The former strength and conditioning coach will replace Makan Afzalli as the Burroughs High School Boys Soccer Head Coach and Program Director

The John Burroughs Bears Boys Soccer program will begin the 2025-2026 season with a new face on the sideline, having chosen Mark Martinez to take over the program as the new head coach of the program. He is replacing Makan Afzalli, who recently stepped down from the position following the 2024-2025 season. Martinez currently serves as assistant coach at Pierce Community College’s men’s soccer program, along with being the program director for AYSO United Soccer Club in Burbank. He is also a private one-on-one coach at Los Angeles Soccer Performance. Last season, Martinez served as the Bears’ strength and conditioning coach under Afzalli, so there is familiarity within the program. 

“We at Burroughs are very excited to have Mark Martinez as the next head coach for boys’ soccer. Mark is very motivated and player-driven. He is familiar with the program already and has room to grow as a coach and will be around for a long time,” said Keith Knoop. Knoop expressed his confidence that Martinez will bring back winning soccer to Burroughs with the right training and proper mentality. 

John Burroughs High School Principal Kenny Knoop released a statement on Mark Martinez being named the new head coach of the John Burroughs High School program. “We’re thrilled to welcome Coach Mark Martinez as the new leader of our boys’ soccer program. His fresh approach to strategy, paired with a steady and dependable coaching style, makes him the perfect fit. Coach Martinez knows our athletes, understands their families, and is deeply rooted in our community. We’re excited to kick off the 2025–2026 season with his leadership at the helm.”

While the rest of the coaching staff under Martinez is still to be ironed out, George Flores, Bilial Dahludi, and Scott Elkin will be retained. Flores will continue his role as the head junior varsity coach, while Dahludi will continue to serve as varsity and JV assistant coach, with Elkin continuing his role as a volunteer assistant coach.

Senior Seven Elkin, who was last year’s Honorable Mention in the Pacific League, will be a big factor under Martinez and a player that this team will be centered around. Elkin, last season’s assists leader for the Bears, will continue to partner with last year’s leading goal scorer Jordan Seas, looking to form a dynamic offensive force for the program. 

“I’m above and beyond blessed to be given this opportunity as the head coach of the John Burroughs High School Boys Soccer Program. I really believe that I can put my best foot forward to help this program reach new heights,” said the new Bears coach. Martinez also expressed his excitement in coaching last year’s Pacific League’s honorable mention Elkin, stating he is a very talented player who wants to get better day in and day out. 

The John Burroughs Bears boys soccer team will conduct a three-day summer tryouts for the upcoming season on Monday, July 14th, Wednesday, July 16th, and Friday, July 18th from 8:00 AM-10:00 AM. They will also condition for the 2025-2026 season for the first three months of the new school year, with the regular season expected to start sometime in November.