With 25 years of coaching experience, Juan Torres—better known as “Sharky” to those around him—has left a lasting impact on the Bay Area soccer scene and the lives of countless young athletes. As the head of the Abraham Lincoln High School soccer program and a coach with Santa Clara Sporting Club, Coach Torres brings a unique blend of competitive excellence, mentorship, and social advocacy to everything he does.
A proud San Jose native and Abraham Lincoln High School alum (Class of ’96), Torres was a two-time First Team All-League selection and team captain. He continued his playing career at De Anza College, reaching the state final four twice and leading as captain in 1998 under his mentor Kuwalnt Singh. His passion for the game carried into his coaching career, where he’s become a 3-time CCS Champion (2016, 2017, 2022), a 2019 CCS finalist, and a 3-time CCS Coach of the Year. He also coached in the CCS Senior All-Star Games in 2016 and 2017 and was inducted into the Abraham Lincoln Hall of Fame.
But Coach Torres’ journey extends far beyond the sidelines. A graduate of San Jose State University with a B.S. in Kinesiology (Teacher Education, 2006), he’s served his community as a public service worker, group counselor, and probation counselor in Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties. Now working as a facilitator for Pacific Clinics and continuing his role as an educator, Torres dedicates himself to mentoring youth—particularly Latino student-athletes—on balancing sports and academics, and using fútbol as a pathway to college and life success.
His personal journey is a story of strength and perseverance. After battling chronic kidney failure, Coach Torres received a kidney transplant and has returned stronger than ever, using his experience to further inspire and uplift those around him.
“My expectations for student-athletes are simple,” Torres says. “Be coachable, have a great attitude, and always bring a strong work ethic. Use the game to open doors—especially through junior college and academic opportunities.”
Coach Torres’ long-term goal is to earn a master’s degree in either Kinesiology or Social Work and continue expanding his reach as a mentor. He’s a firm believer that soccer is more than a game—it’s a platform for education, growth, and lifelong success.
He extends his deepest thanks to Abraham Lincoln High School, his coaches and mentors, Get Sports Focus, and above all, his family and his mother, whose unwavering support has carried him through his career and life’s challenges. To all the student-athletes he’s coached: “Thank you for letting me be part of your journey.”
This Sunday, April 20 at Gunderson High School, Coach Sharky Torres will serve as the head coach for the 5-Star Senior Team in the inaugural GSF Senior All-Star Soccer Championship Game—continuing his legacy of leadership and excellence on one of the biggest stages for high school soccer in the Bay Area.
