Our board members are devoted to the Austin community and share a passion for Soccer and helping kids. Read about their professional accomplishments and reasons for helping start Soccer Assist below.
Dr. Aaron Rochlen is the Founder and Board Chair for Soccer Assist. He grew up playing soccer, but soon realized he could better “assist” others off the field. This led to a career as a Psychologist and eventually a Professor at the University of Texas. He is currently a Professor in Counseling Psychology at the University of Texas as well as a Licensed Psychologist providing walk therapy in his community at walktherapyaustin.com. His research interests address the psychology of men and masculinity, with numerous publications in fathering, masked depression, and non-traditional work/family roles. He is a Past President of the Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity.
Aaron’s son Dylan, aka “La Maquina,” currently plays for AustinFC and previously with both Lonestar Soccer Club and Westlake Youth Soccer Association. Dylan has been fortunate to play with talented and diverse kids from all over the world, making him a better player and person and helping to inspire the idea for this organization. Aaron also holds an E coaching certificate from US soccer and coaches indoor teams.
Originally from soccer-fueled Argentina, Dr. Paula Requeijo is the President of Soccer Assist. She earned her MD with honors from the University of Buenos Aires. She was a scholarship recipient to Cornell affiliated- New York Hospital. After finishing residency at Brackenridge Hospital she became an active leader in the health-care community. She is Board certified in Internal Medicine, Palliative Care and Hospice Care. As Medical Director for multiple organizations she has led significant changes in the transition of complex patients by aligning resources between acute and post-acute facilities.
In her free time, she enjoys literature, philosophy, art, kayaking, skiing, and scuba diving. However, her true passion is giving back to others.
A native of El Paso, Texas, Dr. Tony Gamboa’s passion for soccer and helping others was molded by his childhood experiences. Playing soccer and other sports were key drivers for his success in high school and beyond. He began coaching youth sports, including soccer, at a local YMCA during high school and continued through college as a means of giving back to the community.
Dr. Gamboa completed his undergraduate education in his hometown at the University of Texas at El Paso in 1997. He subsequently received his Medical Doctorate degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 2001. Following his medical education he moved to Phoenix where he completed a 4-year medical specialty. Since his return to Texas, he has enjoyed a rapid re-integration into the local culture and community. Currently, Tony is completing his MBA at UT. His wife Julie, and his two children, Riley and Brennan, are his current sources of inspiration. He looks forward to contributing to a cause that is near his heart; giving deserving children an opportunity to share in his passion for soccer.
Rena Munoz
Rena is a native of El Paso, TX but has called Austin home for the last 25 years. She has enjoyed her career of 23 years in property management, real estate and construction. She is a proud mother two wonderful children who love sports and helped introduce her to the world of soccer.
Rena is committed to giving back to her community and has contributed to Susan G. Komen, Planned Parenthood and is a current volunteer of Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she has been for 8 years.
In her spare time, she enjoys exercise, spending time in the water, hiking with her 3 rescue dogs and exploring anything do with art.
Malek Ben-Musa is a nationally licensed professional soccer coach with over 25 years of experience from the youth to collegiate level and professional levels. He is a former professional player himself and comes from a long soccer lineage of international professional players and referees in North Africa and Europe. Malek has always had a passion for the “beautiful game” and is committed to improving soccer in Central Texas. His passion began in Libya at a young age with the encouragement of his uncles who were former professional and national team players.
Currently, Malek coaches for the River City Rangers SC U16 boys team and has just finished his first year in a one of a kind Master’s program in soccer coaching through Ohio University and the NSCAA. His philosophy as a coach is “Striving for excellence using modern pedagogical methods and resources that is player centered in a holistic environment based on my values and principles”. These values and beliefs include giving back to the game which he loves, and to the Central Texas community which he calls home.
He resides in Lakeway with his wife, Fayruz Benyousef, and their young daughter, Yara. Malek’s hobbies include traveling adventures, gourmet cooking, fishing and the Star Wars saga.