TOGETHER WE BATTLE
At GulfSouth we believe our coaches are our greatest asset so empowering them with the best pay, resources, and flexibility is our goal.
Licensed, Experienced Coaches
Our staff holds U.S. Soccer Learning Center licenses and brings years of competitive coaching, turning best-practice theory into clear, age-appropriate sessions that move players forward fast.
Develpment First Curriculum
From ball mastery to SAQ and video feedback, we use a structured pathway and data-informed training that builds technical quality, decision speed, and confidence.
Player Centered Culture
We prioritize safety, positive standards, and transparent feedback with families—so every child knows their goals, their role, and how to improve.
DIRECTORS OF COACHING
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Jayson Houp
As Director of Player Development, Jayson Houp sets curriculum, mentors coaches, and oversees player pathways. He works directly with parents to help navigate the often muddy waters of competitive youth soccer.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Brian Maas
The Director of Operations, Brian Maas, manages player registration and compliance, coordinates tournament entries and logistics, and oversees field assignments and game-day operations—keeping communications organized for families.
DIRECTOR OF ACADEMY - International Soccer Academy
Jorell Johnson
As Director of Academy, Jorell Johnson leads play-based, professional training that builds ball mastery, confidence, and decision-making—bridging recreational beginnings to competitive pathways.
TEAM COACHES (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE SESSIONS
ABBY JOHNSON
High School Girls (Blue) | 2014 Girls
Coach Abigail Johnson, originally from Vienna, West Virginia, has been coaching in Florida since 2022. A former collegiate player at Fairmont State University, she brings experience across all ages and levels. She holds USYS Grassroots and United Soccer Coaches 7v7/9v9 diplomas while pursuing her USYS D License. Her philosophy centers on fostering a love for the game, believing passion drives growth and success. She also runs Abby Johnson Performance Soccer Clinics LLC. She is dedicated to individualized player development while also building confident and motivated athletes on and off the field.
AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE SESSIONS
ADAM AKARSU
2016 Boys (Blue | White)
Profile Pending
ARTUR BARCELOS
2011 Boys (White)
Profile Pending
BRIAN MAAS
2013 Boys (White)
PROFILE PENDING
CASSIDY MENKE
2015 Girls (Blue)
Cassidy Menke, originally from St. Louis, Missouri, joined GulfSouth Soccer in 2024. She began coaching while in college and brings experience from multiple youth levels. A standout collegiate player at Arkansas State and Missouri Western State, she set numerous scoring records, becoming the first women’s soccer player inducted into the MWSU Athletics Hall of Fame. Cassidy’s coaching philosophy focuses on developing intelligent, creative players in a positive, growth-centered environment. Passionate, competitive, and team-focused, she is dedicated to helping young athletes grow both as players and people.
CHRIS MAURICIO
2015 Boys (White)
Profile Pending
CREDENTIALS
AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE SESSIONS
DIAMANT MEQA
2014 Boys (Blue | White)
PROFILE PENDING
CREDENTIALS
JAYSON HOUP
2011 Boys (Black)
Profile Pending
CREDENTIALS
LEXI CONRAD
2017 Girls (White)
Profile Pending
CREDENTIALS
REGAN WARD
High School Girls (Blue)
PROFILE PENDING
CREDENTIALS
ROSS BURKE
2012 Boys (Blue)
Coach Ross began playing soccer at age 4 in Springfield, Missouri, and grew up immersed in the game through club soccer, regional ODP, and a successful high school career, earning all-district and all-conference honors. With soccer deeply rooted in his family, he always had a ball at his feet. A longtime fan of Manchester United, Sporting KC, and the U.S. Men’s National Team, he also enjoys surfing. Coaching with GulfSouth since 2017, Coach Ross holds an F license and takes the most pride in seeing his teams respond to setbacks with resilience and improvement. Passionate about development, he encourages players to work on their first touch and train both feet.
CREDENTIALS
TRAVIS BELL
2013 Boys (Black) | 2015 Boys (Blue)
Raised in Georgia and now based in Florida, Travis has been part of the GulfSouth Soccer family for five years. His lifelong passion for the game stems from playing club soccer in Atlanta, competing with the Georgia State ODP Team, and coaching recreational, club, and high school teams. His coaching philosophy centers on truly knowing each athlete and placing players in roles where they can succeed, with an emphasis on smart positioning and teamwork. A Hall of Fame Georgia Tech football placekicker and devoted family man, Travis is known for his energy and commitment to helping young players grow on and off the field.
CREDENTIALS
TRINT DIMAGIO
2010 Boys (Blue)
Profile Pending
SPECIALTY COACHES
CREDENTIALS
CHASE HOLLAND
Goal Keeper Training
PROFILE PENDING
CREDENTIALS
FABIO CARESIA
Technical Training | Futsol
Profile Pending
CREDENTIALS
AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE SESSIONS
Jacob Pena
Speed, Agility, Quickness Training
Profile Pending
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