Since then, Niko has worked with, and will continue to work with, all three of my children. If he hadn't already impressed me, he immediately recognized after a single session, just how different all of my children were. In that one session, he determined exactly what they needed as INDIVIDUALS to thrive, as people and players, then gave that to them. They haven't been the same players since. They're better.

Niko is an incredible athlete who understands the nature of soccer and what it takes to succeed better than most because he has competed at the highest professional levels of the game. As such, he curates highly personalized drills and individualized workout plans for his clients to help them reach their greatest potential, achieve their personal goals, and is there every step of their journey so they KNOW they are capable, physically and mentally strong, athletes. He is nothing short of an extraordinary human and a wonderful influence for your child if they hold ambitions beyond recreation level play.

As a parent who is often frustrated by the lack of effort, engagement, care and quality of coaches within the club and high school soccer scene in New Mexico, it's been a joy to watch my children work with Niko and actually ENJOY their time with him, then thrive at a game they love when they step on the pitch.

I am no longer wasting time or money going to several different gyms, trainers and coaches trying to get my children's confidence and physicality up. Niko provides it all, and more effectively. He is the best thing to have happened to my kids and New Mexico soccer.

Niko has a rare gift for connecting with his players. He creates an environment where training is genuinely fun, and yet you walk away having learned more than you expected. My son doesn't just look forward to training, he loves it. That combination of impact and enjoyment is something special, and it doesn't come around often.

If you want a coach who truly invests in the whole player: the technique, the mindset, and the love of the game, Niko is that coach.

After the very first lesson, we got in the car and Mr. Cool Guy — sweaty, tired, and after being told exactly what he was doing wrong (which never goes over well) — waited until the door closed and then almost yelled, "Oh my God, Mom — can I please do this forever?"

That told me everything. Niko immediately saw what he needed and started working on it in real time. He didn't call out flaws or make it negative — he just built the session around him in a way that felt like a challenge, not criticism. My son didn't even realize what was happening, but you could see him responding to it.

The energy was high, the feedback was constant, and it was actually coaching — not just running drills. A lot of "private lessons" feel like someone just applying their own style on a kid. This was different. It was an instant assessment and a clear plan tailored to my son.

And the result? After one session, my son played differently in his very next game. No, he didn't score — but he was taking shots and making passes he wouldn't have even attempted before. Calculated risks. Confidence. I couldn't believe the difference one lesson made.