Sharif SaberClaim this profile

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

KnowledgeableHonestMotivationalBelieves In YouCares About Academics

If you are wondering what kind of coach Sharif Saber was/is, you just need to know my story because honestly, I wouldn't even have a college degree without him. When I first got to campus, I was drinking way too much, completely checked out, and literally one semester away from flunking out. I was a mess. Even after picking up multiple suspensions, Coach Saber never gave up on me. He didn't just discipline me he held me accountable while still making sure I knew I had someone in my corner who actually cared about my future off the field. It took a lot of hard work and some tough conversations, but he helped me turn everything around. By the time I graduated, I pulled off a 4.0 GPA and was actually leading a couple of different student committees on campus. He didn't just make me a better player, he taught me how to be an adult. Any player who ever got to play for him was lucky.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Believes In YouCares About AcademicsCreates A Great Team CulturePlayers CoachPassionate About Coaching

Three of our daughters have played Division I college sports across basketball, track, and soccer, reaching the NCAA tournament, yet none of them ever crossed paths with someone like Sharif, hands down the best coach any of them have ever had. If a kid is used to being handed things or isn't ready to put in the work, he is not the right fit, but if your child is hungry to grind, he will literally bend over backwards for them, from offering mental health days and summer check-ins to calling when our daughter's grandmother fell sick and increasing a teammate's scholarship after a car accident just to keep her in school. At the same time, he demands absolute top-tier effort through an all-in philosophy—not a toxic, cutthroat do-or-die environment, but a space where mistakes are forgiven as long as you give your best and stay completely committed. Because of that, his favorites aren't based on politics or natural talent; they are simply the kids who match his level of dedication, meaning his all-in approach is earned through trust rather than fear. As a father, I love that balance because he prepares them for the real world where effort actually matters, but he does it while genuinely loving, protecting, and watching over them as they grow.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

HonestIntenseKnowledgeableOrganizedPassionate About Coaching

Anyone who is honest knows the incredible human he is. Had a teammate who was struggling with serious mental health issues and he is why she is still her to this day. He LOVES his players. He hires former players and staff because he believes in LOYALTY. Whenever he decides to coach again he will continue doing what he has always done. Win championships, create leaderships, and build a program no one sees coming. Nothing but love Sharif.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

MotivationalKnowledgeableIntenseHonestDevelops Team Beyond The Field

Best women's soccer coach I know. Love this guy!!

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

CoolHelps With CareerKnows The GameResponsiveOrganized

"Some whisper shadows when the lights burn bright, claiming the master stumbles in the fight. They murmur tales of strictness over bold, but every coin has more than just one fold. Now hear the counter rhyme, the steady truth: he builds the character and shapes the youth. No harshness here, just iron mixed with care, a guiding compass found in Sharif Saber. So let the critics vent their little spleen, the sharpest coach this court has ever seen. He steers the ship and keeps the compass true we tip our hats, and raise a glass to you!" -- Thank you coach for always believing in our dreams.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

KnowledgeableIntenseHonestAccessibleDedicated To Players

ALL TIME FAVORITE COACH!! To this day we talk a few times a month. He makes time for you whether you are a recruit, player, or alumni. Definitely play for him if you get the chance!!

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Creates A Great Team CultureCares About AcademicsKnows The GameDevelops Team Beyond The FieldIntense

Some people only see the surface, but those of us who played for Coach Saber know the real heart, grit, and dedication he pours into every single player. He changed my game and my life. Absolute legend and the best mentor anyone could ask for.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Creates A Great Team CultureGreat LeaderCares About AcademicsKnowledgeableHonest

Coach Sharif is the kind of coach every parent hopes their daughter will eventually have in their corner. My daughter played for him at the Division I level, through some of the most demanding and formative years of her life. He poured an incredible amount of time, care, and patience into those girls, treating them like his own and guiding them with a steady hand because he deeply believed in what they could become. He always expected their best, not out of any harshness, but because he wanted them to feel confident and fully prepared for the realities of high-level college athletics. At the end of the day, everyone just wants what is best for the program and these student athletes. Looking back on all the years of hard work, road trips, and shared moments, what stands out isn't any of the outside chatter. It is simply the lasting community of families, the deep mentorship, and the wonderful group of young women he helped shape into confident adults. Without him that group is never formed and never together.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

1.6

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

4.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Knowledgeable

Sharif loves Sharif. He employed a second-rate assistant because he was his friend, not because of his credentials. False promises, name-calling, and disrespect are his mantra. He is a completely different person from the one you might find recruiting your daughter. We live in a society, unfortunately, where the gift of gab puts unqualified people in positions where they don't belong. He is exactly where he belongs... off the field.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Respectful To PlayersResponsivePassionate About CoachingIntenseDedicated To Players

Having worked alongside Sharif for six years I am glad to have the opportunity to share what I witnessed day in and day out in our department. Sharif is an exceptional coach and a consummate professional. He invests an extraordinary amount of time into his players' holistic development pushing them to excel tactically while steadfastly supporting their academic and personal growth. In an industry where pressures are high, he maintains a high ethical compass and fosters a team culture rooted in accountability and mutual respect. He was an incredible asset to our athletic department, always willing to help or lead, and any university would be fortunate to have his leadership. Wish he was an AD so I could work for him.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Believes In YouMotivationalKnowledgeableIntenseHonest

Playing for Sharif was intense. He's extremely demanding and constantly challenges you. For players who wanted to be great, he was the absolute best ever, for those who couldn't handle relentless high standards on and off the field, he definitely grinded on them. But no matter how hard he pushed, he always supported you and helped you through it no matter what. What made Sharif different was his authenticity. As a minority player, I spent years dealing with microaggressions and stereotypes. Being labeled. When he shared his story about growing up Muslim and his family's struggles around 9/11, that raw vulnerability changed everything. It connected us on a deeper level about what it means to navigate a world that boxes you in. He also adds diversity to all his rosters just look. Now that I'm coaching, I realize how rare his impact is. Sharif has remained a constant resource to this day always a text or phone call away when I need guidance. He taught me how to turn our shared resilience into power, and he leads with absolute integrity.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

ResponsiveUnderstandingGreat LeaderDevelops Team Beyond The Field

Coach Saber is the only reason my daughter went to Upstate. He recruited her out of HS, promised us he'd take care of her away from home and actually meant it. He built that entire program from nothing. NOTHING. When he left I told her to get out and transfer immediately. She stayed because of her friends and now she's stuck dealing with a coach that doesn't care about the players at all. They lie, cheat, and bully players. The administration fed everyone a line of garbage about where the program was heading. If you're looking at Upstate now don't bother. Lies. If Sharif is coaching somewhere else send your kid to play for him right now. As a mom he was the best coach my kid ever had. He's a winner and he actually looks out for the families.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

DirectCares About AcademicsCreates A Great Team CultureHonest

Coming into college I was honestly terrified I wouldn't be able to keep up with the physical and mental demands. But playing for Coach Saber completely changed my perspective. He didn't just help me adjust to the college game he gave me the space to actually find my confidence on the field. What means the most to me is that he treats us like people first and athletes second. Every practice and film session is designed to make you better and you can tell he genuinely cares about our future long after we graduate. He will push you to your limits, and you won't always like him, but he cares about you. Choosing this program was the best decision I’ve ever made and I wouldn’t trade my teammates or coaches for anything.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Passionate About CoachingPlayers CoachOrganizedOld School Mentality

Coach is genuinely goated. He gives his all for the squad and makes you actually want to grind for him. If you ever get the chance to play for him, do it. He'll push you to go crazy on the field and always has your back off it.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Positive PersonKnows The GameEasy To Get Along WithFair

Coach Saber is legit. Practices are super intense and high-paced, but he actually takes the time to help you fix your mistakes instead of just yelling from the sideline. Cares about you too. Super grateful for everything he did for my development.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Cares About AcademicsCreates A Great Team CultureIntenseKnows The Game

Coach Sharif Saber set a pretty high standard for me as an athlete. I transferred programs, and I’ve had a lot of people ask how the new program compares. I don’t really think it’s fair to say one is better than the other and I’m not trying to make this a review of my current program. But I will say that what I had with Coach Saber was hard to replace. He was big on details, consistency, and actually holding you accountable. If something wasn’t good enough, he didn’t pretend it was. At the time I definitely didn’t appreciate every correction, but looking back, I get it. He was making us better because he loved us. I also think he was really good at knowing his athletes. He knew what he could get out of me and didn’t lower the standard just because something was difficult. My current program has been a good experience in its own way, but the level of coaching and the expectations I was used to with Coach Saber are not really the same. That’s probably the biggest adjustment for me. I’m glad I got the chance to be coached by him. Definitely one of those things you appreciate more after you leave.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

HonestIntenseKnowledgeable

I’ve had enough coaches at this point to know that “good coach” can mean a lot of different things. Some are good at tactics. Some are good at motivation. Some are good at recruiting. Some are good at making everyone terrified of them lol. Sharif was different because he somehow paid attention to all the stuff that most coaches don’t notice. He could spend an entire film session talking about one run that nobody else even remembered happening. Then after practice he’d ask you about an exam you had the next morning or whether your family was okay. It wasn’t this fake “I care about you as a person” thing either. You could tell pretty quickly whether a coach actually knows his players or just knows their GPS numbers and stats. He was demanding. Like, really demanding. There were definitely days when I thought he was insane and wondered why I was paying tuition to told to make a run over and over again. But the older I get, the more I understand what he was doing. He didn’t lower the standard because you were having a bad day. He just helped you figure out how to manage and thrive. The thing I remember most isn't a win or a speech. It's that he noticed people. If someone was struggling, he usually knew before they said anything. If someone was doing something well, he noticed that too. He also wasn't above admitting when he got something wrong, which sounds small until you've played for enough coaches to realize how rare that actually is. And he didn't seem particularly interested in being the most important person in the room. He wanted the players to be. That's probably the best way I can explain why playing for him mattered to me. I don't think I left his program just being a better soccer player. I left being much more aware of the kind of teammate, student, and person I wanted to be. Would absolutely play for him again. Even on the days I would've preferred to throw my cleats into traffic.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Helps With CareerKnows The GameOld School MentalityOrganizedPlayers Coach

Coach Sharif has had a huge impact on my career. Years ago, when I was a GA, we met at a game after he heard me talking with some other coaches on the sideline. He introduced himself, we started talking, and he's been in my corner ever since. I was just a young coach trying to figure things out and he took the time to help me without me ever asking. Since then he's connected me with people, helped me get multiple coaching jobs, answered random calls and texts when I needed advice, helped me negotiate contracts, and has always wanted to see me succeed. He's never expected anything in return. He just genuinely enjoys helping people succeed. I honestly don't think I'd be where I am today without his mentorship. Having someone believe in you that early in your career makes a bigger difference than people realize. I'll always be grateful for everything he's done for me and I hope every coach gets someone in their corner the way I did with him.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Knows The GameOld School MentalityOrganizedPassionate About CoachingPlayers Coach

There are people who teach you how to play a sport and then there are people who change the way you see yourself. Sharif is the second one. I still think about the day I was ready to give up after one of the hardest seasons of my life. You looked at me and said, "Don't let one moment decide who you become." I carried those words into every practice, every game, and honestly into life outside of soccer too. Thank you for believing in me before I fully believed in myself and for showing me what resilience really looks like. I'll always be grateful for the impact you've had on my life.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

KnowledgeableMotivationalBelieves In YouRespectful To PlayersResponsive

Just gotta give a big shoutout to Coach Sharif. This summer was honestly a total game-changer for me. It was my first time working with him and he really helped me build so much confidence I didn’t even know I had. Since I got back to my DI program, my coaches keep telling me how good I’m looking in pre-season and honestly, I owe a lot of that to Sharif. He’s one of the best out there no doubt. I see why he won so much and I definitely wish he was my college coach, but I’m just real grateful for what he’s done for me.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

4.8

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

4.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

DirectDevelops Team Beyond The FieldEasy To Get Along WithFairKnows The Game

Sharif was by FAR the best coach I ever had at UMO. He cared deeply about us and helped us grow as players and people. When he first got to UMO he came in as a hard a*s not going to lie but we quickly got him to let his guard down. There were was an instance that resulted in campus safety getting involved and he had every right to still make us train in the morning but saw us as human beings and sent us home and spent MONTHS checking in on us. He is honestly the only coach I ever had that I felt comfortable sharing things with. To this day I still have a relationship with i’m because he was genuinely the BEST coach I ever had.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Creates A Great Team CultureDedicated To PlayersIntenseKnows The GameOrganized

Love this guy. Coach Saber is one of the few coaches I've had who actually cared about us as people not just as athletes. He was always looking out for our grades and making sure we were handling business outside of our sport too. What really showed me the kind of person he is was during the hurricane in September 2024. We lost power the school didn't have food for us for two days and everybody was just trying to figure things out. Coach had the whole team come over to his house with whatever food we had left and grilled everything so nobody went hungry. He made sure we had food and water and as far as I know we were the only team being taken care of until the school finally got everything together. He also checked in with us on mental health days and actually meant it. It wasn't just something he had to do. He wanted to know how we were doing and would make sure we knew where all the school resources were for help. On top of all that he's an incredible coach. I improved more playing for him than I ever had before. He pushed us hard but always had our backs. I'd play for Coach Saber again in a heartbeat.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Believes In YouCares About AcademicsOld School MentalityOrganizedPassionate About Coaching

Sharif is honestly just a great coach. You can tell he's really passionate about what he does and he genuinely cares about all of his players. He always takes the time to help everyone and is super committed to the team. He crazy intelligent and always looks for the smallest edge. He pays attention to the little things, which makes a big difference. He makes an effort to make everyone feel included and valued. He's also really easy to talk to and get along with, unless you aren't giving 100% or doing your best, which creates such a competitive environment. I'm really grateful I had the chance to be coached by him. If I had to mention something, I'd say he can be a bit of a perfectionist sometimes because he pays so much attention to the little details. He also has pretty high expectations, but I think that's just because he really believes in his players and wants everyone to improve.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

HonestKnowledgeableBelieves In YouCares About AcademicsCreates A Great Team Culture

Sharif is a fantastic coach and an even better person. I learned more from him than I ever expected. He just sees the game differently. We used to joke that with his big round head, he was the soccer version of MegaMind, but honestly it fit because he always seemed to know exactly what was happening on the field before anyone else did. What meant the most to me was the way he cared about us as people, not just as players. He always made sure we were taken care of, pushed us to be better, and held everyone to the same standard, including himself. If he made a mistake, he owned it. We even had him doing "fat man laps" a few times because he believed coaches should be accountable too. One moment I'll never forget was after a really tough loss. We were all crushed, and instead of blaming us or making excuses, he told us the loss was on him. I had never had a coach do that before or since. That showed me more about his character than anything else ever could. If you ever get the chance to play for Sharif, take it. Y'all won't find many coaches who will teach you as much about soccer or care as much about the people they're coaching. Looking back, I'm really thankful I got the opportunity to play for him.

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

CoolHonestKnowledgeableRespectful To Players

Man, y'all got my guy out here sounding like he some evil Bond villain or something. None and I mean none of that mess is true. I coached in the same school as him and I know the kind of man he is. He fought for those young ladies every single day and he fought just as hard for his staff. Shoot, he even went to bat for athletes in other programs when he thought they needed somebody in their corner. This is a man who changed practice schedules so the trainers could get home to their families, so players could work their jobs, and so they could make it to church. We used to clown him because he let one of his best players miss offseason practice to be in a university play. Not only did he let her do it, he had the whole team go support her. I've been coaching a long time, and I can count on one hand the folks I've been around with a coaching mind like Sharif's. That man is a coaching genius. He sees the game two or three steps ahead of everybody else, and that's something you can't teach. But that mess is getting lost because of this mess? Now folks talking about he racist. Come on now. The man is a minority coach who shared his own life experiences with his players. He was always trying to help young people grow, not tear anybody down. Then they want to call him abusive. I never saw that. No one did ever. What we saw was a coach that loved his players, cared about his staff, and held folks accountable. Nowadays people act like accountability is abuse. It ain't. What most people don't know is he was carrying a whole lot on his shoulders behind the scenes. His family was going through some things and he even had a cancer scare himself. That's a big reason why he decided it was time to leave. The folks that really know him already know what kind of man he is.