From Student Coach to Program Leader: Giovanni Leguizamon’s HFA Journey

July 17, 2025

Giovanni Leguizamon began his journey with Home Field Advantage in 2017 as a high school student coach assisting with soccer. Early on, he helped at one of HFA’s very first events—a series of futsal events in Los Angeles with Electric Futsal—which set the tone for the kind of creative, community-driven sports experiences he would grow to lead.

Gio coaching his first game day at Doty Middle School in 2018

Electric Futsal Event in the Arts District, LA

At the time, Giovanni identified most as a player, but his early experiences at HFA expanded that view. Coaching gave him a new perspective on leadership, personal growth, and the power of showing up for your community.

In 2019, he piloted HFA’s first basketball program, which became a lasting part of the organization’s offerings. Throughout college at Cal State Long Beach, Giovanni kept coaching while earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He also continued his development as a coach, receiving licenses and formal training in soccer, basketball, and tennis.

During the pandemic, he continued to coach virtually over Zoom, keeping kids active and connected during lockdown. He was also the first coach to return to in-person programming at local parks when it was safe to do so, helping restart youth sports when it mattered most.

back in person at Apollo Park, Downey, CA

After graduating in 2023, he returned to HFA full-time to help lead the next generation. Giovanni brings with him hands-on civil engineering experience gained during his undergraduate years through internships with the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering and the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. His work in public infrastructure gave him a deeper understanding of how cities function—and reinforced his belief that leadership and community-building can happen both on the field and in the systems that support daily life. Whether through designing better cities or creating spaces for youth to grow, Giovanni is committed to shaping stronger, more connected communities.

Today, he remains a key part of the leadership team. Through HFA, he’s discovered new passions, including tennis, which he picked up as an adult and now plays competitively in regional tournaments with the HFA Downey Tennis Club. He also plays pick-up futsal with staff and friends, thanks to the space and access HFA provides.

leading HFA’s Student Coach Program in Compton

weekly futsal night with the HFA fam at Indepence Park, Downey, CA

A student coach turned community leader, Giovanni’s journey thus far is a true HFA success story.