Sonia CurveloClaim this profile

Women's SoccerSonia Curvelo

Head Soccer Coach

San Jose State University

1.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Yes, she has won championships, but those results come at a cost. Her success is built on constantly cycling through athletes rather than developing them. Players who do not fit her mold are pushed out, which makes winning look good on paper while many suffer the consequences. My experience was the following. She regularly spoke negatively about me to her captains and favored players, this usually happened during their meetings with her when discussing game strategy. Many of these players, whom were my friends, later relayed those comments back to me. It was the beginning of a very hostile environment for me. She used my scholarship as leverage once. When I asked to attend a family wedding, months in advance, during the OFF (spring) season, she implied that missing a single scrimmage or practice could jeopardize my scholarship as an athlete the following year. Later that same semester, she canceled practices and scrimmages before that date even came because she had decided to end the season earlier than planned. By that point, it was too late for me to attend the wedding due to international travel and the cost of tickets. I missed the wedding out of fear she would follow through on her threat. My entire family lives in another country, and I did not get to see them that year as a direct result of this situation. During that same semester, one of her starting players attended a wedding with no consequences or threats, Sonia was also let know of this player’s plans only a couple of days before it happened. She frequently belittled me in front of the team, yet in private meetings she only gave positive feedback. At the beginning I assumed the negative comments were just her reaction to frustrating moments in the games or practices. I addressed this in my final meeting with her and explained that I stopped scheduling additional one on one meetings because they never provided meaningful constructive feedback, even though I was seeking guidance beyond what was required in order to improve. Her response was that I should have continued meeting with her until I eventually got the feedback I was looking for- ?? Our final meeting was the only time she was honest about how she truly viewed me. She essentially told me I was a bad player and mentally weak. That I was using my personal struggles as excuses. Let’s keep in mind that she consistently voiced that she wanted the team to confide in her and that she wanted to be a means of support for us. I tried to talk to her about my family problems, as did many others, some of who she had apparently found empathy for. Some people, including myself, were not that lucky. The best way I can describe her dismissal of me after opening up to her is that she didn’t believe what I was telling her. Additionally, she told me there was a lot I needed to improve on, another thing she didn’t bother to tell me until my last one on one of the year. She then told me, with who she was bringing in next year, I had no chance of playing. She said she would help me transfer if I wanted to (I hadn’t even brought up transferring yet), while making it clear she would have tell other coaches “the truth” about me. It seemed more like a threat than support which gave me major anxiety during the whole transfer process. At the end of that meeting she wiped her hands clean and said the position I am in is consequence of my actions and my actions only. To not try and put anything on her as all she has done was try and support me. - I hadn’t said anything about her being at fault for this situation. This was only part of what I experienced playing under her. Confusion, insecurity, hostility, favoritism, manipulation. She’s the type of coach to kick you while you’re down, make you feel like you don’t matter. She made me feel like I wasn’t good enough to play at a collegiate level. Thankfully I got great offers after entering the portal and committed to a new school less than 2 weeks later. I did this WITHOUT recent highlight videos because Sonia changed and then couldn’t remember the password to our shared team YouTube account we kept them on. No athlete should be treated this way by their coach. Winning does not excuse intimidation, favoritism, or psychological manipulation. It’s been years now, and I still remember my experience under her leadership being harmful. It is concerning that she continues to be placed in positions where she can repeat this behavior. She has worked at three schools since 2018. Her focus is on building her resume rather than investing in athletes or programs. The schools that continue to hire her enable that behavior.

Women's SoccerSonia Curvelo

Head Soccer Coach

San Jose State University

1.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

She never holds herself accountable, only steals credit. Instead of coaching and developing, she cuts players. She says once she brings in her own recruits, SJSU will do better. Well, she cut even her own recruits after one semester. Don't believe a word she says. She lies even to herself and is the opposite of everything you want in a leader. And on top of all the mental and emotional damage she causes, she doesn't know soccer. Just listen to her post game interviews, full of soccer word salad nonsense.

Women's SoccerSonia Curvelo

Head Soccer Coach

San Jose State University

5.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

AccessibleDirectHonestKnowledgeableMotivational

Passionate and motivational. San Jose State Soccer will only grow. I watch Coach’s career over the years and she builds great programs. She is very knowledgeable, honest and very competitive. She develops players and once she brings her own recruits in the program will improve immediately. Excited to watch her team play next season. Winning mentality.

Women's SoccerSonia Curvelo

Head Soccer Coach

San Jose State University

5.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

DirectHonestKnowledgeableMotivationalDirectGreat Leader

Coach is honest and direct very knowledgeable of the game. Cares about the players. Highly competitive and motivated to support player’s growth. Looking forward to the growth of the program at San Jose State

Women's SoccerSonia Curvelo

Head Soccer Coach

San Jose State University

1.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Constantly lying to players, plays favorites, and does not seem to care about her players especially if she “doesn’t like you”. Would not recommend. Kills players confidence.

Women's SoccerSonia Curvelo

Head Soccer Coach

San Jose State University

1.2

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

2.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Needs to be transparent with her athletes. Constantly has individual meetings, but only speaks positively- which seems like a good thing- until you get cut at the end of the season with no warning because she was not honest about how she feels about you, your improvement, or impact as a player.

Women's SoccerSonia Curvelo

Head Soccer Coach

San Jose State University

1.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Sonia demonstrates a limited understanding of the game of soccer, which consistently puts the team at a disadvantage from the start of every match. Her guidance often lacks tactical awareness and clarity, making it difficult for players to trust her decisions or direction. Unfortunately, her lack of knowledge is the least of the team's worries. She is toxic and mentally abusive. She has been known to speak negatively about players on the field to those on the bench, creating division and damaging team morale. This behavior has had a noticeable psychological impact on the players, contributing to a tense and unhealthy team environment. She will ask players if anyone is talking negatively about the team while on the bench, but in reality, it's just her. Unfortunately, she is so out of touch with reality she will never see that she is the problem. She is not someone whose word can be trusted — what she says often changes, and her actions don’t match her words. She is reactive and emotional, which makes players feel like they are walking on eggshells and it is hard for players to feel confident or supported. But don't worry, there is a way out - If you push back on anything, she will cut you at the end of the season. Overall, her approach and lack of soccer knowledge have negatively affected both the team’s performance and most importantly the players’ well-being.

Women's SoccerSonia Curvelo

Head Soccer Coach

San Jose State University

1.8

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

2.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

3.0

Knowledgeable

2.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

IntenseCares About AcademicsDisorganizedIntensePassionate About CoachingPoor Communication

Sonia Curvelo and her staff , as other people have called them “minions” do not care about players best interests and are not players coaches. Sonia only cares about winning the conference yet can’t win a single game. Maybe we should focus on winning A game instead of focusing on winning the conference title. She will act like she cares and then will flip on you and make decisions without any warning. Be prepared to constantly walk on eggshells and be disregarded if you have any questions that she doesn’t think are “important”. If you are looking to play under Sonia then do your research and although she might come off as genuine and caring that doesn’t reflect her actions. It is all an act to get HER ahead and not the team. She puts herself before the team no matter the outcome of the players and will ask the players to take a look at themselves but never has ONCE taken a look in the mirror. Also her assistant coaches have no say in anything and have to ask permission to speak to players.

Women's SoccerSonia Curvelo

Head Soccer Coach

San Jose State University

1.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedFitness Is ImportantPoor Communication

Sonia Curvelo is not a players coach. Her main drive is winning a conference title but she has a difficult time inspiring or developing her team. Her assistant coaches do not have a say in anything so don't be fooled if she has a nice or personable one charm you. If you go on a visit, just go with your gut. She is not a caring or respectful person so if that is what you need in a coach, her program is probably not the one for you.

Women's SoccerSonia Curvelo

Head Soccer Coach

San Jose State University

2.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

2.0

Knowledgeable

3.0

Honest

3.0

Tags

DirectKnowledgeableIntensePoor Communication

Sonia should not be a division one level head coach. Soccer is more than about just winning, and the head coach has a responsibility of developing players off the pitch as well. Sonia has no people skills and will not talk to you if she doesn’t “like you.” Her staff are disrespectful and have no say in anything which creates a toxic environment across the board. Her main goal is to go to a program, put a “bandaid” over the issues per se and then up and leave when she realizes she cannot resolve the deeper rooted issues. If Sonia is your coach, goodluck enjoying the sport of soccer.

5.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

AccessibleHonestKnowledgeableBelieves In YouUnderstanding

Had a great experience under Coach. Learned a lot and grew a lot as player in just a season under her. Sam Houston will only get better.

5.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

DirectHonestKnowledgeableCares About AcademicsDirectRespectful To Players

Coach is honest and direct. I had a great experience under her. Wish I had more time with her before she left to go to Sam Houston. Great coach and female role model.

1.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

If I could give 0 stars I would. She is disrespectful towards players. She doesn’t care about their education. She is clearly bipolar. She will say you are the best one minute and tell you how terrible you are the next minute. She is very toxic and could care less about the players’ mental health. She will never have a winning season at SHSU because she doesn’t know what it takes to win. She doesn’t put her best 11 on the field. Her playing style is worse than high school. Absolute embarrassment to Sam Houston. Her minions…aka coaches…are just as bad as she is. Please don’t let your daughter play for her. This woman is very detrimental to athletes.

1.6

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

4.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Do not play for this coach who is currently at Sam Houston State University. Do you let your daughter play for this coach if you care about their mental health. She is mentally abusive. She plays mind games. She will trick you into thinking she cares. She will flip on you without explanation. Very toxic.

5.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

HonestKnowledgeableMotivationalBelieves In YouCreates A Great Team Culture

My overall experience under Coach Curvelo was excellent. I developed into a better player and person under her leadership. She believed in the team and me. I won 4 Championships under her and the culture of the program is very welcoming and supportive and everyone is accountable and understands their role. Players can be themselves and she fosters a positive environment for all players. It’s an inclusive program that I am proud to be part of.

1.2

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

2.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Intense

Incapable of caring, motivating, and understanding her own players or doing anything that doesn’t concern her own success and recognition. Only values favoritism and is not direct when asked for advice unless she’s publicly embarrassing you. Driven out by her old team at Cleveland State and incapable of beating a D1 team outside of The SWAC.

3.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

3.0

Caring

3.0

Motivational

4.0

Knowledgeable

2.0

Honest

3.0

Tags

AccessibleDirect

She is one of the least intelligent people I have ever dealt with. She has trouble comprehending problems when you bring them to her attention and she is incapable of effectively adapting to problems. Her fixation on winning a championship keeps her from winning games, and her disconnect from the team is clear in the way they interact with her.

4.2

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

4.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

4.0

Knowledgeable

4.0

Honest

4.0

Tags

AccessibleCoolDirectIntense

Very honest individual