John Paul II High School is excited to welcome Ricardo "Ricky" Blanchard as the new
Head Boys Soccer Coach. Coach Blanchard brings a wealth of experience as a player, coach,
educator, and performance specialist, along with a proven track record of developing student-
athletes both on and off the field. His passion for building young men of character, commitment
to excellence, and leadership rooted in faith make him an outstanding fit for the Cardinal
community. We are thrilled to have Coach Blanchard leading our boys soccer program and look
forward to the impact he will have as he builds a championship culture that reflects the mission
and values of John Paul II High School. Welcome to the Cardinal family, Coach Blanchard!
Ricardo "Ricky" Blanchard brings more than a decade of coaching, teaching, and athletic
performance experience to John Paul II High School. A native of St. Lucia, Blanchard
represented his home country at both the youth and senior national team levels before
continuing his playing career professionally in the United States and Portugal.
A highly respected coach and leader, Blanchard holds a U.S. Soccer B License and has
coached at every level of the game, from recreational soccer to elite youth competition.
Throughout his career, he has served in several leadership positions, including ECNL Coach
and Academy Director for BVB International Academy, Director of Coaching for Dallas
Hornets TX2, and currently as a Club Coach with FC Dallas Youth.
In addition to his soccer background, Blanchard has extensive experience in athletic
performance. As the Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Dallas, he
developed comprehensive training programs focused on performance enhancement, injury
prevention, and long-term athletic development, helping student-athletes maximize their
potential.
Blanchard's coaching philosophy extends well beyond the game itself. He is passionate about
developing young men of character by emphasizing discipline, accountability, resilience,
teamwork, and servant leadership. He strives to foster an environment where student-athletes
are challenged to pursue excellence while growing as leaders in the classroom, their
communities, and their faith.
An experienced educator and mentor, Blanchard believes athletics provide an opportunity to
teach life lessons that prepare students for success long after their playing days have ended.
His commitment to excellence, integrity, and lifelong learning aligns with the mission and values of John Paul II High School.
Ricky and his wife, Patricia, have been married for more than 20 years and are the proud
parents of one son. He is excited to join the Cardinal family and looks forward to building a
championship culture rooted in faith, character, and competitive excellence while helping every
student-athlete become the best version of themselves—on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
