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HomeMeet our amazing team!

Meet our amazing team!

Greg Smith

Executive Director

Greg@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Overseeing the administration, programs, and the strategic plan of the organization.

Biography

Bio:  
Greg lives in Parkton, Maryland with his two children, Skylar and Preston, and wife Erica. Outside of the office, Greg loves to engage with his family and be outdoors.

Why do you work in youth soccer?
“I know firsthand the positive effect that playing soccer can have on the overall trajectory of one’s life, and I desire to provide opportunities for others to experience this impact.”

Bob Shannon

Finance Manager

bob@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Payroll administrator and all accounts receivable and accounts payable functions.

Biography

Bio: Bob is from West Chester, PA, and has lived in five different states before moving to Maryland.  With an M.S. in Sport Management, he has spent over 35 years serving as a teacher, administrator, athletic director, coach, and professor, in addition to 15 years of experience working in accounting and finance. Bob enjoys all sports, reading, serving at his church, volunteering for Hospice, and supporting his beloved Boston Red Sox.

Why do you work in youth soccer?
“I love kids!  Sport provides the opportunity to teach many different life lessons and skills that a child may never learn in any other environment.  I served as a USSF, High School and College Soccer Official for 25 years and saw the impact soccer can have in the lives of young people.  Finally, both of my sons played the game and loved it!”

Gabriel Ado

State Youth Referee Administrator

gabriel@msysa.org

Responsibilities:

Biography

Bio: 

Why do you work in youth soccer?

Jessica Hafer

Director of Affiliate Logistics

Jessica@msysa.org

Responsibilities: All matters related to GotSport, and Membership & Affiliation.

Subir Nigam

Affiliate Logistics Coordinator

Subir@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Providing support in GotSport for our Affiliates, assigning matches, and working with our referees.

Biography

Bio:  Subir grew up in Maryland and has played sports all his life. He was captain of the Baltimore Bays and still loves to play in adult leagues throughout the year. Some of his other interests include hiking, travel, and spending time with his family and friends. With a BA in Media & Communications, Subir is able to combine his professional skills with his passion for the game of soccer.


Why do you work in youth soccer?
“I work in youth soccer because I want kids to enjoy the game just as I did. It’s the best way to develop teamwork and leadership skills, all while playing the best sport in the world!”

Ana Varela

Programs and Administrative Manager

Ana@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Supports multiple MSYSA employees with various programmatic and administrative functions.

Brad Roos

Director of Cup Competitions 
Cups@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Complete oversight of Maryland Cup games.  

Biography

Bio:  Brad worked for Montgomery County Government for 32 years as sports supervisor. He also coached the Bethesda Soccer Club for over 30 years, and during that time was the executive director. Brad continued his work with soccer by joining MSYSA as the Maryland Cup Director since 2016. Brad has also has been involved with the USYS East NCS Regional Chair, the National Cups Committee, and USYS League Championship Chair. He is married with two daughters and four grandchildren.


Why do you work in youth soccer?
“My reason for being involved in the crazy world of youth soccer is 100% for the love of being a part of providing opportunities for our youth to play this great game.”

Bri Nardone

Marketing  and Communications Manager bri@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Creating and implementing plans to improve all online media and communications.

Biography

Bio:  Bri is from Bronxville, New York. She played softball at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia. She has a Bachelors and Master’s Degree of Science in Sport Management from Roanoke College ’19 and The George Washington University ’21. Outside of the office Bri enjoys hanging out with her dog, coaching softball, and traveling.


Why do you work in youth soccer?
“I have a passion for sports and love working with young athletes. Sports have provided me life long friendships and important life lessons. By working with MSYSA, I am able to give back to the community, while working in a field I am passionate about.”

Priestly

Brand Ambassador
priestly@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Help spread the love of soccer, while showcasing Maryland and DC youth players, Coaches, Referees, and the people who support them. Having fun and building community, that’s the GOOOOOOOAL!

Biography

Bio: Priestly has been on the radio in Maryland for over 20 years and has always been a huge supporter and fan of the beautiful game! A father of 3 teen youth players for over 14 years here in Md, and a former youth player, coach and licensed ref himself, it’s in his blood! Priestly joins MSYSA using his “skills” to showcase our amazing states soccer players, programs, coaches and referees from the practice fields to cup finals! Experience all that MSYSA has to offer through the unique “Priestly” perspective you have come to love from over the years! Make sure to follow all the fun on our Facebook/Instagram/Youtube pages!

Why do you work in youth soccer?
“I believe the children are our future…great song, but super true! I love working with kids and I love my favorite sport, soccer! Kids today need positive, kind, committed people to mentor positive attributes, role models if you will. Sure, playing in the World Cup would be AMAZING, but making great friends, working together to be better as an individual and a team, staying fit and focused, THAT’S THE TRUE WIN! Like Dani Rojas from Ted Lasso says, “futbol is life!” 

Gurnoor Sodhi

Marketing and Photography Intern gurnoor@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Responsible for capturing high-quality photos and videos at events, tournaments, and programs to support MSYSA’s digital content needs. They assist in creating and scheduling social media content, support marketing initiatives, email campaigns, website updates, and community engagement efforts.

Biography

Bio: Hi! My name is Gurnoor Sodhi,  I am the new Photography and Marketing Intern at MSYSA, and am a Freshman studying Psychology and UMD-College Park. I have been taking photos for 5 years and been more sports focused these last 4 years with particular interests in Soccer, Basketball, and Football.

Why do you love soccer? “I have been playing soccer since I was younger and truly fell in love with the sport, continuing to play in my free time while at University while also cheering on my favorite teams (go Liverpool)! I am extremely excited to join the team and work with likeminded people while also improving my skills and learning more about the marketing aspect of MSYSA!”

Nathean Meadows

Director of Outreach & Grassroots
Nathean@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Establish and execute robust outreach initiatives and collaborate with Affiliates and others to create, promote, and execute grassroots offerings. Ensuring that every affiliate feels welcomed and respected. Helping to grow participation and membership through grassroots programs.

Biography

Bio:  Nathean is originally from Ipswich, England and currently resides in Owings Mills, MD with his wife Sparkle and three children, Isaiah, Azadeh, and Kaiyah. He has over 30 years of senior leadership, sports coaching, and operational management across sports, summer camps, and non-profit organizational environments. Outside the office, he enjoys soccer, running, mountain biking, and technology!


Why do you work in youth soccer?
“I have a lifelong passion for the beautiful game and a strong desire to serve. Marrying these two together in youth soccer is a life-long dream and an opportunity to help players, coaches, clubs and administrators have the best opportunities to pursue excellence and individual development in their environment. I believe that “sport has the power to change the world” – Nelson Mandela.”

JC Deverines

Let’s Play! Coordinator
jc@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Oversee the Let’s Play! after-school program within different locations in Maryland and the District of Columbia. The Let’s Play! Coordinator is responsible for administering Let’s Play! and serves as the point of contact for all Let’s Play! Coach-Mentors, Site Leads and School Administrators. 

Biography

Bio: A native of Paris, Jean-Christophe has lived, worked (and played soccer) on 3 continents before settling in the DC metro area where he still plays and coaches the beautiful game during his free time. He has over 20 years of experience serving in leadership roles in educational contexts, corporate strategy development and project management. He holds a graduate degree in international relations and an MBA.

Why do you work in youth soccer? “Soccer can be a catalyst for so many positive skills and emotions, from team spirit, to perseverance, to pushing one’s perceived boundaries to building communities. Being able to put my varied experience to the task in pursuit of this goal is a privilege.”

Kelli Doherty

Let’s Play! Coordinator
kelli@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Oversee the Let’s Play! after-school program within different locations in Maryland and the District of Columbia. The Let’s Play! Coordinator is responsible for administering Let’s Play! and serves as the point of contact for all Let’s Play! Coach-Mentors, Site Leads and School Administrators. 

Biography

Bio: Kelli was born in New York and currently resides in Silver Spring, MD. She played college soccer at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and graduated in 2014 with a BA in International Criminal Justice. In 2022 earned her master’s at The Catholic University of America in Project Management. Outside of the office, Kelli likes to travel and explore, play soccer and coach college soccer at Catholic University.

Why do you work in youth soccer?
“Being able to give back with the sport that has given me so much is something I am extremely passionate about. I love having the privilege to work and expand the sport to the community and to children of all ages.”

Ann Kitt-Carpenetti

Outreach Manager
ann@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Establish and
strengthening relationships with current and prospective member clubs and
leagues. In addition, serving as the primary liaison between MSYSA and its hundreds of member club and leagues, offering guidance on membership services, program development, and strategic collaboration.

Biography

Bio:  Ann grew up in Oceanside, NY, where she developed a love for soccer and lacrosse. She played lacrosse at the State University of New York at Buffalo before moving to Washington, D.C., where she worked in public policy and advocacy for public health nonprofits for nearly a decade. During this time, Ann became a women’s lacrosse official. From 2004 to 2023, she worked in a senior leadership role for the national governing body of lacrosse, overseeing high performance, safety, and sport development. Ann currently serves as Board president for the National Council of Youth Sports and the Pan-American Lacrosse Association. Outside of work, she enjoys exercising, spending time with family and friends, and supporting her children’s sports and academics.


Why do you work in youth soccer?
“I believe in the transformative power of sport, and I am passionate about helping young people enjoy a safe and positive experience through sport that helps them develop the skills, qualities and relationships to help them achieve their goals and become good teammates for life. Some of my fondest and proudest moments in life involve my experiences as a player, coach, official, administrator and sport parent.  By working with MSYSA, I am able to bring my passion and share my professional experiences with a team of great people committed to providing a positive youth sport experience to our members of the soccer community.”

Daren Olsen

Let’s Play! Coordinator
Daren@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Oversee the Let’s Play! after-school program within different locations in Maryland and the District of Columbia. The Let’s Play! Coordinator is responsible for administering Let’s Play! and serves as the point of contact for all Let’s Play! Coach-Mentors, Site Leads and School Administrators. 

Biography

Bio:  
Daren was born in Pennsylvania and currently resides in New Market, MD with his wife Beth.  With a BS in Electrical Engineering and AMA Certification in Management, he has spent over 35 years in the technical/management field serving in various roles to include Director of Programs, VP Engineering, General Manager, and Chief Technology Officer.  Daren also has over 17 years working as a youth coach-mentor.  Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, running, cycling, and playing drums.

Why do you work in youth soccer?
“Through youth soccer there are many life lessons that can be taught and used beyond the soccer field.  I also want to have a positive impact in our community and provide a fun environment where children can grow and achieve their full potential.”

Gandalf French

Technical Director
Gandalf@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Oversight of the Coaching Education Department, Olympic Development Program and Summer Soccer Academy. Technical lead for all soccer and coach related matters for all our affiliated clubs and leagues  

Biography

Bio:  Gandalf is from Columbia, Maryland and currently lives with his wife Krysta, his daughter Kaeden, and puppy Aspen. Outside of the office, he enjoys playing soccer, rock climbing, and hiking. 


Why do you work in youth soccer?
“I started working in youth soccer to help instill a lifelong love of the game in the players that I am fortunate to work with. In my current role with MSYSA, I am blessed to be able to have a wider impact on the growth of our beautiful game and I am proud to be helping to make soccer the preeminent sport in our country.” 

Jimmy Shiflett

Events & Operational Support Manager
Jimmy@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Supporting and coordinating Affiliate Logistics. Oversee events and on-site activations that take place within the MSYSA jurisdiction each year. All designed to raise awareness and grow excitement around the game of soccer!

Biography

Bio: Jimmy was born and raised in Maryland. He played club and high school soccer and has had a passion for growing the game ever since he stopped playing.  He began coaching and assisting at 19 years old and currently coaches at the Soccer Association of Columbia.  Outside of the office, Jimmy loves to spend time with his family and friends playing basketball and golfing.

Why do you work in youth soccer?
“I work in youth soccer to grow the game I love, and to provide opportunities to everyone on an equal playing field. I believe everyone should have access to the beautiful game”

Ryan Deuber

Director of Goalkeeping
Ryan@msysa.org

Responsibilities: Responsible for oversight of all aspects of MSYSA Goalkeeping. Offer goalkeeper-specific coaching education opportunities to meet the needs of MSYSA affiliates, coaches, and programs consistent with the philosophies and intent of U.S. Soccer (USSF).

Biography

Bio: Ryan currently resides in Baltimore with his wife. He played soccer at Hood College. Ryan is also a lower school teacher and enjoys watching sports in his free time.

Why do you work in youth soccer?
“The game of soccer created many opportunities for me growing up and I wanted to be able to give back to the game. During my time as a coach, I have discovered that there is no better feeling than being able to help a young player accomplish a goal they set for themselves or reach a level they never thought was possible. It pushes me to want to help more players discover that passion for the game.”

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