The Pitch

ABOUT US: HELPING TRANSFORM THE SOCCER CULTURE ONE PLAYER AT A TIME.
ABOUT US

THE DREAM

The Pitch began as a dream — two friends, Mike and Alex, sharing a deep passion to influence the soccer culture in the Treasure Valley. Not just with fields, but a place where the game never had to stop. A space where kids could fall in love with soccer, where adults could keep playing, and where every player had a chance to grow — in skill, in confidence, and in community. We built The Pitch for the ones who live for the game, and the ones just discovering it.


Come be part of it. Your game starts here.

MEET THE TEAM

the pitch staff

  • MIKE & DANIELLE VILLALOVOS

    FOUNDERS

    We’ll be honest—neither of us grew up loving soccer. Games ending 0-0? Watching 90 minutes for a single goal? We didn’t get it. But in 2006, everything changed for Mike while watching the World Cup in Germany. He realized the entire world stopped to watch this game together — with a passion and enthusiasm he had never seen in any sport. From that day, he was hooked.

    Over time, Danielle caught the bug too, and now with three kids who play, we’ve become self-admittedly soccer-crazy parents (not to be confused with crazy soccer parents—there’s a difference!).

    We never imagined we’d one day help open a soccer facility in the Treasure Valley. But our love for the game has grown into something bigger: a passion for building community and helping transform the soccer culture here, one player at a time. We can’t wait to meet you at The Pitch—no matter where you are in your soccer journey.

  • ALEX MITROVIC

    FOUNDER, HEAD SOCCER TRAINER

    Aleksa comes from the best youth academies in Serbia. He played at the professional level as an 18 and 19-year-old before committing to Northwest Nazarene University on a full scholarship. Additionally, he earned tryouts with European giants such as FC Udinese U-23 (Italy) and FC Basel U23 (Switzerland).

    At the age of 16, Aleksa was a standout at the FC Barcelona camp and got to experience the famous La Masia. With his vast international soccer experiences, Aleksa now helps players develop their skills, nurture them, and take them to the next level.

  • LEX ADAMS

    PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS MANAGER

    I am a seventh-generation Idahoan with deep roots in the Treasure Valley and Magic Valley. I am a former P.E. teacher who found my passion in recreational and competitive sports programming. I’ve had the privilege of serving communities through the Greater Middleton Parks and Recreation and the Treasure Valley Family YMCA.

    I believe strong communities are built through connection, opportunity, and family, and I am committed to creating meaningful experiences where youth, adults, and families can grow, belong, succeed, and deepen their love of soccer together.  

  • lizbeth soto

    ADULT LEAGUES DIRECTOR, KIDS PITCH HEAD TRAINER

    I was born and raised here in Caldwell, Idaho, and graduated from Vallivue High School in 2022, where I helped my team to our first ever state final. I was named 4A SIC Player of the year, and 4A All State first team. I went on to play collegiate soccer and also run track at Spokane Community College, where I also helped my team to an NWAC championship in both sports. While at SCC, I worked as a student athletic trainer and gained a lot of new knowledge I now use in my everyday life.

    After a season ending injury in the fall of my sophomore year, I decided to pursue my career in track, where I transferred to Boise State University to continue running collegiate track. I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Health Studies, and a minor in Psychology. I spend my time now coaching the Vallivue High School girls soccer program, playing with my dog Bean, and staying active outdoors with my family. I love The Pitch, and the community here in the Treasure Valley.

  • ERIC GANTT

    DIRECTOR OF PITCH PERFORMANCE, SOCCER TRAINER

    I was born and raised here in Meridian, Idaho. I grew up playing in the club, high school, and ODP system here. After I graduated high school I committed to play and study at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington where I got to match up against some of the best competition in the Northwest Conference. After graduating from Whitman and ending my college soccer career, I had an opportunity to sign with an agency and go on trial in Thailand with professional second division club Sisaket United and third division clubs Assumption United and Inter Bangkok. 

    I graduated with my bachelors in Biology, emphasizing exercise science. During my time at Whitman I had an internship opportunity for 2 years under our head strength and conditioning coordinator, giving me a lot of knowledge and skill working with all groups of collegiate level athletes.

    I am a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), as well as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Nutritional coach (CNC). Now that I am back home I’m excited to help young athletes reach their goals.

  • JOSE RUBEN PEREZ

    SOCCER TRAINER

    I grew up in Weiser, Idaho, and have been playing soccer for as long as I can remember; it’s been a part of me since I was born. I grew up playing every chance I got, developing a deep love for the game early on. During my club years, I became a state champion with Real Nampa and competed in the Far West Regional League, where I was honored to be the regional leading goal scorer at the time. I carried that same drive into high school, helping lead my team to a state championship and breaking the school record with 72 goals in a single season. After a season at North Idaho College, I decided to take a leap of faith and move to Germany at 18 to pursue the game at the next level.

    I spent the next eight years competing overseas starting with TSV Havelse, where I played in the U18 Bundesliga and later with their first team in the 3rd and 4th divisions. After that, I joined FC Eldagsen, competing in the 5th and 6th divisions. Thanks to the Lord, I was blessed to be a starter and an important player on the team. I’m grateful to have left behind not just stats, but a legacy of hard work, faith, and dedication that I hope continues to inspire those who came after me. While in Germany, I earned my Personal Training Certification and completed my degree in Physical Therapy, combining performance training with a deep understanding of how the body moves and recovers.

    During my time with FC Eldagsen, I also trained a U13 team, and the group went on to become champions that same season. Coaching that team is what sparked my second passion  helping others grow, perform, and reach their full potential through proper training and mindset.

    Now, I bring that same energy and experience to every client I work with helping athletes and everyday individuals train smarter, move better, and perform at their highest potential. My approach blends professional-level athletic training with personalized coaching to build strength, confidence, and consistency both on and off the field.

  • BRADY HIGHFILL

    GOALKEEPER TRAINER, SOCCER TRAINER

    Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, I grew up with a love for soccer that shaped much of my life. I went on to play four years of collegiate soccer at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology (Class of 2025). In addition to competing as Westmont’s starting goalkeeper, I worked as a student athletic trainer, supporting fellow athletes in injury prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation.

    During my time at Westmont, our team won the NCCAA National Championship—where I was honored as an All-American—and later captured the program’s first-ever PacWest Conference title.

    I’m currently on staff as an assistant coach for the Northwest Nazarene University women’s soccer team and excited to be part of The Pitch community here in Idaho.

  • JULIAN RAMIREZ

    GOALKEEPER TRAINER

    I have been coaching goalkeepers since 2017 through club, private, and collegiate programs. I am entering my fourth season as Goalkeeper Coach for the College of Idaho Men’s Soccer program and continue to work with goalkeepers through private training.

    As a former goalkeeper who competed at the JUCO, NCAA Division III, and NCAA Division II levels, I bring years of playing and coaching experience to every session and am currently pursuing my U.S. Soccer D License.

  • ADRIAN ARGUELLO

    SOCCER TRAINER

    I was born and raised here in Caldwell, Idaho and having the opportunity to give back to my very own community is something I really want to take advantage of. I grew up going through Idaho’s soccer system as well as getting to experience the MLS academy system with the Portland Timbers. I was also grateful enough to have been part of the ODP regional and national teams in my youth career. My club and high school career consists of 7 state titles. I also had the opportunity to play collegiate soccer at Yavapai College. Recently I have competed in leagues USL2 as well the UPSL. 

    Continuing to play in the UPSL I have also had the opportunity to coach at the ECNL level with the Boise Timbers. As much as I love playing, I’m very passionate about coaching and always want the best for the player. This game has taught me so much and brought me so much joy it excites me to be able to give back to the Treasure Valley. My goal is to not only make the player better technically every session but more confident and smarter.Â