Mark Kovats was born and raised in Seattle, spending his early years there before moving to the Eastside during middle school. He graduated from Lake Washington High School (Go Kangs!) and went on to attend Seattle Pacific University, where he played soccer for four years. As a youth player, Mark won two state championships in his final club seasons, claimed a regional championship, and competed in the final four of youth soccer in 1987 in St. Louis—some of his most cherished soccer memories. While at Seattle Pacific, his team reached the NCAA Division II National Championship in 1990, narrowly losing in a penalty shootout.

Mark discovered his passion for working with youth during high school and college while coaching and serving as a counselor at Northwest Soccer Camp (Camp Casey). That experience helped shape his love for teaching and being immersed in the game full-time.

Over the course of his coaching career, Mark has led several local high school boys’ and girls’ programs during the 1980s, ’90s, and early 2000s. Across 16 years as a high school coach, his teams appeared in five state championship games, winning three titles. He also coached at a few other clubs before ultimately joining Eastside FC, drawn by the club’s strong reputation and proximity to his home in Issaquah. He earned his USSF C License nearly 20 years ago and achieved his USSF B License in December 2017.

In his 20+ years with Eastside FC, Mark has had the privilege of coaching many talented players and teams. He has led multiple squads to state championship games and brought home a few trophies along the way. He values the club’s inclusion in the ECNL, which provides top-level competition and opportunities to push his players to reach their highest potential. For Mark, the greatest reward comes from watching players grow and achieve together what they could not do alone.

Mark has been happily married to his wife, Cari, for 25 years. They have three children—Cameron, Cody, and Cate—all of whom have played for Eastside FC. Their dogs, Roxy and Rio, keep things lively at home. A dedicated supporter of all Seattle sports teams, Mark especially cheers on the Sounders. Two of his favorite quotes come from the legendary Johan Cruyff:

"Football is a game of mistakes. Whoever makes the fewest mistakes wins." 

"You need both quality and results. Results without quality is boring; Quality without results is meaningless."