Ric Marta joined the Gryphons soccer organization in 2007. He currently coaches the Gryphons 99G red and Gryphons 98G white teams and also serves as the age group coordinator for both the 99G and 98G programs.

Ric came to the Gryphons organization after spending 12 seasons coaching at Westmoor High School, where his boys junior varsity soccer team went 12-1 (scoring over 30 goals and allowing 3 goals the whole season) in his first year as head coach. Ric later served as boys varsity head coach before landing with the Gryphons.

Ric graduated from Westmoor high school, where he was named All League/MVP in both Soccer and Baseball. He currently holds a National Diploma and State Goal Keeper Diploma through the National Coaches Association of America and is a certified “F” licensed coach through CYSA. Ric also holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from San Francisco State University.

Ric currently lives in Millbrae with his wife and three children, Gabriella (10), Aldair (3) and Anaika (5 months). Gabriella plays on RicÕs 98G white team and Aldair has recently started playing soccer in the Gryphons Grasshoppies program. Both kids are soccer fanatics; will the third follow in their footsteps?

“Everyday, I feel lucky and fortunate to be able to share my love for the beautiful game of soccer. Although an understanding of technical and tactical skills is essential, soccer is really about passion and enthusiasm. These are two traits that I proudly bring to my players and teams each day I step onto the field. In my role as coach, I think about developing each player as best I can, regardless of whether they are an elite player or are new to the game – each player deserves the same passion and attention. I don’t determine whether my players will become professional athletes, I just want to develop the best, technically sound players who have the confidence to perform on the field at the highest possible level.”

John Tsamasfyros is a parent-coach in the Gryphons 99G Academy. His daughter, Toni, has been playing Gryphons soccer for two years. An accomplished athlete, John grew up in Vail, Colorado where he was a highly-ranked ski racer for the U.S. Junior National Team and an all-state soccer defender.

Later, John attended St. Lawrence University, where he was a NCAA Division I ski racer and a Division III soccer player. He competed in the NCAA Ski championships three times and was named the most valuable skier at St. Lawrence in 1992 and 1994. A member of the St. Lawrence soccer team, John played Division III soccer as a defender for two years. After college, John ski raced on the professional tour for two years while teaching skiing in Colorado.

Today, John lives in the Bay Area, where he is a trader at a financial services firm and an active coach in the Gryphons 99G Academy. John and his wife Mary Kay have two daughters, Toni, age 9, and Brett, age 6, both of whom are active in gymnastics, softball, basketball, tennis, skiing and (of course) soccer.

Yahir Marta returns to the Gryphons Soccer Club this year as coach for 99G White and will be providing specific strength and conditioning sessions for the 99G program. Yahir served as the strength and conditioning coach for the Gryphons 98G teams in 2007.

Yahir is an accomplished athlete. He played several sports in high school and ran both Track and Field and Cross Country in college. Yahir led his college Cross Country team to 2 consecutive NORCAL Championships. Currently, he teaches physical education classes for middle and high school students in San Francisco and is a personal trainer. Yahir holds both E and F Licenses through the California Youth Soccer Association and has spent the last several years coaching soccer teams including the Westmoor Junior Varsity Boys team and U9 girls team out of the Jewish Community Center in San Francisco. Yahir and his wife, Andrea have one son, Jair (4) and live in San Francisco.

Paulo Damasco has years of experience coaching and leading teams of various types (girls, boys and adults, ages 8-30) to victory within their leagues. He has worked with the Jewish Community Center SF, a men’s premier league in Daly City, a California women’s league team in San Francisco, and on an individual level with players of all ages. Paulo is an experienced creator of practice plans and organized drills. He has served as head coach and assistant coach. Paulo holds both E and F Licenses through the California Youth Soccer Association. Most recently, his girls team with the Viking League, The Stars, won its league championship under his leadership.

Paulo has a tremendous passion for soccer. He was raised with soccer close to his heart because his father was a professional player in Central and South America. Paulo hopes to share that passion with our teams while teaching them soccer skills and teamwork. Paulo grew up in Brazil and in Central America and is now living in Pacifica with his wife and 5 month old daughter.