Laguna Blanca Named Daniel Boateng Girls Soccer Coach
The former Cate School captain has been tapped to lead the girls soccer program at Laguna Blanca School.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Soccer
Laguna Blanca School has appointed Daniel Boateng as its new head coach for the girls soccer team. Boateng arrives with extensive coaching experience and a background as a collegiate athlete.
Why it matters
The hire brings a seasoned local leader to the program, aiming to leverage Boateng's experience in athlete development and youth soccer management.
Boateng earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame in December 2025 and secured his U.S. Soccer National D License in May 2026.
The players
Daniel Boateng
He is a former collegiate soccer player and current youth soccer director who founded the 501(c)(3) non-profit Changing Lives GH.
Laguna Blanca School
It is an independent college preparatory school in Santa Barbara that operates competitive athletic programs.
Legends Futbol Academy
This Santa Barbara organization provides elite club soccer training and competitive team development for youth players.
University of Notre Dame
This is a private research university where Boateng played soccer and completed his undergraduate studies.
Cate School
This is a private secondary school located in Carpinteria where Boateng served as a team captain and MVP.
The details
Boateng currently serves as the Director of the Boys' Program at Legends Futbol Academy in Santa Barbara, where he manages competitive training for the U14 Elite and U13 teams. He brings previous playing experience from his time at the University of Notre Dame and a history as a team captain and MVP at Cate School.
Timeline
Daniel Boateng founded the non-profit Changing Lives GH in 2023.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame in December 2025.
Boateng completed his U.S. Soccer National D License in May 2026.
He was officially named the Laguna Blanca head coach in September 2026.
The Big Picture
This appointment follows the standard industry trajectory of professionalizing local youth coaching staffs through the U.S. Soccer Coaching National D License program. It marks a broader shift toward hiring leaders with both high-level playing backgrounds and formal pedagogical certifications.
Student-athletes within the program will experience a transition to Boateng's specific training philosophy and mentoring approach developed at the Legends Futbol Academy. This move shifts the coaching leadership heading into the new school year.
The takeaway
Schools continue to prioritize the hiring of coaches who balance formal education with hands-on youth development experience. Parents and players should engage with new coaching staff early in the season to understand their specific team management expectations.
Further reading
For more updates on local athletic programs, visit Soccer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Noozhawk.
