“Dennis brings a tremendous amount of experience, insight, and energy to our Academy, and we are delighted to welcome him to the club,” said Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant. “His passion for youth development is inspiring and is especially important for our club philosophy of producing local players for the first team.”

“It is an honor to join the Indomitable Club during this exciting time for soccer in Sacramento,” said Republic FC Academy Director Dennis Sanchez. “I was immediately sold on the vision of Republic FC and their ambition to be an elite MLS club and academy. We have a wonderful opportunity to build a culture and learning environment that maximizes each individual’s potential. I look forward to working with our staff and helping to build an integrated process that continually develops Homegrown players who contribute to our First Team winning championships.”

In 2016, Sanchez took control of the reigns of the MLS-side Columbus Crew SC Academy as the Academy General Manager. Sanchez oversaw all aspects of the Academy including scouting and recruitment, implementing an integrated game model, and maintaining a positive, growth mindset culture. Under his guidance, Crew SC signed three First Team professional Homegrown players, promoted two Academy coaches to the First Team, had 33 Academy players train with the First Team, 44 U.S. Soccer Youth National Team invitations, produced 34 D-1 college players, and in 2017-2018 Crew SC were the only domestic club to have the U17 and U19 teams qualify for the USSDA Playoff Quarterfinals with the U19’s finishing third overall.

Prior to joining Columbus, Sanchez completed his Sport Coaching Masters of Science degree at Liverpool John Moores University where he was also an Assistant Coach with English Premier League’s Everton FC’s Academy (U14-U18). Before he skipped across the pond for school, Sanchez was an Assistant Head Coach for San Diego State University, the same university where he played collegiately. During his playing days, Sanchez captained the Aztecs in 2008 and 2009, while leading his side to two NCAA Tournament appearances, was a two-time all-PAC 10 selection and was picked to the TopDrawerSoccer.com National all-Rookie team following his freshman season.

After a decorated college career at SDSU, Sanchez headed to the Pacific Northwest to join the Seattle Sounders as a Team Operations Assistant. During his time with the MLS club, Sanchez assisted the Sporting Director and Head Scout by identifying future prospects as well as helping the First Team to prepare tactically for future oppositions. On the academy front, he helped to create the academy curriculum, philosophy and the identification of potential new players.

Sanchez currently holds his U.S. Soccer A Coaching License and is in the process of completing the U.S. Soccer Academy Director’s course.

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