Chaska for most of his 20 years. His parents will tell you Daniel's passion for fútbol was sparked the very first time he touched a ball. Daniel played club soccer for CC United, Eden Prairie Soccer Club, and Prior Lake Premier Soccer Club. He played 4 years of varsity soccer for Chaska High School, serving as captain for 2 years. Daniel was twice voted All Midwest Region Team. Bound for Loyola University of Chicago's D1 program in 2019, Daniel instead signed a professional 1-year contract with Asociación Deportiva San Carlos in Costa Rica. Committed to his faith, Daniel believes God, hand-in-hand with a lot of hard work, is the source of his continued soccer success.
During 2020 and 2021, thanks to the COVID-19 epidemic, Pura Vida was fortunate to have Daniel on loan from San Carlos where he has generously shared the skills and experience he gained in Costa Rica with all of the amazing ballers of Pura Vida Elite Training! Daniel returned to Costa Rica to re-start his season in Spring 2021. He takes to heart his opportunity to inspire Pura Vida Elite's young players to work for their dreams! Daniel possesses a rare intensity and focus for his years, His sharp eye, player/coach instincts and ease articulating and demonstrating his points are all helping Pura Vida's athletes develop each and every training session. Pura Vida!
CARLOS LOYO
GK COACH
