With nearly 25 years of coaching experience, including 19 at the collegiate level, Coach Paul Karver has been instrumental in the resurgence of George Fox University Men’s Soccer. Under his leadership, the program achieved a record-setting 14-5-1 season in 2024.
Coach Karver holds an ‘A’ License, Adult Coaching License, and National Goalkeeping License through the United States Soccer Federation. Additionally, he earned a National Youth Coaching License from the United Soccer Coaches Association and a T1 Diploma from the Tovo Academy in Barcelona, Spain.
As a player, Coach Karver began his collegiate career at Creighton University, where the program reach the NCAA Division I National Championship game in his freshman year. He later transferred to the University of Redlands, where they were three time SCIAC champions, competing in three consecutive NCAA Division III Regional Championships. Though injuries ended his playing career early, they opened the door to his coaching journey, which has included roles at institutions such as UNLV, the University of Oregon, Cal Poly Humboldt, and the Portland Thorns Academy, before his current role as Head Coach at George Fox University.
Beyond his work with George Fox, Coach Karver serves as the ODP Director for Oregon, Head Coach for the ’09 Boys ODP Regional Team, and Head Coach for the ’09 Boys ODP National Team, further showcasing his dedication to developing players at every level. “Coaching has always been a dream since I was young. Using soccer as a vehicle to help develop character in young people is a passion of mine. I am fortunate to have been inspired by the incredible coaches and players I worked with throughout my career as a player and coach.”Tom Gorman joined the George Fox men’s soccer coaching staff in the summer of 2023, bringing extensive experience in performance analysis and player development. Prior to his arrival, he served as the Men’s Soccer Performance Analyst for Oregon State University, where he contributed to the Beavers’ undefeated 6-0 spring season. In this role, Gorman analyzed games and training sessions, coding key events aligned with the team’s game model to produce detailed post-game analysis reports.
Before Oregon State, Gorman coached with Oregon Valley Futbol Alliance, working as an assistant coach for the U19B USL-Academy team and head coach for the U15B Classic team.
Currently, Gorman serves as head coach for U15 and U16 boys’ teams at Oregon Premier FC and works as a regional training center coach with the Portland Timbers. Additionally, he is the head coach for the ’09 Boys Oregon ODP Team. Gorman holds a ‘D’ License from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and is completing his UEFA ‘C’ License.
Jamie Johnson, a proud George Fox alumnus, joined the men’s soccer program as an assistant coach in 2023. A former Bruin player (1998–2000), Johnson’s collegiate career was highlighted by his Second Team All-NWC selection and Third Team NSCAA All-West Region Scholar-Athlete honors in 2000. Over three seasons, Johnson tallied an impressive 18 goals and 10 assists for the Bruins.
Johnson has extensive coaching experience, working with boys’ and girls’ club teams. In 2020, his ’06 Boys team captured the Founders Cup title. He also served as a varsity assistant coach for his alma mater, Newberg High School.
Beyond coaching, Johnson is deeply involved in the George Fox community as the Dean for Spiritual Life, Inclusion, and Leadership, as well as the University Pastor.
Zach Nelson joined the George Fox men’s soccer staff in 2023 as a goalkeeper coach, bringing a wealth of playing and coaching expertise. A former collegiate goalkeeper, Nelson played for Xavier University and Seattle University, and was also part of the Portland Timbers MLS Academy Team.
In addition to coaching at George Fox, Nelson works as a goalkeeper coach with Oregon Premier FC. Outside of soccer, he serves his community as a police officer in West Linn, Oregon.