University of South Carolina (Upstate)

Women's SoccerSharif Saber

Former Women's Head Soccer Coach

University of South Carolina (Upstate)

NCAA DI • NULL

5.0

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Would Recommend

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)

NCAA DI • NULL

5.0

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Would Recommend

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)

NCAA DI • NULL

5.0

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Would Recommend

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)

NCAA DI • NULL

5.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

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)

NCAA DI • NULL

5.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

"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.