Get to Know Coach Joe: Well versed in the Arizona soccer landscape, Paulsen’s experience in the Grand Canyon State includes coaching at the youth, prep, and collegiate ranks alongside a decorated playing career. As a student-athlete, following a four-year varsity campaign at Gilbert High School, Paulsen earned Best Newcomer, Mr. Thunderbird, and team captain honors at Mesa Community College en route to Northwest Christian University (now Bushnell University) where as team captain he competed and earned his Bachelor’s in Exercise Wellness and Fitness. A proven program developer, Paulsen guided several turnarounds including at his alma mater Mesa Community College where in 2014 he helped propel the women’s soccer program to their best record since 2006 finishing at 9-6-5 as an assistant. At the prep ranks, Paulsen posted a winning record in 2014-2015 as head coach of the Chandler High School Girls Varsity Soccer team following the program’s 5-12 finish the year prior to his arrival. Building off the momentum, Paulsen went on to lead the Wolves to two state quarterfinals and one state semifinal appearance. Assuming the helm of Arizona College Prep Boys Varsity Soccer, Paulsen engineered the beginning of a powerhouse, improving the team’s yearly win total between 2013-2017 with the 2016-2017 season culminating in a 15-1 record and 3A Region 3 Championship with the lone playoff loss to eventual state champion Yuma Catholic.  Building a foundation at the youth level, Paulsen has developed more than 20 teams under the banner of Real Salt Lake Arizona. Familiar with the game’s global footprint as evidenced by early recruiting efforts at Justice College, Paulsen’s personal ties span international as his father James played soccer professionally in Germany.