The LouCity and Racing Academy would like to extend well wishes to Michael Roman, the youth program’s first sports performance director whose final day with the club will be July 3. Roman and his family are moving back home to California.

Among other contributions, Roman implemented a new sports performance program for top academy talent.

“I want to express our deepest gratitude to Michael for his dedicated time and contributions to the club,” said academy director Mario Sanchez. “We have no doubt that with Michael’s exceptional talent and unwavering determination he will continue to propel to new heights, both in his personal and professional life.”

The LouCity and Racing Academy will soon open a national search for Roman’s replacement.

Roman — who holds multiple certifications as a personal trainer and conditioning specialist — moved into his sports performance director role after working as a coach for the academy since its inception in 2019. He had also coached club and school teams in California and the Louisville area.

Before he got into coaching, Roman competed at a high level. He played two years at UCLA and two at the University of Louisville, where he ultimately graduated with a sports administration degree. He spent a summer in the LA Galaxy U20 squad and also played three years with his hometown Ventura County Fusion, a USL League 2 squad. He represented the United States at the U15 and U18 levels.