Meet the Team

Ryan Deuber

Director of Goalkeeping

R[email protected]

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.

JC Deverines

Let's Play! Coordinator

[email protected]

Responsibilities: 

Oversee the Let's Play! after-school program within different locations in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Responsible for developing and executing the program and our Let’s Play! Coach-Mentors, and Site Lead’s.  

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

[email protected]

Responsibilities: 

Oversee the Let's Play! after-school program within different locations in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Responsible for developing and executing the program and our Let’s Play! Coach-Mentors, and Site Lead’s.  

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.  

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/coach related matters.  

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.  

Jessica Hafer

Director of Affiliate Logistics

[email protected]

Responsibilities:

All matters related to GotSport, and Membership & Affiliation.

Nathean Meadows

Director of Outreach & Grassroots

[email protected]

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, appreciated, and respected. Helping to grow participation and membership through grassroots programming

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. 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.

Bri Nardone 

Marketing  and Communications Manager

[email protected]

Responsibilities:

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

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.

Daren Olsen

Let's Play! Coordinator

D[email protected]

Responsibilities: 

Provide oversight of the Let's Play! after-school program within Maryland and the District of Columbia.  Responsible for the development and execution of the program, as well as, Let’s Play! Coach-Mentor and Site Lead supervision/training.  

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.

Angelo Petruccy 

Deputy SYRA 

[email protected]

Responsibilities: 

The Deputy State Youth Referee Administrator (SYRA) supports the SYRA in overseeing all referee needs for all MSYSA administered programs, cups, and events. The Deputy SYRA assigns referees for many matches each year to include a number of MSYSA sanctioned tournaments and leagues.

Bio:  

Angelo is originally from Perry Hall, Md., and currently resides in Arlington, Va. While completing an undergraduate degree in Sports Media and a Master's degree in Business and Communication Leadership at High Point University, he finished his career as a captain of the club team while transitioning to a role in refereeing. In addition to his assigning responsibilities, he continues to actively officiate as he holds his US Soccer Regional Referee license while also refereeing college matches in the area.

Why do you work in youth soccer:

The game of soccer has been a huge part of my life ever since I was a child. Ever since my playing career ended and my refereeing career began, my goal has been to improve the game and experience for the players and referee. In this role, I can continue to grow the game that I love by providing a high-quality work environment for the match officials and in turn provide a safe, fun and healthy playing environment for the children on the field!

Brad Roos 

Director of Cup Competitions 

[email protected]

Responsibilities:

Complete oversight of Maryland Cup games.  

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.

Bob Shannon

Finance Manager

[email protected]

Responsibilities:

Payroll administrator and all accounts receivable and accounts payable functions.

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!

Jimmy Shiflett

Events & Operational Support Coordinator

[email protected]

Responsibilities:

Supporting and coordinating registration throughout the year. Additionally, oversee the various on-site activations that take place within the MSYSA jurisdiction each year. Events include MSYSA programs and additional activations designed to raise awareness and grow excitement around the game of soccer!

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.

Greg Smith

Executive Director 

[email protected]

Responsibilities: 

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

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. 

Ana Varela

Programs & Administrative Manager 

[email protected]

Responsibilities: 

Supports multiple MSYSA employees with various programmatic and administrative functions.