A Track Record of Results
Coach DaKota Paradice brings a fierce competitive spirit and a proven track record of success to the pitch. A former standout player at both the high school and collegiate levels, Coach Paradice has been immersed in the game for over 26 years. His playing career spanned club, high school, and college, including a four-year varsity run at Vidalia High School and a freshman season at Brewton-Parker College.
His transition into coaching began in 2014, and since then, he has built an impressive resume of developing high-performing athletes and achieving team success across multiple levels.
Coach Paradice has coached at nearly every level of the game—middle school, high school, club, and academy—earning a reputation as a program builder and culture shaper. He holds a USSF Grassroots License and is currently pursuing his USSF D License.
His coaching résumé includes:
Mill Creek Recreation Department (2014–2017): Soccer program supervisor
Coffee County High School (2015): Assistant Coach, GK Coach
Private Coach (2014-2021): Lead individual sessions devoted to building technical skills
Effingham County Middle School (2020): 4-0 season (COVID-shortened), most wins in school history at the time
South Effingham High School (2021–2025):
67-24-2 overall record
Four playoff appearances
Undefeated in rivalry games (9-0-0)
2024: #6 in scoring in AAAAAA, beat the 17th-ranked team in the nation
Multiple Top-10 final state rankings
Savannah United (2021–2025):
Head coach for the first year boys played 11v11 each year, taking on a new team yearly
Instructor for School of Excellence (6–8-year-olds)
Vidalia High School (2025–Present): Head coach of both boys’ and girls’ varsity programs
Coach Paradice has helped over 75 players earning 200+ offers to play at the next level, with some going on to play in college, Europe, and even professionally in Mexico.
The Paradice Philosophy
Coach Paradice leads with the mindset: “Cocky in expectations, confident in preparation, humble in results.” His approach emphasizes:
• Mental toughness
• Tactical discipline
• Relentless preparation
• Grace in adversity and success
He believes that talent is genderless and that greatness comes from the grind. Whether coaching boys or girls, his teams are known for their physicality, resilience, and fearless playing style.
Beyond Wins and Losses
For Coach Paradice, soccer is about more than results. It’s about molding young people into leaders. He instills life lessons through the daily pursuit of excellence, urging his players to embrace accountability, compete with pride, and carry themselves with humility.
His influence continues to be felt long after the final whistle, as his former players thrive not only in athletics but in their academic and personal journeys as well.
“This game changed my life, and now it’s my responsibility to give back. I coach to build warriors—not just for the field, but for life.”