Rachel Duranwood
Owner/Founder
Lead Professional Trainer
Rachel Wood is a former professional soccer player for the Boston Breakers in the NWSL. Prior to her career in the NWSL, she player professionally for HK/Vikingur in Iceland. She played collegiately for the University of North Carolina Tarheels for three years where she won 2 NCAA National Championships and finished her senior season close to home at UC Irvine.
Rachel grew up in Southern California and played at the highest level of competition from a very young age. She played for the well known club, Slammers FC. She was also a member of the Aliso Niguel High School Varsity team, Parade All-American, Region IV ODP team, and the U-17 and U-20 National Teams.
Rachel has experienced the joy of earning two national championships and playing in a positive environment. But, she has also experienced the challenges presented by illness, injury, and less than positive coaching. She takes very seriously the responsibility to give back and help young players reach their potential. She is a sought after trainer for female and male soccer players at every level from youth through college athletes.
In 2013, Rachel received her degree in Psychology and Social Behavior. Summit Soccer has been the perfect marriage of Rachel’s passions for people and sports. It has given her an outlet to grow and developing people and, in turn, athletes.
**PLEASE NOTE ALL OF OUR TRAINERS ARE CORI’D AND ARE FULLY TRAINED IN THE SUMMIT STYLE OF POSITIVE COACHING, TEACHING PROPER TECHNIQUE AND OPERATE UNDER THE PRINCIPLES OF WORKING HARD, HAVING FUN AND MAINTAINING A HIGH LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM!**
A note from Rachel:
“I know what it takes physically and mentally to get to the top. However, this game has also given me the ability to completely and authentically empathize with and understand every single one of my players and the situations they face. Summit has given me a positive avenue to help me heal my past: to heal my past traumas, my past hurts and my past negativity I faced while playing this beautiful game.
That is why , at Summit, all of our trainers are former players. All trainers are educated in Summit’s Positive Coaching Curriculum. We coach the way we wanted and needed to be coached; with encouragement, information and belief. The very definition of coaching is: to guide and lead a person in the pursuit of personal or professional goals. We are constantly learning HOW each player needs to be guided so that he/she can each have as much personal success as he/she can.
Each day, the Summit Squad learns from our players, and we are grateful for all the gifts soccer has given to us. Come join our Squad on an awesome journey of curiosity, positivity and amazing athletic and emotional adventures! Let’s do this thing!!!”
Emily
Goalkeeper & Professional Trainer - All ages
Emily is a Hamilton College graduate and former Varsity Goalkeeper, with extensive experience working with field players of all ages and levels. She also served alongside me as an Assistant Coach for the Dana Hall Varsity Girls Soccer Team and is someone I’ve worked closely with and personally vetted. Emily is continuing to grow her coaching education through direct mentorship with me, and you’ll see her consistently integrated into our program — including coaching alongside me in our weekly weekend group sessions.
Her technical knowledge, positive presence, and ability to coach the game from multiple perspectives make her a strong addition to the Summit team.
STRENGTH BY SUMMIT
Summit Soccer Academy’s Speed & Agility, Strength & Conditioning, and Injury Prevention Program
Mike Duranwood
Sports Performance Coach - All ages
Mike is the Director of Strength and Conditioning at Summit Soccer and has spent more than 10 years helping athletes build strength, confidence, and athleticism. He works with athletes of all ages and levels across a variety of sports, including soccer, football, basketball, tennis, and volleyball.
Mike's coaching philosophy is simple: athletes learn best when training is challenging, competitive, fun, & educational. He believes players should understand the purpose behind what they are doing, helping them develop not only physically but mentally as well. Every session is tailored to meet athletes where they are and help them progress toward their individual goals.
In addition to working with youth and collegiate athletes, Mike has extensive experience coaching adults and working professionals. His passion is helping people become stronger, more resilient, and more confident both in sport and in everyday life.