Nicholas Christos, the Varsity girls’ soccer coach at Northwest High School, has been playing soccer since he was five. Since then, he has worked his way up to playing on an elite level, eventually playing for the U.S. Deaf National Soccer Team.  He has built a career both on and off the field that inspires his players to push through challenges, think for themselves, and never give up.

In High School, he played many sports, including soccer. Christos’ path to the national team was different then most. When he was eighteen, a coach he had never met reached out to his Montgomery College coach and invited him to try out. Over a hundred athletes attended the week- long tryouts. Christos made it to the final thirty but only played for fifteen minutes during the tryouts. He was very surprised when they announced he got in. “It was a privilege and an honor,” he said. 

Being partially deaf meant Christos faced unique challenges. Many players in the Deaf community could not use their voices the same way, and he had to learn to play without hearing aids. At first it was difficult, but he realized he could play better without them and became more aggressive. He learned to rely on his instincts and push himself in ways others might not expect.

When he returned from an international game, his wife told him to try coaching. He started at Damascus High School, Poolesville High School, and now Northwest High School. Additionally, he coached club teams, and the Juventus program. Christos encourages his players to play hard, win, and never feel controlled. “Nothing can stop you,” he tells them. He pushes them to be their best while being assertive but never yelling. He reminds them that every situation is unique. “If it doesn’t work, keep trying. Take another path and move on when things don’t work.”

Christos is proud of his teams. He turned around the Damascus boys’ program in his first year, and guided the Northwest girls to back to back regional championships, making history. He also values the community soccer builds. Former players become teachers, coaches, and lifelong friends. He emphasizes that it is never anyone’s fault if they cannot always understand him and appreciates parents’ patience.

Beyond high school soccer, Christos has helped shape Deaf sports nationally. He helped set up the USA Deaf Soccer Association and lobbied for the first women’s bracket in the Deaflympics in 2005, where the U.S. women’s team won the gold medal.

Through all of this, Christos remains dedicated to teaching his players more than just soccer. He encourages them to think, work hard, and keep moving forward. His message is clear: nothing can stop you.