Pedro Cortes-Garcia: Crafting the Game, Shaping the Player in CR Men’s Soccer

Published on Dec 10 2025

Pedro Cortes-Garcia’s journey from Oaxaca, Mexico, to Fortuna, California, shaped not only his love of soccer but also his philosophy as a coach. Arriving in the U.S. at age five, Pedro found community on the soccer field, where he made his first friends, many of whom remain close today. “Soccer was the first place where I found community, so it quickly became my world,” he says. Pedro carried a soccer ball everywhere and played whenever he could, a passion that eventually led him to earn a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Humboldt and a master’s degree from Chico State. He began coaching right out of high school, combining education with his love for the sport.

Heading into the 2025–2026 season, Pedro’s team is focused on growth and development. “Our biggest goal is to establish a culture centered on growth,” he explains. “We want to build confidence that we can compete and that we are ready for the challenges ahead.” With a roster made up mostly of freshmen, this season is a new experience for the team as they learn what it means to be student-athletes at this level.

Pedro emphasizes that progress and consistency define success. “Success is progressing. It’s having a clear vision and doing the everyday work that moves us closer to it,” he says. His coaching approach is grounded in long-term development, setting standards, and helping players push toward new levels. Challenges and setbacks are treated as opportunities for growth, and Pedro encourages humility and perspective in every situation. “We stay grounded in success and accept defeat because it’s part of the journey. Challenges reveal who we are and who we can become.”

On the practice field, Pedro stresses attention to detail and focus, teaching his players that small things make a difference in competition. Leadership is cultivated naturally, as every athlete has potential, and Pedro works with them to help it emerge.
The most rewarding part of coaching, he says, is watching athletes navigate adversity and apply lessons from the field to life beyond soccer. “They’re young, they’re learning, and watching that growth is incredibly rewarding,” he reflects.

Pedro also emphasizes the importance of community support. “The best way the community can support us is by showing up, attending home games, encouraging our student-athletes, and participating in events we host. Their presence makes a difference.”

With a focus on growth, attention to detail, and personal development, Pedro Cortes-Garcia is guiding his team not only to succeed on the field but to thrive as student-athletes and as people.