Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Work - Professional Soccer Career
Timeline
Generic
Johann Smith

Johann Smith

Researcher, Student, Personal Trainer
Stanford,CA

Summary

Researcher and former professional athlete with over a decade of international soccer experience, complemented by a Master’s in Philosophy and a BA in History from Stanford University. My diverse background across sports, academia, and global living has equipped me with analytical thinking, historical and economic insight, leadership, and a strong ability to adapt to new challenges. I’ve contributed to impactful initiatives in economic development, education reform, and infrastructure policy, collaborating with leading institutions like the Hoover Institution and the World Bank. Driven by a passion for solving complex problems and creating meaningful change, I bring a unique perspective to every endeavor, leveraging interdisciplinary expertise, strategic insight, and a results-oriented mindset. I apply data-driven insights and strategic thinking to deliver measurable results across diverse challenges.


Overview

2025
2025
years of professional experience
1
1
Language

Work History

Researcher, Hoover History Lab

Hoover Institution
09.2022 - Current


  • Assistant for Stephen Kotkin, Dr (Kleinheinz Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and Senior Fellow at Stanford’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies)
  • Research under Peter Blair Henry, Dr (Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and Senior Fellow at Stanford’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies)
  • Research with Herbert Klein, Dr (Gouverneur Morris Emeritus Professor of History at Columbia University and Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution.)
  • Dr Conducted interdisciplinary research Under Dr. Stephen Kotkin analyzing historical immigration patterns, socioeconomic mobility, and policy implications.

Founder and Trainer

Global Evolution Training
  • Founder and Trainer of a Strength, Mobility, and Soccer Training Company

Head Coach

Skill School Soccer Academy

Trained elite and aspiring soccer players aged 6-18 in group settings, focusing on technical skills, tactical awareness, and athletic development. Designed and implemented daily drills tailored to players’ needs and goals. Developed strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills in a high-performance environment.

Volunteer Coach

Stanford University Men's Soccer Team
09.2021 - 09.2022

Coach

Manhattan Soccer Club
03.2019 - Current
  • Coach for the U15 Boys team
  • Coach of the U12 Boys team

Personal Trainer

Complete Body
03.2019 - 03.2021

Group CrossFit Trainer

WIP Fitness
01.2018 - Current

Assistant Junior Varsity Soccer Coach

Watkinson School
01.2016 - 01.2018
  • Assistant Junior Varsity Soccer Coach
  • Assistant Varsity Coach
  • Resident Assistant at Post Graduate Housing

Education

BA - History

Stanford University

MA - Philosophy

Stanford University

Associate of Arts - History

BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
New York, NY

Skills

1 Leadership and Team Building

Over 13 years of professional soccer experience demonstrate my ability to lead, motivate, and work collaboratively with diverse teams under high-pressure situations

Coaching roles at different levels show my expertise in mentoring, developing talent, and fostering team cohesion

2 Research and Analytical Skills

Publishing papers and conducting policy-focused research at the Hoover Institution highlight my advanced academic research abilities and attention to detail

Working with top economists like Dr Stephen Kotkin and Dr Peter Blair Henry reflects my capacity to analyze complex issues, synthesize information, and provide actionable insights

3 Communication and Public Speaking

Presenting and publishing research requires clear, articulate communication

Coaching and mentoring involve effective interpersonal communication tailored to different audiences, from students to high-performing athletes

4 Organizational and Time Management Skills

Managing responsibilities as a Resident Assistant while contributing to soccer coaching and academic pursuits showcases strong organizational and multitasking skills

Founding and running my training business reflects my entrepreneurial mindset and ability to manage logistics and operations

5 Problem-Solving and Strategic Thinking

As a coach and player, adapting strategies during games and training demonstrates sharp decision-making skills

Researching and drafting policy recommendations under experts shows my ability to develop solutions for real-world challenges

6 Mentorship and Development

Coaching roles, including at Stanford University and Manhattan Soccer Club, emphasize my skill in guiding others to reach their potential

My work as a Resident Assistant reflects my ability to mentor and support individuals in a structured environment

7 Cultural Competency and Adaptability

Playing soccer professionally across multiple countries (eg, England, Croatia, Sweden, Finland, Canada) has given my a global perspective and the ability to thrive in diverse environments

My research on topics like education policy in Brazil and infrastructure in Jamaica demonstrates an understanding of international contexts and adaptability

8 Entrepreneurial and Business Acumen

Founding Global Evolution Training - ability to identify a market need, develop a service, and manage a business

9 Academic and Intellectual Curiosity

Earning degrees in Philosophy and History, along with engaging in advanced research, showcases a commitment to intellectual growth and a multidisciplinary perspective

0 Critical Thinking and Logical Reasoning

Philosophy fosters the ability to evaluate complex problems, construct sound arguments, and think systematically

My work involves analyzing abstract concepts and applying them to practical issues, enhancing my problem-solving abilities

11 Research and Historical Analysis

A history degree develops expertise in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting historical data

My ability to connect historical trends to contemporary issues strengthens my research credibility and policy recommendations

12 Writing and Argumentation

Philosophy and history both demand clear, persuasive writing and argumentation My published research and policy work at the Hoover Institution highlight this strength

13 Interdisciplinary Insight

Combining philosophy and history provides a unique interdisciplinary perspective, allowing me to approach problems with both analytical rigor and historical context

This skill enhances my work in policy research and applied economic studies, giving me a broader understanding of systemic issues

Accomplishments

  • BA History, Stanford University
  • MA Philosophy, Stanford University
  • Student Researcher at the Hoover History Lab, Hoover Institute
  • Associate degree in History, Borough of Manhattan Community College, 05/20
  • Kaplan Leadership Foundation, Scholar
  • Phi Theta Kappa, Member
  • Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship Semi-Finalist
  • Don Lavoie Mercatus Scholarship Recipient: Awarded for academic excellence and a commitment to exploring innovative approaches in economic and policy research through the Mercatus Center.

Work - Professional Soccer Career

  • FC Edmonton, NASL, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, 01/15-12/17
  • Cumberland United FC, South Australian Premier League, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, 01/14-12/15
  • KUPS, Veikkausliiga (Finnish Premier League), Kuopio, Finland
  • Kalmar FF, Allsvenskan (Swedish Premier League), Kalmar, Sweden, 01/10-12/11
  • HNK Rijeka, PRVA HNL (Croatian Premier League), Rijeka, Croatia, 01/09-12/10
  • Toronto FC, MLS, Toronto, Canada, 01/08-12/09
  • Bolton Wanderers FC, English Premier League, Bolton, England, 01/04-12/08
  • Carlisle United, England - League 1
  • Darlington FC, England, League 2
  • Stockport County FC, England - League 2
  • United States National Teams, U18, U20, U23

Timeline

Researcher, Hoover History Lab

Hoover Institution
09.2022 - Current

Volunteer Coach

Stanford University Men's Soccer Team
09.2021 - 09.2022

Coach

Manhattan Soccer Club
03.2019 - Current

Personal Trainer

Complete Body
03.2019 - 03.2021

Group CrossFit Trainer

WIP Fitness
01.2018 - Current

Assistant Junior Varsity Soccer Coach

Watkinson School
01.2016 - 01.2018

Founder and Trainer

Global Evolution Training

MA - Philosophy

Stanford University

Associate of Arts - History

BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Head Coach

Skill School Soccer Academy

BA - History

Stanford University
Johann SmithResearcher, Student, Personal Trainer