Owner
DUSTIN LEE
Dustin Lee, raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is a distinguished leader and community advocate. As one of the Owners of Carolina Crew FC, he combines his extensive soccer experience with a deep commitment to community involvement.
Dustin's soccer career began in his teenage years with the US Air Force Soccer Team, where he scored 16 goals in a single season and led his team to a championship. He has also served as the General Manager for a professional soccer club and spent decades coaching, contributing significantly to the growth of the sport at various levels.
In addition to his soccer achievements, Dustin has dedicated over 20 years to firefighting, demonstrating his commitment to service and bravery. His diverse career includes notable roles with MTV and as an agent for celebrities and bands, enriching his skills in brand management and public relations.
Dustin is also a devoted father to Landon and Ayden, who share his passion for sports. His active involvement in their lives reflects his belief in nurturing the next generation.
Dustin Lee’s career spans sports, firefighting, and entertainment, showcasing a life of leadership, service, and community engagement. As he leads Carolina Crew FC, his vision and dedication continue to drive the organization forward.
Owner
ASHLEY BLAKE
Ashley Blake serves as the President of the Carolina Crew FC Soccer Team, demonstrating a remarkable blend of leadership in sports and public service. Apart from her role in soccer administration, Ashley is a dedicated local detective in the police department, actively contributing to community safety and welfare. She holds a background in criminal justice from the University of Georgia, where she honed her skills and commitment to both sports and law enforcement. Ashley Blake embodies a strong work ethic and a passion for serving her community, making a significant impact both on and off the field.
General Manager / Coaching Advisor
JAY BURBEE
Jay Burbee, General Manager of the Carolina Crew FC, brings over 30 years of coaching experience to the organization. With a BS in Sport Management, an MS in Recreation and Sport Sciences, and a USSF National B Coaching License, Burbee is well-equipped to lead both on and off the field. His coaching background includes stints in Professional and semi-professional soccer, college coaching, and youth clubs in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. In addition to his GM role, Burbee will also be a part of the coaching staff, enhancing his impact on the team's success. Having worked alongside top coaches such as Tony DiCicco and Janusz Michallik, Burbee is set to make a significant impact for the Carolina Crew FC.
Team Business Advisor
JOEY LIPOFF
Joey Lipoff is a dynamic and accomplished individual with a diverse background that spans the worlds of sports, academia, and business. With a MS in Applied Statistics from the University of Kansas Medical Center and a BS in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Missouri-Kansas City/Rockhurst University, Joey brings a strong foundation of analytical skills and expertise to his role as the Team Business Advisor for Carolina Crew FC. In addition to his academic achievements, Joey has made significant contributions to the field of statistics with his publications on experimental design functions in R-Studio and his participation in talks and conference poster presentations. As a member of MU Sigma Rho, Joey is dedicated to excellence and innovation in his work. On the soccer field, Joey's experience as a former college and minor league player with Avila University, Rockhurst University, Tampa Bay U21s, and Joplin Demize gives him a unique perspective on the game and the business side of sports. Currently serving as a senior data scientist for Honeywell and the President of Sunflower State FC, Joey is a leader in his field and a valuable asset to any team. Outside of work, Joey enjoys staying active by playing soccer with Wilmington FC, sparring in MMA, and honing his culinary skills in the kitchen. He also prioritizes spending quality time with his loved ones, demonstrating his commitment to both personal and professional success. With his impressive background and passion for sports and analytics, Joey Lipoff is sure to make a significant impact as the Team Business Advisor for Carolina Crew FC. We are thrilled to have him on board and look forward to all that he will bring to our team.
Assistant GM / Director of Scouting & Player Development
GIOVANNI VLAHOS
Giovanni Vlahos currently is the Head Men’s Soccer coach at Cape Fear Community College. Coach Vlahos also is currently a member of US Soccer’s Scouting department.
Before Cape Fear Community College, Coach Vlahos was an Assistant with San Diego State University as well as the Executive Director of a San Diego club. He also had a stop for three years at Duke University as an assistant.
Vlahos holds his USSF “A”
License along with other licenses from US Soccer and United Coaches Association.
Media Team Director
MIKE ANTHONY
Mike Anthony, Media Team Director at Carolina Crew FC and Owner of Mike Anthony Photography: Mike Anthony is a seasoned photographer and media professional based in Fayetteville, North Carolina. With a background in sports photography, Mike has worked as a photographer for CBS Sports and MaxPreps, capturing memorable moments on and off the field. As the Media Team Director at Mike Anthony Photographer, Mike brings his passion for storytelling through visuals to the forefront. His keen eye for detail and ability to capture the essence of sports events make him a valuable asset to the team. In addition to his work in the media industry, Mike is also a certified member of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), further demonstrating his dedication to the sports community. With a commitment to excellence and a talent for capturing the perfect shot, Mike Anthony continues to showcase his creativity and expertise in the world of photography and media.
Head Coach /Director of Coaching
STEVE CLARK
Steve Clark, originally from London, has carved a distinguished career in soccer, both as a player and coach. His journey began with the Elysians in London and continued as captain of the Manchester University team, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1982.
Following graduation, Clark embarked on a period of travel and founded Sports Communications before moving to the United States. He served as a graduate assistant coach for the Frostburg State University men's soccer team, contributing to their remarkable run to the final four of the ECAC 1989 College Soccer Championship. Clark also pioneered and coached Frostburg State University's first women's soccer club program while earning his Master's in Education.
In 1990, Clark joined Wesley College in Dover, Delaware, where he made an immediate impact as head coach. Over an illustrious tenure spanning 31 seasons, Clark's leadership saw numerous achievements, including an ECAC South championship in 2004 and tying an NCAA record in 2009 for the greatest one-year turnaround for a men's soccer team. His coaching prowess earned him multiple Coach of the Year awards, with several of his players receiving All-Region and Conference Player of the Year honors.
Clark's influence extended beyond the field at Wesley College, where he served as adjunct faculty, teaching health and physical education from 1993 to 1995. He also held roles as Director of Athletics and Director of International Programs and Global Initiatives, instrumental in expanding the college's athletic and educational outreach.
Beyond Wesley, Clark contributed to soccer development in various capacities, including coaching with the Delaware Olympic Development Program, UNC Chapel Hill camps, and the WPSL Central Delaware squad. His international experience includes coaching at FC Pirin in Bulgaria and Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, champions of Croatia at the time.
A member of the United Soccer Coaches since 1994 and holder of a football license from the Football Association of England, Clark's dedication to soccer has been recognized with induction into the Wesley College Hall of Fame in 2021.
Off the field, Steve Clark resides on Maryland's eastern shore with his wife Lisa, daughters Devon and Gabrielle, and their beloved pet Pickles.
Goalkeeper Coach
ANTHONY PERSINA
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Anthony Persina
A passionate leader with a lifelong love for soccer, Anthony Persina brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game to his role as Head Coach for both the Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams at EE Smith High School. Growing up playing soccer, Anthony developed a solid foundation in the sport, which he continued to build throughout high school and college. His commitment to the game, combined with his years of coaching experience, has shaped him into a dynamic and dedicated mentor for young athletes.
Before stepping into his coaching role, Anthony was an accomplished player, competing at high levels throughout his youth and collegiate years. His time as a player has given him invaluable insight into the mental and physical aspects of soccer, which he now shares with his athletes. Whether on the field or in the classroom, Coach Persina instills the importance of hard work, discipline, teamwork, and a love for the game.
Coach Persina is deeply committed to developing well-rounded athletes, focusing not only on skill-building but also on fostering leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship. His dedication to player development and his unwavering passion for soccer make him an outstanding asset to Carolina Crew FC and the EE Smith High School athletic program.
Coach Persina's knowledge, combined with his genuine care for his players’ growth and success, makes him an exceptional coach and a valuable leader within our soccer community.
Developmental Coach
GODFREY DRUMMOND
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Coach Godfrey is an experienced educator and sports coach from Westmoreland, Jamaica, with over 20 years of teaching experience. He holds a diploma in teaching and a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport. With nearly two decades of coaching experience, Coach Drummond worked with athletes at all levels, from grassroots to top-flight Jamaican football.
A former player with experience at every level, the highlight of his playing career was being invited to the national U23 football setup. He holds a FIFA Level I & II coaching license and a CONCACAF C License. As a coach, he is best known for leading FC Reno back to the Jamaican Premier League unbeaten in 2013. In addition to football, [Your Name] is also a specialist in track and field, volleyball, and cricket.
Passionate about youth development, he has created and facilitated numerous youth programs in Jamaica. A strong family man, he believes in personal growth and encourages others around him to continuously strive for better.
Strength and Conditioning Specialist / Precision Nutrition Coach
JADE KNOX
Coach Jade, a native of the Jersey Shore, has always had a passion for sports and fitness. In 2014, she made the decision to turn that passion into a career and entered the fitness industry while living in Colorado Springs, CO. Since then, she has continued her journey coaching Cross Fit in Fayetteville, NC. Jade is now a co Owner of Rogue Ranger Fitness and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with additional certifications in US Weightlifting, Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism, Precision Nutrition, and the Barbell Rehabilitation Method.
Speed Agility and Sports Performance Coach
SEMAJ STREET
Coach Semaj is a Coaching Specialization - Sports Performance - Speed Enhancement - Agility Development - Weight Loss - Vertical and Horizontal Movement - General Fitness **Credentials:** - B.S. in Exercise Science - Certified Sports Performance Specialist - Speed and Agility Specialist - Weightlifting Specialist * Semaj is a native of Fayetteville, NC, and a former collegiate track athlete. He is the head track coach at Terry Sanford High School and the owner of Two-Six Athletics, as well as the CEO and co-founder of 910SpeedLab. Semaj is also a semi-professional track athlete. **Coaching Approach:** Semaj focuses on enhancing athletic performance through a holistic approach. He trains both the mental and physical aspects of athletes to prepare them for in-game situations. His goal is to elevate each athlete's performance, improve movement efficiency, and prepare them for the next level.
Athletic Development and Sports Performance Coach
BRANDON MCCORMICK
Brandon McCormick CEO & Co-Founder, 910 Speed Lab & Sports Performance
Brandon McCormick is a seasoned and highly qualified sports performance coach with a diverse range of certifications, making him a leader in athletic development. As the CEO and Co-Founder of 910 Speed Lab & Sports Performance, Brandon is dedicated to helping athletes of all ages and sports achieve their peak performance.
Brandon holds multiple certifications, including:
• Certified Sports Performance Coach
• Certified Speed and Agility Coach
• Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach
• Certified Running Coach
• Certified NFCA Fast-Pitch Pitching/Hitting Coach
• Certified USA Baseball Level C Coach
• Certified AOC Volleyball Coach
• Certified Landmine University Level 1
• CPR/AED Certified
With a passion for training athletes from the age of 7 and up, Brandon brings a holistic approach to athletic performance, focusing on speed, strength, and skill development across all sports. Hailing from Fayetteville, NC, he works tirelessly to inspire athletes to reach new heights.
Athletic Mental Developmental Coach
BRIAN SAUL
Brian Saul CEO & Co-Founder, Saulitude LLC Athletic Sports and Leisure Clothing "BE YOU"
Brian Saul brings a wealth of experience to our team, having served nearly a decade in the U.S. Army, including stints with the 82nd Airborne Division and the Military District of Washington. As an immigrant who arrived in the U.S. from Guyana at age 13, Brian’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and dedication.
Beyond his military service, Brian was a Division I track & field athlete and a graduate of Manhattan College, where he studied Business Management and Global Studies. And a current senior at Mount Olive University. His passion for fitness and personal development is matched only by his entrepreneurial spirit—he is the CEO and Founder of SAULITUDE, a sports and leisure clothing brand that encourages individuals to find their solace and write their own stories.
Athletic Recovery Specialist/Director of Partnership Development
ALFONSO SMITH
Alfonso Smith is the dedicated owner of Massage Expert, a wellness brand focused on creating stress-free zones through the power of therapeutic massage and aromatherapy. With a passion for rejuvenating the mind, body, and soul, Alfonso's services include in-clinic and mobile massage, corporate, sports, and Swedish massage, all aimed at helping clients reach their full potential. Whether clients prefer the calming atmosphere of the clinic or the convenience of mobile massage in their own space, Alfonso is committed to delivering personalized, high-quality treatments that promote holistic wellness and self-care. Located in Fayetteville, NC, Massage Expert caters to a diverse clientele seeking relief from the daily stresses of life. From chair massages at community events to individualized in-clinic sessions, Alfonso provides exceptional care that inspires long-term well-being.
Photographer/ Videographer/ Certified and LIcensed Drone Videographer/ Media Team
ROB FLORES
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Rob Flores is the creative visionary behind TeamFlo Photography, a business specializing in capturing striking, artistic imagery that tells a story. With a passion for turning clients into works of art, Rob excels in creating dynamic sports action shots, artistic composite portraits, and breathtaking FAA-licensed drone photography. A veteran with a dedication to his craft and community, Rob brings a unique perspective and commitment to excellence, consistently elevating the art of photography in Fayetteville and beyond
Carolina Crew Football Club Team Chef
J'KWAN FULMORE
Chef J’Kwan Fulmore, the official chef of the Carolina Crew. Owner of Er’Body Eatz, Chef J’Kwan is a traveling chef, culinary educator, and Fayetteville, NC native passionate about tackling food insecurity in lower-income communities. With experience working with MLS
and NFL teams, he brings a unique blend of expertise and dedication to his craft.
Director of Publications and Business Marketing
ANNEMARIE ZIEGLER
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AnneMarie Ziegler is the Director of Publications and Business Marketing at Carolina Crew FC. A native of Cumberland County, AnneMarie brings a wealth of experience and passion for community engagement to her role. She is the proud owner of ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, a thriving digital marketing company that has been serving small and medium businesses for over 11 years.
AnneMarie is a graduate of Nasdaq's Entrepreneurial Center, and her commitment to empowering women in business continues as she prepares to attend the prestigious Bank of America's Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship at Cornell. As the host of Fayetteville Connects, she actively contributes to the local community, fostering connections and promoting growth.
With her dynamic background and innovative spirit, AnneMarie is dedicated to driving the success of Carolina Crew FC and its community initiatives.
Photographer/ Media Team
ORI EVANS
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Meet Oriana Evans a Fayetteville, NC-based professional photographer, artist, and creator with a passion for capturing the essence of sports and every moment imagined. I have had the privilege of photographing a variety of events from wrestling to ballet performances, including Firestar Pro Wrestling, the World Ballot series, and Carolina Gloves, to name a few. Additionally, I was honored to have the opportunity to photograph for TNA wrestling and to be apart of the City View Magazine Crew. My keen eye for detail and unique style are evident in all of my work, allowing me to tell compelling stories through my lens.
Social Media and Marketing Manager
KAYLA HOWARD
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Based in the vibrant Coastal Carolina area, Kayla is the Marketing Manager for Carolina Crew, where she plays a key role in developing impactful marketing strategies that elevate the brand and engage the local community. With a strong background in event coordination, Kayla also serves as the Events Coordinator for DICK’S House of Sport in Fayetteville, leading initiatives that bring the store to life through dynamic events.
Kayla has been instrumental in organizing meet-and-greet events with professional athletes, offering fans the rare opportunity to interact with their sports heroes. Beyond these high-profile events, Kayla excels in building strategic partnerships with local businesses, schools, and professional teams, strengthening community ties and enhancing brand visibility. Her efforts have helped solidify DICK'S House of Sport as a cornerstone of the local sports culture, fostering a deeper connection between brands, athletes, and fans.