Melissa Cartagena
Melissa has been involved with Beyond since essentially the beginning. She was a long-time travel player and has served in many leadership roles within the organization. Today, she’s the head coach of the Wolverines, our 8th-grade girls’ team, where she helps guide players during an important stage of their development. Melissa graduated from Abbott Academy with honors as a student-athlete and later earned her bachelor’s degree in Science and Nutrition from UMass Lowell.
Why I Coach: “I coach because it’s rewarding to see players grow and develop their love for the game. My own coaches inspired me to give back in the same way.”
Donovan Guzman
Now in his third year as head coach of the 6th-grade Lions travel team, Donovan enjoys giving back to the same community that shaped his love for the game. Donovan often reflects on how soccer in Lawrence has grown since he was young and enjoys helping the next generation experience the sport. A graduate of Notre Dame High School alongside fellow coach-mentor Issandel, Donovan later earned his psychology degree from UMass Lowell and is currently pursuing his master’s.
Why I Coach: “I like to coach Lawrence’s youth because it reminds me of my days practicing with Beyond.”
Issandel Feliciano
Issandel spent many years between the goal posts on our travel teams before stepping into his coach-mentor role. Now an experienced travel coach, he leads the Gr 6 Rebels and supports our in-city program while continuing to take on growing responsibilities across the organization, including summer and winter roles. He’s constantly recognized for showing up early, doing extra, and going “beyond” for others. A graduate of Notre Dame Cristo Rey, Issandel is currently a junior at SNHU majoring in Engineering Technology.
Why I Coach: “I love to see my players improve using things I teach them and apply those skills in games.”
Katherine Facenda
Katherine first joined Beyond Soccer as a 6th-grade travel player and now gives back as the coach of our 6th-grade girls’ Lionesses team. Known for her strong work ethic, Katherine balances a full-time job, graduate studies, and coaching while continuing to make a meaningful impact on young players. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences with the goal of becoming a dentist, and she remains passionate about helping players grow and deepen their love for the game.
Why I Coach: “It allows me to help others grow and become a better version of themselves and to see the progress athletes make.”
Arabella Sseyondo
Arabella has been part of Beyond Soccer since she joined the program at just four years old. Now a senior at Central Catholic High School, she serves as a coach-mentor in schools around Lawrence and on the fields at Greater Lawrence Tech and the Pavilion. Known for constantly bringing energy, positivity, and fun to practices, Arabella is a great role model for younger players. She also plays an important role in strengthening our summer programming and helps support our girls’ in-city teams.
Why I Coach: “I love being a positive role model to youth, especially young girls, in the same program that I grew up in.”
Ashley Hernandez
Ashley joined Beyond in 2022 as a member of the girls’ high school travel team and now serves as a coach-mentor. She has supported summer and winter programs, and currently assists the Grade 4 Wolves, continuing to stay involved despite a busy college schedule. She’s a student at UMass Lowell pursuing a degree in Exercise Science and Strength & Conditioning, with a goal of improving female participation and research in women’s sports. She also works as a Spanish teacher’s assistant.
“It makes me feel complete knowing I contribute to the growth of young athletes. I want to be the female role model in soccer that I wished I had growing up.”
Ana Garcia
Ana first became involved with Beyond as a highly supportive parent, always going above and beyond for her children and their teammates. In the fall, she joined the coaching staff as head coach of the 4th-grade Wolves, a team her daughter is also part of. Known for bringing energy and enthusiasm to every practice and game, Ana is passionate about helping players grow and enjoy the sport.vWe’re excited to support her as she builds strong connections with players and families.
Why I Coach: “Coaching allows me to be a mom, role model, and coach at the same time while supporting kids as they grow and reach their potential.”
Steven Lopez
Steven, a former Beyond Soccer player, is stepping into a new role this spring as head coach of the 5th-grade boys Eagles travel team. After supporting in-city practices, winter futsal, summer camps, and assisting with travel sessions, he has shown strong leadership and a commitment to becoming an influential coach-mentor. Currently a senior at St. John’s Prep, Steven balances school with coaching and is excited to guide younger players as they grow in the game.
Why I Coach: “I coach to help younger players improve and share what I’ve learned through the game.”
Issandel Feliciano
Issandel spent many years between the goal posts on our travel teams before stepping into his coach-mentor role. Now an experienced travel coach, he leads the Gr 6 Rebels and supports our in-city program while continuing to take on growing responsibilities across the organization, including summer and winter roles. He’s constantly recognized for showing up early, doing extra, and going “beyond” for others. A graduate of Notre Dame Cristo Rey, Issandel is currently a junior at SNHU majoring in Engineering Technology.
Why I Coach: “I love to see my players improve using things I teach them and apply those skills in games.”
