Firooz E. Zadeh was a member of the Shahin Tehran Football Club from 1958-1960, and was a member of the Iranian National Champion 4 x 100-meter relay Track & Field team in 1961. He received the Iranian University honor "Champion of Champions" after winning first place medals in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter sprints, the 4 x 100-meter relay, and Football (soccer) events in 1961. Firooz was the only Track & Field athlete representing Iran at the 1961 World University Games in Sofia, Bulgaria.

After a successful six year coaching career in Iran, he received an offer to coach Soccer at the University of Wyoming, in Laramie, Wyoming, USA. Firooz found friendship, freedom, and opportunity in the United States and became a naturalized American citizen in 1980. He received a B.S. from Tehran University, an M.S. from the University of Wyoming, and did his doctoral studies at the University of Northern Colorado and Denver University. Firooz enjoyed his coaching and teaching career in the states of Wyoming and Colorado until his retirement in 1995.

During his coaching career in Vail, Colorado, his students were recognized as the Fittest Students in the State for six years, based on the Presidential Physical Fitness Award standards. They were also ranked as one of the top ten fittest schools in the Nation during that time. He built athletic clubs and established a private sports academy, training several outstanding American athletes - some of whom became state and national champions, including one member of the U.S. Olympic team. In 1993 he was invited to attend a forum in Washington D.C. by the President's Council for Physical Fitness and Sports. He has received numerous local, state and national honors including "Outstanding Teacher," "Profile of Commitment and Inspiration" and "Excellence in Education".

Firooz now lives in New Zealand with his wife Bernadette where, in his retirement, he has made a meaningful contribution to the local soccer program. His personal athletic and coaching accomplishments, both in Iran and the US, makes him an outstanding teacher, mentor, lecturer, and coach. He is organized and patient, and a superb communicator who can motivate his trainees to reach the best of their ability. Firooz's positive influence has made a difference in the lives of many people.

The impossible just takes a little longer!

Everyone has the will to win.
But few have the will to prepare to win.
If you fail to prepare, prepare to lose.