John was born and grew up in San Diego, California. He fell in love with soccer in high school under the influence of his best friend who was from England. John played in high school and later in college for UCSD (72-75). He played on the first Athletes-in-Action soccer team; helped start Sports Life in its infancy and subsequently played on the first Seahorse soccer team for Missionary Athletes International.

While a missionary to the country of Uruguay in the early 90s, John played two years for Club Atlético Juventud de Colonia (then in the First Division of the Interior of Uruguay) as a goalkeeper. John is also a writer, having finished his first book, Righters Block, in 2009 with Crossbooks Publishing.
He currently is the Pastor of Education and Worship at the Southeast Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, Utah. With almost 30 years of pastoral ministry experience, he also serves as the chaplain for Real Salt Lake (2009 MLS Cup Champions). John continues to play regularly at his advanced age (56) and his love for soccer is only superseded by his love for Christ and for his wife and children.

You can read excerpts and purchase his book Righter’s Block: The Challenge of Doing Right Even When It Hurts

In his new role as a hospice chaplain in Tucson, Arizona – John was voted National Chaplain of the Year for CURO Health Services!