Coaching Staff
Our coaching staff is comprised of experienced and dedicated professionals who are passionate about sports and helping athletes achieve their goals. All our coaches are trained in the latest sports science and coaching techniques and are committed to ongoing professional development. Each coach has obtained the appropriate license based on US Soccer rules for their assigned team.
Matthew Smith - Director of Coaching
Matt Smith brings a wealth of experience and passion for soccer to the field. A dedicated athlete, he played soccer through high school and earned the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level before a knee injury redirected his path. He holds a US Soccer Federation D license, showcasing his commitment to player development and coaching excellence.
In addition to his coaching, Matt runs his practice at Lakenorth Investment Group, where he specializes in investment and financial planning. His expertise in finance is complemented by his service on several non-profit boards, reflecting his commitment to community engagement and leadership.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Matt is a proud father of three and enjoys the unwavering support of his wonderful wife Lindsay. Together, they embody a strong family ethos that inspires his coaching philosophy, emphasizing teamwork, perseverance, and a love for the game.
Hermilio Jimenez - Assistant Director of Coaching
Hermi Jimenez grew up playing on the Walhalla varsity soccer team and he played for Oconee United two years as a goal keeper. He was an assistant coach for coach Glenn English as well as having been an assistant coach at the YMCA in Seneca. He is currently coaching U15 boys team, which his son, Cruz, plays on. Cruz is the reason why Hermie persued getting a D license in accordance with US Soccer federation. Hermie has 3 other children: Aliviah who is a senior in high school, Joshua who is a sophomore in high school and also shares his love for Barcelona, and lastly Mila who is in the terrible threes. Hermie has been an avid Barcelona fan since he was in high school and his favorite MLS team is Inter Miami. In addition to coaching he also runs his own business "HD Home Improvement LLC", where he provides various construction services ranging from remodel work to new construction. Hermi can also be found helping his amazing wife run her business, "Cat’s Cleaning" where they provide house cleaning services to many in our community.
Steven Wald - Head Coach
Steven Wald was born and raised in Seneca, SC. He is a retired Air Force pilot, flying F-15s for 14 years and teaching student to fly jets for 4 years. He has 4 boys ranging in age from 7 to 19. Over the years he has been an assistant coach on several of his son’s sports teams, but his first experience as a head coach was here with us at Oconee United. Steven played 1yr Junior Varsity and 2yrs Varsity Soccer at Seneca High School. He also played 2 years of Classic club soccer during that same time and played 4 yrs of intramural soccer at the US Air Force Academy
Steven has currently completed 7v7 license from from US Soccer. He is excited to be part of this organization and appreciates the opportunity to help develop young soccer players!
Alvin Palmer - Head Coach
Alvin was born and raised in Jamaica and moved to the United States as a young adult. He grew up playing soccer nearly every day of his life. He became interested in coaching after watching his daughter's and nephew's teams play. He enjoyed giving the kids pointers and being around their teams helping in any way he could. He then decided to get into coaching to share his knowledge and skills that he had acquired over the years. Alvin has over 20 years of experience installing AV systems. His hobbies include cooking authentic Jamaican food, watching movies and playing music. Alvin lives in West Union with his wife, Rachel, and two daughters, Alivia and Coralie. Alvin is certified in Safe Sports and Introduction to Grassroots Soccer.
Rush Thrift - Head Coach
Rush was born and raised in Seneca, SC. He was raised working for his family's business (Thrift development and Tri-County Ace Hardware), working both on the construction side as well as in the hardware stores. Rush graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction. He received his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He was admitted to the Bar in Alabama in 2015 where he worked as an associate attorney for a civil defense firm. In 2017, Rush and his family moved back home to South Carolina where he formally joined his family business, where he now serves as the Executive Vice President for Thrift Development, Thrift Group, Inc. and Tri-County Ace Hardware as well as General Counsel. Rush also is an Executive Board Member for the Oconee Economic Alliance and is a member of the South Carolina Bar Association, Construction Division.
Rush has a lifelong love for the sport of soccer. Rush began playing soccer at 5 years old at the City of Seneca's Recreation Department. During high school, Rush played goalkeeper for both Varsity High School Soccer Teams and the Clemson Area Soccer Club ("CASA"). With CASA, Rush's team won multiple Classic League State Championships. During his senior year at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School in Clayton, Georgia, Rush was selected as the captain of the team, received the MVP award and was named All-Conference.
Rush continues to enjoy watching, playing and coaching soccer. Rush began coaching soccer at the YMCA for 6U. Rush has since coached recreational soccer for team 6u and 8U teams, including recently coaching the 2024 8U All-Star team for the Seneca Recreation Department.
Julian Davis - Head Coach
Bio Coming Soon
Jason Cooper - Assistant Coach
Jason Cooper has a deep passion for sports and competition. Having been involved with Oconee United Soccer Club for six seasons as a dedicated parent, Jason brings a wealth of firsthand experience and enthusiasm to coaching. Growing up outside of Savannah, GA, he was immersed in sports from an early age with fond memories of playing tennis, baseball, soccer, and basketball behind his family's antique business. His love for competition also led him to run track and cross country and advanced him to Georgia's state level for doubles tennis. Jason has completed his SafeSport certification and holds a 7v7 license.
Jason has over 20 years of experience as a self-employed professional in the cleaning and insurance restoration industry. Currently, he works as a third-party insurance adjuster. With his diverse background, Jason combines leadership, teamwork, and a strong work ethic in his approach to coaching, helping young athletes develop both on and off the field.
Jason enjoys fishing, watching Georgia Football, creative projects, and traveling with his wife, Shaler Cooper, and their 3 children.
Walter Torres - Assistant Coach
Walter Torres was born and raised in Mexico City where he grew up by his father's side learning the trade of the family's printing business, as well as a deep understanding of hard work and commitment. Sports became a significant part of his life early on. Throughout middle school and high school he played soccer as both a defender and a goalkeeper, developing teamwork and resilience. Walter had a love for basketball and through dedication and countless hours of practice he earned a spot on the Mexico City Olympic Team and the National "Nike Stars" team, which led to a National Championship win. Walter was also the primary focus of a Nike campaign where he appeared in marketing materials and promotions that celebrated his journey and passion for the sport. This opened the door to an opportunity in the United States, where he played NCAA basketball for Anderson University, while pursuing a major in business management and a minor in finance.
Walter worked in Public Relations department for Anderson County and later as a General Manager of a local restaurant which inspired business plans for future restaurant ventures. In 2011 Walter established his own printing press in Walhalla. The following year, he and a partner launched a distribution company specializing in broadcasting and live-streaming services that serves currently as the main distributor for many major U.S. brands in South America.
In 2014 Walter received the "SC Entrepreneur of the Year" award from the South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Walter has owned and operated several restaurants in the area, including "Stumphaus Taproom" in Walhalla.
Walter is very involved in our community here and contributes through service on several boards and groups. He is also in various networking and community development groups. Each role has allowed him to give back to the community that has supported his journey, and he is doing the same with Oconee United!
Walter is Safe Sport and Grass Roots certified with SC Youth Soccer Association and is a wonderful addition to our Soccer club. Walter is happily married to his wonderful wife, Nichole, and together, they have five incredible children who are the center of their world. Walter's story is one of dreams pursued, passions realized, and a dedication to making a meaningful impact - both in business and in the community, he is proud to call home.