Coach Profile - Coach Jessica Ostos
In this month's Coach Profile, we are excited to introduce Coach Ostos as the first female head coach in our organization.. Her expertise and passion for the game will undoubtedly inspire our players and drive BVB15-Yellow to new heights.
What inspired you to start coaching soccer, and what do you love most about it?
To be honest, I wasn’t actively seeking a coaching position. I've been an athlete my whole life, and that passion extends to my kids as well. Being involved in their success is something I take great pride in, and I think that was recognized in me. The inspiration came from the BVB community. I was asked if I'd interested in helping with assistant coaching my son's team, and I saw value in that —not just for my son’s growth, but to help the whole team, or rather “our team,” become the best version of themselves. That opportunity became the stepping stone to being offered my own team to coach and I decided to take on that challenge. What I love most about coaching soccer is the learning process. The kids I spend time with on the soccer field are always eager to show me what they can do, and they are always eager to learn something new. Watching them grow as young athletes motivates me to help them keep and grow their love for soccer and sports in general.
Can you share one of your proudest moments as a coach so far?
One of my proudest moments as a coach came last season as an assistant. From the fall season to the spring, our team demonstrated immense growth, and it was evident on the field. I saw their technical skills and team awareness improve dramatically, leading to success in both league and tournament settings. When the season ended, the families came together to express their appreciation and gratitude toward the coaches. Their touching and sincere words reinforced the sense of community that has developed around us. Since joining BVBIA El Paso, I have experienced many individual moments that I cherish, but those involving my kids, the team, and their families hold the highest regard for me. As a relatively new coach, my hope is that these moments will continue with the team I now have the privilege to lead as head coach.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people might not know?
A fun fact about me has nothing to do with sports. I am an avid comic book reader and collector. Growing up I was never a big reader, but the one thing that always caught my attention were comic books and graphic novels. I enjoy all genres, but anything related to the X-Men is my go-to.
Who has been the biggest influence on your coaching style, and how has it shaped the way you lead your teams?
Since joining BVBIA El Paso, the support I’ve received has been invaluable. Coaching is still new to me, and I’m constantly learning. The people I work with at the academy are my biggest influences, especially Coach Jim May, who saw the potential in me and asked me to become one of his assistant coaches. Coaching under him during my first season reminded me of my high school coach, whose emphasis on communication and fostering connections with players greatly impacted my development as an athlete, particularly since I didn’t consider soccer my main sport. Coach May's coaching style resonates with me, highlighting the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—values I now strive to instill in my players. I’ve come to appreciate how crucial these elements are, especially when working with young athletes. I have learned a great deal from the way he plans his training sessions and coaches games, ensuring that every player feels engaged and valued. My goal is to take what I have learned so far and apply it to my own team, creating an environment where each player feels supported and motivated to grow.
What advice do you have for young players aspiring to improve their game and achieve their goals?
Some advice I would like to share with young players is to always have a learning mindset. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—view them as opportunities to improve. Stay curious, ask questions, and observe your teammates and other players. Set small, achievable goals for each practice and game, whether it’s improving a skill or being more vocal on the field. Respect is essential, so show it to everyone—teammates, coaches, opponents, and referees. Good sportsmanship should always be a priority. And most importantly, enjoy the game! Having fun is what keeps young athletes motivated to keep playing, improving, and developing.
As BVBIA’s first female head coach, what has your experience been like, and what message would you like to share with other women aspiring to lead in the world of soccer?
As BVBIA’s first female head coach, my experience has been both rewarding and challenging. It’s been incredible to join a community that supports not only the players’ development but also the growth of coaches like myself. To other women aspiring to lead in the world of soccer, my message is to embrace the unexpected opportunities. Sometimes the paths we didn’t plan for lead to the most fulfilling experiences. Before joining BVBIA, I had never seen myself as a coach and it wasn’t something I initially envisioned for myself. However, I’m grateful and proud to have taken the opportunity when it came my way.
Benjamin Grajeda
Communications Specialist
BVBIA - El Paso