RSL-AZ & Royals West Valley Director & Coaching Staff

Technical Director | Head Coach | Coach Educator

Glen Butler brings over 20 years of elite coaching, leadership, and player development experience to the role of Technical Director, combining world-class education with proven results across youth, collegiate, and high-performance environments. 

A highly credentialed professional, Glen holds UEFA B License, FA Goalkeeping Level 3, USC Level 2 Goalkeeping, and is certified in the TOVO Pro Methodology, reflecting a modern, progressive approach to player development and training design. His expertise spans technical development, tactical education, physical performance, and long-term athlete development models.

Academically, Glen’s background is equally distinguished, holding a BSc in Physical Education & Sport Science, MBA in Sports Marketing, MSc in Sports Performance, and a Master of Education (MEd), providing a rare blend of coaching excellence, sports science knowledge, and organizational leadership.

 He is also certified in NCSA (CSCS) strength & conditioning, PFSA Level 2 Talent Identification & Performance Analysis, and has extensive experience in performance monitoring, scouting, and player pathway design.

Glen has achieved exceptional competitive success, including 15 State Championships, and has coached at all collegiate levels, developing athletes who advance to high-level academic and athletic opportunities. He currently serves as the Head Coach of Benedictine University Mesa Women’s Soccer, where he continues to lead high-performance programming and athlete development at the collegiate level.

As Technical Director, Glen Butler provides strategic vision, coach education leadership, curriculum development, and a unified club playing philosophy—creating a complete pathway for player growth from grassroots to elite competition, while fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and long-term development.

Goalkeeping Director

Ashley Armstrong is a highly accomplished coach with extensive experience across youth, academy, and collegiate soccer, bringing a proven track record of player development, leadership, and program building to RSL-AZ West Valley. 

 Ashley has worked closely with elite-level players while supporting the overall growth and structure of the club. Prior to RSL-AZ WV, she was thea Elite Teams coach at Newark FC in California and Girls Director of Coaching at Rapids Youth Soccer Club, overseeing player development pathways and guiding coaches across multiple age groups.

Her experience at the highest youth levels includes serving as Academy Director, Director of Goalkeeping, and E64 Head Coach with Utah Celtic Soccer Club, where she led elite players competing at the national level and designed goalkeeper and academy training curriculums. Ashley has also been deeply involved in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) for several years, earning selection to the West Region staff and helping lead teams to high-level competition, including a West Region Championship Final appearance. 

At the collegiate level, Ashley has coached at Salt Lake Community College and Snow College, where she contributed to all aspects of program management including training design, game preparation, player development, and team operations. She also served as a goalkeeper coach at Utah Valley University, further expanding her experience in developing athletes.

Ashley’s coaching career began in Colorado with Colorado United Soccer Club, where she coached multiple teams and goalkeepers while also working within the high school game. She later spent six years with Utah Storm Soccer Club as Director of Coaching and Head Coach, shaping club-wide development models and mentoring players and coaches alike. 

A former collegiate goalkeeper, 

Ashley played Division II soccer at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, where she earned her degree in Sport Management before completing a Master’s degree in Coaching Soccer from Ohio University.

She holds some of the highest coaching credentials in the country, including a U.S. Soccer A-Youth License, U.S. Soccer B License, and multiple United Soccer Coaches advanced diplomas, including the Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma. She was also recognized nationally as part of the United Soccer Coaches “30 Under 30” class. 

Ashley’s coaching philosophy centers on creating a high-performance, positive environment where players are challenged to grow technically, tactically, and mentally while building confidence and a lifelong passion for the game. Her ability to connect with players, develop elite talent, and build strong team cultures makes her an outstanding leader within RSL-AZ West Valley.

  Coach Cesar Mexia brings a wealth of playing experience, proven leadership, and a passion for player development to the game. A dedicated coach committed to building both athletes and character, Cesar focuses on fostering a love for soccer while helping players grow on and off the field.

 Cesar most recently served as Head Coach of the Arizona State University Men’s Soccer Club (2021–2026), where he led the team to back-to-back conference championships in 2022 and 2023 and national tournament appearances in 2023 and 2025. 

He has also coached at multiple competitive levels, including FC Arizona (UPSL) from 2024–2025 and Veritas Prep Girls Varsity, where he earned Region Coach of the Year honors and led the team to a region championship.

Before transitioning into coaching, Cesar competed professionally in Liga MX2 with Dorados de Sinaloa and Buhos de Hermosillo from 2008–2011. 

 He also starred at Paradise Valley Community College, earning NJCAA All-American honors. 

In addition to his coaching success, Cesar was the 2019 NPSL Golden Boot winner with FC Arizona, highlighting his high-level attacking ability. 

Cesar holds a US Soccer D License and is known for his strengths in leadership, mentoring, communication, and team development. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he connects effectively with players and families from diverse backgrounds.

Through his experience and passion for the sport, Coach Mexia continues to inspire players to compete at their highest level while developing discipline, teamwork, and confidence that extend beyond the field.

Coach Santiago Maldonado III brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to player development to RSL-AZ West Valley. With over 15 years of head high school coaching experience.

Coach Maldonado has built a strong reputation for developing competitive teams and well-rounded athletes.

He holds grassroots coaching certifications in both 9v9 and 11v11 formats, allowing him to effectively guide players through critical stages of their development. His coaching approach emphasizes fundamentals, tactical awareness, and preparing players for the demands of the next level.

In addition to his coaching background, Coach Maldonado has over 13 years of experience in high school strength and conditioning training. This expertise allows him to incorporate athletic performance, injury prevention, and physical development into his training sessions—giving players a complete development experience both on and off the field.

Now in his fourth year with RSL-AZ West Valley, Coach Maldonado continues to positively impact players by fostering discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic, while helping them grow into both skilled athletes and great teammates.

 Coach Ezequiel Valencia is a dedicated and development-focused coach with a strong foundation built on over 20 years of playing experience and 8 years of coaching across a wide range of age groups and competitive levels. 

 Coach Ezequiel's extensive background as both a player and coach has shaped a well-rounded approach to player development, leadership, and team success.

Throughout his playing career, Ezequiel developed a deep understanding of the game, emphasizing technical ability, tactical awareness, and a passion for continuous improvement. Transitioning into coaching, he has successfully applied those experiences to help players grow in all aspects of the game, creating an environment where learning and development are always the priority.

Ezequiel’s coaching philosophy is built on four core principles:

• Creating a positive environment where players feel supported, motivated, and encouraged to take risks and grow 
• Valuing progress over results, with a focus on long-term player development and continual learning 
• Implementing a possession-based style of play that emphasizes smart decision-making, technical excellence, and game intelligence 
• Teaching teamwork to develop both confident individuals and cohesive, unified teams 

He is committed to fostering a culture where players not only improve technically and tactically, but also grow in confidence, communication, and character—both on and off the field.

Ezequiel is excited about the future and looks forward to continuing to develop players and teams at RSL-AZ West Valley as the club builds toward the next level.

Coach Tyler Barton is a  passionate and player-centered coach with over five years of experience working with players across all age groups, from U6 through the high school level.

 Coach Tyler's broad experience allows him to effectively connect with players at every stage of their soccer journey, building a strong foundation while preparing them for higher levels of competition.

Coach Tyler holds a USSF Class D License and an NFHS Level 3 License, demonstrating his commitment to continued education and excellence in coaching.

His coaching philosophy centers on helping players improve their individual skills while understanding how those abilities contribute to the success of the team. Tyler believes that true development comes from combining technical growth with tactical awareness, empowering players to think, adapt, and perform confidently on the field.

Tyler’s coaching style is built on positivity, growth, and challenge. He creates an environment where players are encouraged to push themselves, embrace learning, and strive to improve every day. By fostering both accountability and confidence, he helps players reach their potential not only as athletes, but as teammates and individuals.

Tyler is committed to developing well-rounded players who compete with purpose, support one another, and carry a strong work ethic both on and off the field.

Ashley Armstrong is a highly accomplished coach with extensive experience across youth, academy, and collegiate soccer, bringing a proven track record of player development, leadership, and program building to RSL-AZ West Valley. 

 Ashley has worked closely with elite-level players while supporting the overall growth and structure of the club. Prior to RSL-AZ WV, she was thea Elite Teams coach at Newark FC in California and Girls Director of Coaching at Rapids Youth Soccer Club, overseeing player development pathways and guiding coaches across multiple age groups.

Her experience at the highest youth levels includes serving as Academy Director, Director of Goalkeeping, and E64 Head Coach with Utah Celtic Soccer Club, where she led elite players competing at the national level and designed goalkeeper and academy training curriculums. Ashley has also been deeply involved in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) for several years, earning selection to the West Region staff and helping lead teams to high-level competition, including a West Region Championship Final appearance. 

At the collegiate level, Ashley has coached at Salt Lake Community College and Snow College, where she contributed to all aspects of program management including training design, game preparation, player development, and team operations. She also served as a goalkeeper coach at Utah Valley University, further expanding her experience in developing athletes.

Ashley’s coaching career began in Colorado with Colorado United Soccer Club, where she coached multiple teams and goalkeepers while also working within the high school game. She later spent six years with Utah Storm Soccer Club as Director of Coaching and Head Coach, shaping club-wide development models and mentoring players and coaches alike. 

A former collegiate goalkeeper, 

Ashley played Division II soccer at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, where she earned her degree in Sport Management before completing a Master’s degree in Coaching Soccer from Ohio University.

She holds some of the highest coaching credentials in the country, including a U.S. Soccer A-Youth License, U.S. Soccer B License, and multiple United Soccer Coaches advanced diplomas, including the Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma. She was also recognized nationally as part of the United Soccer Coaches “30 Under 30” class. 

Ashley’s coaching philosophy centers on creating a high-performance, positive environment where players are challenged to grow technically, tactically, and mentally while building confidence and a lifelong passion for the game. Her ability to connect with players, develop elite talent, and build strong team cultures makes her an outstanding leader within RSL-AZ West Valley.

 Sophie Munoz is a first-year coach with RSL Arizona who brings a lifelong passion for soccer and player development to RSL-AZ West Valley. Having played competitive club soccer since the age of eight, Sophie’s experience includes time in the Olympic Development Program (ODP), Wasatch Soccer Club, and high school soccer in Utah. 

Sophie continued her playing career at the collegiate level, competing for two years as a top defensive midfielder at Otero College. She is currently a junior at Ottawa University Arizona, where she continues to play collegiate soccer while pursuing a degree in Business Administration.

As a coach, Sophie is committed to developing well-rounded players both on and off the field. Her approach emphasizes strong technical skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the game. She is passionate about creating a positive, energetic environment where players can grow, compete, and build a genuine love for soccer.

Sophie is excited to be part of the RSL-AZ West Valley community and looks forward to helping players reach their full potential.

 Jose Leon brings over 14 years of club coaching experience to RSL-AZ West Valley, including 2 years as an assistant coach and 12 years leading teams as a head coach. His extensive background has allowed him to develop a deep understanding of player development across multiple age groups and competitive levels.

Jose holds U.S. Soccer Youth Modules and Grassroots coaching licenses, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and modern coaching methodologies.

His coaching philosophy is centered around a possession-based style of play, emphasizing the importance of controlling the game through intelligent passing, building from the back, and maintaining strong team shape and discipline. Jose encourages his players to understand spacing and movement, helping them recognize and exploit open areas on the field.

At the core of Jose’s approach is a strong commitment to player development. He prioritizes the growth of each athlete technically, physically, and mentally, creating an environment where players are challenged to improve every day. While competition is important, Jose believes long-term development and a love for the game are the true measures of success.