The San José State Men’s Soccer Team announced on March 20 the addition of two new assistant coaches, David Sweeney and Jota Yamaguchi, ahead of the 2026 season.
The appointments are expected to strengthen the team’s coaching staff with both local experience and international perspective. Head Coach Simon Tobin said, “We are excited about the addition of our two new assistant coaches. David Sweeney was an outstanding keeper at SJSU and I’ve always targeted him as a potential top goalie coach. Jota is a former UCSD player who will add youthful energy and insight to our staff. I expect both young men to develop into successful coaches at SJSU and enjoy brilliant careers coaching ‘the beautiful game.’”
David Sweeney returns to San José State after a notable goalkeeping career with the Spartans from 2019 to 2023. He earned several honors including WAC Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023, All-WAC Second Team in 2022, Honorable Mention All-WAC in 2020-21, and WAC All-Freshman Team in 2019. He holds program records for saves (281) and shutouts (20). After college, he played professionally for The Town FC within the San Jose Earthquakes organization and was named MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month. Sweeney has also coached goalkeepers at various clubs such as Los Gatos United, All-Stars United, Central Valley San Jose, Saint Francis High School—where he contributed to a record-setting season—and Bellarmine College Preparatory.
Jota Yamaguchi brings experience from both local youth programs and collegiate soccer at UC San Diego, where he studied cognitive science. His coaching began with UC San Diego’s team, developing a style called “Jota Ball” that led his team through an undefeated spring season into playoffs. He later coached at Juventus Academy DC Metro before returning to San Jose. Yamaguchi will also serve as Director of Futsal for De Anza Force.
The additions reflect ongoing efforts by San José State Men’s Soccer to build a diverse coaching staff with strong ties to both local talent development and broader soccer communities.
