About William

Born in Brazil, William Vanzela discovered the goalkeeping position at a very young age—he started playing futsal at age 4 and by age 7 was already in a competitive team and as a goalkeeper. Over his formative years in Brazil, the sport was more than just a game—it was a religion—and he embraced the demanding role of goalkeeper with purpose. By his teens, William had joined a first division academy club, Paraná Clube, and later moved to Italy, where his dual Brazilian-Italian citizenship opened doors for him to compete in the 7-v-7 World Club formats. His professional indoor soccer career in the U.S. took off in 2012 when he signed with the Baltimore Blast of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). Over more than a decade he became one of the league’s top goalkeepers, racking up 100+ wins and multiple championships. PressBox

 

From Player to Mentor: Born to Fly GK

Recognizing that his journey taught him far more than just saves and clean sheets, William founded the academy Born to Fly Goalkeeper Academy. The academy focuses on players of all ages and skill levels, emphasizing technical mastery, tactical awareness, mental resilience and physical preparation. His camps and clinics and sessions are well planned with a great balance of "teach and fun"!  William often says that he doesn't teach goalkeeping — he shares what he knows, drawing from his own professional journey. William wants to inspire goalkeepers to challenge themselves and use soccer as a tool to teach life lessons that will last forever!

 

Why “Born to Fly”?

The name captures William’s perspective: goalkeeping is about rising above, launching forward, staying alert, and reacting under pressure. His own career—from the fields of Brazil to international arenas—has been about that upward motion. Through his academy, he wants every keeper to embrace a growth mindset, to be prepared for challenges, and to love the process as much as the whistle at full-time.

 

What You’ll Get

• Personalized small-group training sessions that balance fun with intense instruction with max reps.

• A focus not just on saving shots, but reading the game, commanding your box, and building confidence under pressure

• Camps and clinics where goalkeepers feel part of a community and learn from someone who has been on the pitch, in the net, and in front of crowds

​

​

​

​William Vanzela Player & Coach Bio

​

Coaching:

• Baltimore Bays Chelsea Academy 2013 - 2016

• Loyola Blakefield High School 2013 - 2014,

• McDonough High School 2015 – 2017,

• Baltimore Celtic Soccer Club Goalkeeper Coach Director 2015 – 2020

• F.C. Baltimore NPSL Gk Coach 2017 – 2018

• Johns Hopkins University Women’s Gk Coach 2017 – 2019

• Johns Hopkins University Men’s Associate Head Coach 2015 - present

• Owner of Born to Fly Gk Academy LLC since 2016

• Member of the United Goalkeeper Alliance 2019

• DOC of Towson United 2024-present

 

Coach Achievements:

• 2014 MIAA A Champion ( Loyola)

• 2015 and 2017 MIAA A Champion ( MCDonough)

• Centennial Conference Champions 2019, 2023, 2024 ( Hopkins)

• NCAA Tournament 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 ( Hopkins)

• NCAA Sweet Sixteen 2000, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2017 ( Hopkins)

• NCAA Final eight 2022 ( Hopkins)

 

 

Player:

• Parana Clube (1999 – 2006), Brazil 1st division

• Sete de Setembro 2006 Brazil

• Atlante Grosseto 2006-2008 Italy

• Pesaro Five 2009 Italy

• ASD Jesy 2010 Italy

• Arzignanno 2011Italy

• Baltimore Blast 2012 - 2023

• San Diego Sockers (2021 loaned by Baltimore)

 

 

 

Achievements:

• World Cup Champion 7 vs 7 (Italian National team) 2011

• World Cup Goalie gloves (Italian national team) 2011

• World best Goalkeeper 7vs 7 2011-2012

• 5x MASL champion (2012-2016-2017-2018-2021)

• 2x MASL MVP final (2012 -2018)

• MASL Shutout record holder (12)

​