Dee Shivraman has added Sandor Abraham, Daniel Sosa and Adriel Calderon to the Polk State College women’s soccer coaching staff for the 2026 season. Abraham will serve as the goalkeepers coach, while Sosa and Calderon will be assistant coaches. The additions were announced Sept. 9 in Lakeland.
Abraham brings four years of coaching experience at the youth and club levels with Lakeland United FC, IdeaSport and Kings Hammer Swan City. A native of Cuba, he has coached goalkeepers for the Colombian Youth National Team, under-17 goalkeepers from the Dominican Republic and Honduras, and academy goalkeepers for AC Milan and Cruzeiro. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from EPEF Manuel Fajardo in Cuba.
Polk State College will be Abraham’s first college coaching opportunity. Through four matches, Polk State had allowed two goals and recorded two victories by shutout. Abraham hopes to coach at the professional level.
“This is a great opportunity to work in a professional environment and to work my way to the next level,” Abraham said. “I really enjoy helping players perform at a high level. I try to improve every day myself.”
Shivraman said Abraham’s experience will benefit Polk State’s goalkeepers. “Sandor is probably one of the best goalkeeping coaches in Florida,” Shivraman said. “I feel fortunate to have him help with our keepers. He has a great resume of experience, and his methodology is very modern.”
Abraham also described his long-standing connection to the sport. “I love the game of soccer,” Abraham said. “I always practiced as a kid; my family and I always watched soccer. My passion has always been for others and watching them grow.”
Sosa joins staff after Lakeland United internship
Sosa completed a summer internship with Lakeland United FC and is a current Southeastern University student. He is set to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and exercise science. Sosa is of Colombian descent and played defender at The Master’s Academy in Vero Beach.
Sosa said his previous connection with Shivraman at Lakeland United FC helped lead to the opportunity. “I got to know Coach Dee from my time with Lakeland United,” Sosa said. “We had a good connection, and he reached out to me. This is a great opportunity to learn at the college level and make meaningful connections.”
Calderon adds coaching and playing experience
Calderon is a Georgia native and a Southeastern University student majoring in social work and criminal justice. He is set to graduate next fall and previously coached youth soccer in Georgia. Calderon played forward at Eagles Landing Christian Academy and for AFC Lightning of the Elite Club National League in Georgia.
Calderon currently plays for Four Corners FC of the United Premier Soccer League. The Davenport club is overseen by Polk State assistant coach Brian McNulty. Calderon hopes to play at the professional or semi-professional level.
“Soccer was the first sport I ever played when I was just 3 years old,” Calderon said. “I played other sports, but soccer has always been my passion. This was a great opportunity to learn and try something new.”
Shivraman said the new assistants bring different perspectives to the staff. “Danny and Adriel give us an injection of youth,” Shivraman said. “As coaches get older, the understanding gap between us and the players seems to widen. They offer a balance of new school to our old school. The perspectives they bring are beneficial to our team.”
Source: Original report