Dallas native Ricky Mejia named as first-ever coach for Texas Lone Star, debuting this fall

DALLAS, Texas — The Texas Lone Star S.C. ownership group have annouced heir the latest and exciting new addition to the MASLW team.

 “We are proud to announce Ricky Mejia as our club’s Head Coach” said club owner, Nani, “Out of all the potential coaches we considered, Ricky has the most playing experience, international playing experience, coaching experience, and at just 31 years of age has an incredible amount of knowledge and potential.”

At just 31-years-old, Mejia becomes one of the youngest head coaches in the MASL pyramid of teams in four different leagues, bringing with him over a decade of elite coaching experience and a verified decorated playing career at both the national and international levels in indoor, outdoor, futsal, and 7 v 7 experience. Mejia is also the co-owner of EliteTek Academy.

A proud Dallas native with deep roots in the local soccer community, he has built a reputation as one of the most promising and innovative minds in the game. His extensive resume reflects a lifetime dedicated to soccer, both on the field and from the sidelines.

Ricky’s journey in the coaching world and ultimately leading to his appointment as the new head coach has been unique to say the least.

Mejia was a member of the prestigious FC Dallas Academy, playing under former FC Dallas legend, Colombian National Team player, and current MLS Head Coach at Orlando City F.C., Oscar Pareja. During Mejia’s time at FC Dallas, current Texas Lone Star’s S.C. co-owner, Brad Namdar was also serving as the Estagio at FC Dallas working directly with Oscar Pareja (Academy Head Coach at the time), and Schellas Hyndman (MLS head coach at the time).

“I am proud to see Ricky, one of my former players at FC Dallas, pursuing this fantastic coaching opportunity with an outstanding young man, Mr. Brad Namdar. Namdar was a young FC Dallas assistant coach who worked with me at the FC Dallas Academy, and I am also incredibly proud of how these relationships continue to stay strong to this day,” said Pareja, “With Ricky’s experience as a player and now a young coach with Brad’s guidance, I am confident this program will succeed. I wish them nothing but the best and I will be rooting for them!”

Namdar said Meija fulfilled a number of criteria that the club's ownership group was looking for in a head coach.

“There were many coaches that we spoke to, met with, and considered, but ultimately, we wanted a coach that has the experience and hunger to succeed” Namdar noted, “though the most important thing to the ownership group was finding a coach with the necessary knowledge, experience, and has demonstrated the ability to succeed. Ricky’s potential is endless.”

Other than receiving praise for this selection by FC Dallas legend Pareja, another FC Dallas legend, Schellas Hyndman stated, “It is great to see Brad bringing Ricky, a young coach on board, who has the experience to grow and be successful. I’ve known Brad since my days at FC Dallas when he was my coaching apprentice for the MLS team, and he is fantastic at identifying talent both on and off the field. Ricky was a very talented player at FC Dallas, and Brad identifying Ricky to be their head coach is great move, and I wish them nothing but success. I will be rooting for their success.” 

Mejia’s playing career includes time at some of the most respected institutions in North American soccer, as well as, International soccer experience:

> Atlas Academy (Mexico)

> Mexico Futsal National Team (Mexico)

> FC Dallas MLS Next / Development Academy

> FC Dallas Reserve Team

> Richland College Men’s Soccer Program

> Fort Worth Vaqueros (NPSL)

> Liverpool FC (UPSL)

Through Mejia’s experience across multiple competitive environments, from outdoor, indoor and futsal, Mejia is uniquely positioned to have the attributes required to lead a high-tempo, tactical, and fast-paced MASL W indoor team like Texas Lone Star Women’s S.C.

In addition to his time on the field, Mejia brings over 10 years of coaching, and training experience at some of the most respected development programs in North Texas as owner and founder of EliteTek Academy, as a coach for CityFustal and Footy Factory, and as head trainer for Sealy Soccer Factory. 

Mejia has helped shape his club’s long-term development philosophy and managed player development across multiple age groups. His ability to connect with players and build winning cultures has made him a sought-after coaching talent in youth. semi-professional, and nor professional soccer circuits, owners noted.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ricky Mejia to the Texas Lone Star family,” said Juan “Nani” Castillo, a member of the ownership group, “His knowledge of the game, attention to details on the technical side of the game, and ability to work with players of different skillsets was easy to see from day one."

As the head coach, Mejia will be tasked with developing a dynamic playing style and culture for the Texas Lone Star SC, focusing on technical excellence, discipline, and relentless competitiveness. His appointment signals the club’s commitment to investing in young, qualified, forward-thinking leadership with a proven track record of player development. Mejia also will be responsible for assembling a strong coaching staff to ensure the team is successful this season. 

Pia Namdar, another member of the ownership group, stated, “It’s important to support the continued growth in women’s sports, provide opportunities for women to pursue their dreams, and create an environment for them to be able to achieve their goals,. We believe Ricky is the coach that will help us get to where we want to be this season, and beyond.”

Mejia himself said he was looking forward to kicking off the 10-game regular season schedule late this fall. 

“I’m honored to take this step in my coaching journey with Texas Lone Star SC,” said Mejia. “As someone who grew up in Dallas and has lived and breathed this game my entire life, it’s a beyond a great opportunity to lead a team at this level. I’m ready to build something special with this group and make our city proud.”

With the support of Texas Lone Star S.C. ownership group, the support of his appointment by two legends in the world of professional soccer in the MLS and Internationally, it will be exciting to see the team perform this year in their inaugural season.