FLORIDA RISING STARS AMBASSADORS

NICK ANDERSON

The Orlando Magics’ first-ever NBA Draft selection out of the University of Illinois (11th overall 1989 draft). Nick played 10 seasons for Orlando. In 692 games, he averaged 15.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He ranks as the franchise all-time leader in games played (692), field goals made (4,075), and steals (1004). He also stands second in Magic’s all-time list with 10,650 points, 900 three-point field goals made and 22,440 minutes played. Nick remains in the Magic family as Director of Community Relations.

SCOTT ANDERSON

Scott has spent 50 years in Sports Medicine as a certified Athletic Trainer. A graduate of Northwestern University with a M.A. in Physical and Health Education, his stops include Northwestern, Kent State and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For the last 32 years, Scott has helped develop High School Athletic Training Outreach Programs for Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. A recipient of numerous awards, he is most proud to be a member of the Athletic Trainers Association of Florida’s Hall of Fame. Scott oversees our Sports Medicine program.

RICK BARRY

Richard Francis Dennis Barry III is an American retired professional basketball player who played in both the ABA and the NBA. In 1996, he was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in the history of the NBA. He is the only one to lead the NCAA, ABA, and NBA in points per game. He played college basketball at the University of Miami and was selected in the first round 2nd overall by the San Francisco Warriors in the 1965 NBA Draft. Rick is widely known for his unorthodox but extraordinarily effective underhand free throw technique. His .900 percentage was the best of any NBA player. He was a 12-time All-Star, an NBA Champion and in 1987 was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. 

ADAM BATES

Adam is a lifelong resident of Florida. After graduating from Auburn  University, he and his wife settled in Winter Garden and have 3 children, Jackson (17), Wrigley (14), and Harper (9). Adam has been a high School and College Baseball Umpire for over 25 years while being an assignor, recruiter, and trainer of officials for the last 12 years helping new officials get started and helping others advance their careers at multiple levels. One of his biggest passions is helping new officials get started in whatever sport they choose. Adam oversees our Officiating program.

FREDDY BILETNIKOFF

Fred is a former NFL wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders for 14 seasons and later an Assistant Coach for the team. Biletnikoff was one of the most sure-handed and consistent receivers of his day with a propensity for making spectacular catches. He was inducted in the NFL Hall of Fame in 1988 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991. Freddy played his College Football at Florida State University where Bobby Bowden was his wide receivers coach and earned consensus All-America after leading the country in yards and touchdowns as a senior. Freddy played in Super Bowl II and in Super Bowl XI in which he was named MVP in a victory over the Minnesota Vikings. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection.

BENNIE BLADES

Haratio Benedict “Bennie” Blades Sr. is a former American Football cornerback and safety in the National Football League. He played his college football at the “U”, University of Miami. Blades played a big part in the University of Miami’s 1987 NCAA National Championship and in 2006, was named to the College Football Hall of Fame. He spent 10 seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions and the Seattle Seahawks. During his time with the Lions, he was considered one of the most defensive backs in the NFL even playing at Linebacker on occasion.

ROCKY BLEIER

Robert Patrick “Rocky” Bleier attended Notre Dame and played for 11 years with the Pittsburg Steelers collecting 4 Super Bowl rings. Rocky is a Viet Nam Vet and was wounded in action and was told by doctors he would never play football again. That didn’t stop Rocky as he fought his way back. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Today he is an internationally recognized motivational speaker and will speak on never giving up and achieving goals.

WADE BOGGS

Wade is a former Major League third baseman with the Boston Red Sox, NY Yankees, and Tampa Bay Rays. He was elected to the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. With 12 straight All-Star appearances, he is third only to Brooks Robinson and George Brett. His best season was 1987 when he set career highs in home runs (24), RBI (89), and slugging percentage (.588). He also batted .363 with a .461 on-base percentage leading the league in both stats. His hitting in the 80s and 90’s made him a perennial contender for batting titles.

SCOT BRANTLEY

Scot attended  Forest High School in Ocala, Florida, and was a 4-year starter at Linebacker. He was a member of the 1974 and 1975 Florida Class 3A State Championship Teams. Brantley accepted a scholarship to attend the University of Florida where he was All-SEC and All-American his junior and senior year and is a member of the UF Athletic Hall of Fame. He was selected in the 3rd round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he played for 8 seasons. He then pursued a career in broadcasting serving on the Gator Network and the Buccaneers Radio Network.

BECKY BURLEIGH

Becky is a retired College Soccer Coach and College Soccer Player. During her four seasons at Methodist College, she led Methodist to a 55-19-4 record. She is best known for her 26-year tenure as the first head coach of the Florida Gators leading the Gators to an NCAA National Championship in 1998. The Gators finished the 1998 season at 26-1 and finished with a 513-160-46 record. Her Gator teams won SEC Championships. Becky will oversee our Girls Soccer Program.

JEFF CARDOZO

Jeff is a former University of Florida pitcher, golf course manager, radio show host, and color analyst. He was a 3-year starter whose highlight was a complete game win against Baylor in the Waco Regional while suffering from a torn rotator cuff. He manages Ironwood Golf Course in Gainesville.  He serves as a color analyst for UF Baseball,  public address for Florida Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and the afternoon drive host on WRUF, the ESPN affiliate in Gainesville.

JOHN COOK

John is an American Professional Golfer who won 11 times on the PGA tour, 10 times on the PGA Champions Tour, and 7 times worldwide. He was a member of the 1993 Ryder Cup Team. John was offered a scholarship to Ohio State University and was personally advised to accept by both Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf and was a member of the Buckeye’s 1979 NCAA Championship team. In 1992, he moved into the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time. John is presently a Champions Tour and studio analyst on Golf Channel.

JOHN CORRY

John Corry oversees high-profile Documentary Films, TV Series, and Online Educational/New Media Projects. Johns’s most recent projects include the Feature Documentary Films “One Second at a Time (2022), “Revelations Cafe” (2022) “The Mindfulness Movement” (2020), and “Code Blue” (2019). His three-hour special “The Last Days of WWII” was nominated for a National Emmy and his acclaimed aa-color WWII series “The Color of War” was recognized with the CINE Special Jury Award as the Best Network or Cable Historical Program of the year. John produced “The Bowden Dynasty” with our very special Legacy Coach and Ambassador Bobby Bowden, Dion Sanders, Burt Reynolds, and Lee Corso.

SHELTON CREWS

After a very successful career as a Head Football Coach at Tallahassee Godby High School, Shelton is now the Executive Director of the Florida Athletic Coaches Association. High School Coaches all over the state can point with pride and say, “I am a proud member of the FACA.”

JOHNNY DAMON

Johnny attended Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando when during his senior year he was rated Top High School Prospect in the country by Baseball America, was named to USA Today’s All-American Team, and Florida Gatorade Player of the Year. Damon played in Major League Baseball for 18 seasons for the Royals, A’s, Red Sox, Yankees, Tigers, and Rays. He was a 2 time All-Star and also a 2 time World Series Champion with the Red Sox and the Yankees. 

CHARLES DAVIS

Charles played Football, Basketball, and Baseball at New Paltz High School in New Paltz, New York where his Father was the basketball coach. He accepted a football scholarship and played safety for the Tennessee Volunteers where he was All-SEC for his junior and senior seasons. He then got into broadcasting and has worked for Fox Sports, TBS, ESPN, and the Golf Channel. Charles is currently an analyst for The NFL on CBS working alongside Ian Eagle. He is also an analyst for The NFL Network.

GENE DECKERHOFF

Gene has been the voice of the Florida State Seminoles since 1979, recently retiring after 42 years. Since 1989, he has covered both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seminoles concurrently and will remain with the Bucs in 2022. Deckerhoff is known for bellowing “Touchdown Tampa Bay!” after every Buccaneer touchdown followed by “Fire The Cannons!” In 2000, he was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2002 was inducted into the Florida State University Athletics Hall of Fame. He graduated from the University of Florida, but was quoted as saying “I’m not a Gator – Period.”

DEDRICK DODGE

Played Free Safety for Bobby Bowden at FSU and went on to play 8 seasons in the NFL for Seattle, San Francisco and Denver winning 2 Super Bowl Rings. He is presently the Head Football Coach at Ridge Community School in Davenport FL.

WINSTON DUBOSE

Winston attended UCF in September 1973 and was the first three-time NCAA All-American in all sports in 1974, 1975, 1976 as Goalkeeper for men’s soccer. In 1977, he signed a professional contract with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. He won Soccer Bowl 1983 with the Tulsa Roughnecks and was team MVP. He played for the US National Men’s team from 1979-1985. He was selected to the America Professional Soccer League All-Star team in 1988 and 1989. He was inducted in The Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. 

BRIAN FORD

Brian is a graduate of Florida State University and is Chief Operating Officer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has been with the Bucs since 2006. Under his guidance, the Buccaneers Organization has become one of the most actively involved in the Community with a focus on youth in the NFL.

MIGUEL GALLARDO

Miguel Gallardo played professional soccer for over 10 years, beginning his career with Tigres 1A in Mexico and most memorably as the first ever signed player for Orlando City as Captain during a dominant era and led the team to 2 National Championships. Gallardo was also named Goalkeeper of the year in the United Soccer League. He is the current TV Color Analyst as well as Program Coordinator and Ambassador for the Club. Gallardo is considered a legend of Orlando City as a player who helped build the foundation on and off the field for what Orlando City is today. He will help coordinate our Soccer program.

TALLEY HALL

Talmon “Tally” Hall is a retired soccer goalkeeper who spent 8 of his 10 professional seasons in the MLS with the Houston Dynamo, Orlando City and D.C. United. He was an MLS All-Star in 2011 and 2013. Tally played his College soccer at San Diego State and out of College played in Denmark for Esbjerg fb.

MARK AND KYM HILINSKI

Founders of Hilinski Hope Foundation, Mark and Kym lost their son Tyler, who was the starting Quarterback at Washington State, to suicide. They later found out it was due to a mental health issue and now spend their lives talking to kids all around the country on the subject of Mental Health and Wellness. Their youngest son Ryan is presently the starting Quarterback at South Carolina.

STEVE HOGAN

Steve has been on the staff of Florida Citrus Sports since 1995 being named Executive Director in 2006. Florida Citrus Sports produces more than 70 events per year including 3 premier college football games. Under his direction, FCS has become very involved with Central Florida Youth conducting an 8 week Summer camp for the last 17 years which combines sports and education.

MICK HUBERT

For 32 years, Mick Hubert has been the radio play-by-play announcer for Florida Gator Football and several other sports at the University of Florida. His enthusiastic radio calls , including his use of “Oh My” is attributed to the influence of long time sportscaster Dick Enberg. As the radio voice of the Gators, Hubert called the 1996, 2006 and 2008 Football National Championship teams, the 2006 and 2007 Men’s Basketball Championship teams and the 2017 NCAA Baseball Championship team making him the only radio announcer to ever call Championships for all three major sports for the same University.

VANCE JOHNSON

For 11 seasons, Vance was a wide receiver for the Denver Broncos and was part of the 3 Amigos along with Mark Jackson and Ricky Nattiel. He played in 3 Super Bowls. Johnson was hiding a severe alcohol and drug addiction that cost him everything for years. He is currently an advocate for addiction recovery for athletes and youth using his experiences to help others.

WAYNE HOGAN

Wayne has spent 35 years in Public Relations, External Affairs and Administration at Florida State, Georgia Tech and the University of Montana. He was Associate Athletic Director ant both FSU and Georgia Tech and Athletic  Director at Montana. He recently was Executive Director of Florida Sports Hall of Fame since 2015. He is the Owner and CEO of Mango Media Management LLC. 

DAN JANSEN

Inspired by his sister Jane, Dan Jansen took up speed skating at an early age. In 1988, Dan became the World Sprint Champion before heading to the 1988 Winter Olympics. In the early hours the day of the 500 and 1000 meter races, he was informed Jane was dying of leukemia and died later that day. He competed but fell in both races and left with no medals. In the 1992 Olympics he also left with no medals. With one final attempt at Olympic Gold, he defied expectations and  won the 1000 meter event dedicating the medal to his sister.

SCOTT JOHNSON

Scott is a retired American artistic gymnast who represented the United States in the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympics. He was a member of the 1984 gold medal winning team and was the team captain in 1988. He made history at the 1987 Pan American Games by becoming the first gymnast to win a medal on each event. While competing for the University of Nebraska, he won 11 All-American titles and was a member of the World Championship teams in 4 times.

DAVID JONES

David began his officiating career from 1980-1989 and was a staff referee for the SEC, Metro, ACC and Trans American Basketball Conferences. He also refereed Football and Baseball in the SEC from 80-89 He represented the USA as the Men’s Basketball Referee in the Sydney Games and Refereed the World Championship Games in Athens in 1997 and in Indianapolis in 2002 and refereed the Final Four in 1989. From 1989-2016, David Refereed in the NBA in 1609 games, 61 playoff games and the 2004 All-Star Game. He will work with Adam Bates coordinating the Officiating Program.

BRIAN JOZWIAK

Joz is a former American Football Offensive Lineman who played college football at West Virginia University before playing professionally for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League. At WVU, Coach Don Nehlen moved Brian from defensive tackle to offensive lineman opening holes for West Virginia ballcarriers and blocking for QB Jeff Hostetler. Jozwiak was selected in the first round 7th overall in the 1986 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.

JERRY KRAMER

Jerry is a former professional football player, author and sports commentator, best remembered for his 11 year NFL career with the Green Bay Packers. Jerry made the block on Jethro Pugh allowing Bart Starr to score the winning touchdown in the famous “Ice Bowl”. A 5 time All-Pro and member of the NFL’s 50th Anniversary Team in 1969. He was finally inducted in the NFL Hall of Fame in 2018 after years of being rated #1 in NFL Networks Top 10 list of players not in the Hall of Fame. He is an avid sportsman who loves hunting and fishing.

BRANDON KRAVITZ

Brandon was born in Baltimore and is a 2010 graduate of the University of Central Florida with a degree in Psychology. He started at WYGM 96.9 The Game in Orlando on The Open Mic with Mike Bianchi in 2011 as an intern. He is now Program Director at 96.9 and is the host of “In The Zone” afternoon drive show. He also provides pre/post game analysis for Orlando Magic radio broadcasts.

ELAINE LARSEN

With over 20 years of drag racing experience, Elaine has found her home behind the wheel of her jet dragster. Her motto is Live Fast and Play Hard. She never let being a female in a male dominated world affect her in any way. Being a strong positive role is a job Elaine takes very seriously, not only to young girls, but to all women out there to never give up and always give 100%.

HAROLD LEWIS

National Sports Agency was started in 1982 by Founder and   President Harold C. Lewis. Within 3 years, NSA had over a dozen extremely happy and talented athletes without ever visiting a college campus. Since then, NSA has been consistently regarded as one of the most respected and trusted “complete” sports agencies in the business. NSA is there 24/7/365 for all of their players whether a 1st round pick or an undrafted free agent. He represents 40 Clients.

TODD MARINOVICH

Todd was one of the most highly recruited High School Quarterbacks in history and chose to attend USC. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders. He is known for the well documented, intense focus of his training as a young athlete and for his brief career upon reaching the pro leagues cut short primarily because of his addiction to drugs which is what he will speak to. He has become a very successful artist with his work is being shown in galleries all around the country.

SKIP MARTIN

Sennie “Skip” Martin is an American musician. As a lead vocalist, trumpet player, songwriter and producer,  his love for Jazz started at age 11 when he learned trumpet.  His first solo jazz CD, Miles High features Ronnie Laws, Wayman Tisdale, Al McKay, Ricky Lawson and Bruce Conte. With the Dazz Band he won a Grammy for “Let It Whip” and achieved Platinum and Gold records. With Kool & the Gang he also achieved Platinum and Gold record Status. Big sports fan.

SHANE MATTHEWS

As a Quarterback at Pascagoula High School, Shane was named Mississippi Player of the Year. At The University of Florida, he was a first team All-SEC selection for 3 years leading the SEC in passing for those same 3 years and was team Captain and MVP his senior year and is a member of the UF Athletic Hall of Fame. Shane played for 14 seasons in the NFL for the Bears, Panthers, Redskins, Bills and Dolphins. He presently hosts a daily podcast called Pod Up with Shane Matthews.

MATT MCCLELLAN

Matt was born with Hyaline Membrane Disease, a respiratory condition in which the surfactant lining of his lungs was underdeveloped due to premature birth. He has been fighting for the gift of health since day 1. He was a Professional  Body Builder and an avid cyclist. He owns 2 Pizza Restaurants, Tour De Pizza, and has developed the pizza diet. He once rode his bike from St. Petersburg to New York City in 30 days eating nothing but pizza in all 30 cities. Matt has been an inspiration to thousands with his never give up, never quit attitude.

KEZ MCCORVEY

Kez was a four year starter at wide receiver for Bobby Bowden at FSU and spent 6 years in professional football with the Detroit Lions and the Edmonton Eskimos. He was Head Football Coach at Maclay School in Tallahassee along with wide receivers coach for the Toronto Argonauts and Edmonton. He is presently Executive Director of the North Florida Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

LEE MCGRIFF

Lee is a former College and NFL Football wide receiver. He Played his College Football at the University of Florida. Lee was not offered a scholarship and decided to walk on to Coach Doug Dickey’s team playing from 1972-1974. He earned a place in the starting line-up and led the Gators in receiving in 1973 and 1974 as a Senior Team Captain. Following his Senior Season, he was a first-team All-SEC selection and was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame. He played for the 1976 expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lee later served as an assistant coach for both FSU and the University of Florida. 

RYAN MCNEIL

Ryan is a former American College and Professional football player who was a defensive back in the National Football League for 11 seasons. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 1993 NFL Draft and also played for the St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos. He played his college football at the University of Miami earning All-American honors. He was a member of the Hurricanes National Championship teams in 1989 and 1991. 

MICHAEL MILHOAN

A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Michael spent his youth studying jazz and played lead trumpet appearing with Stan Kenton’s 1979 tour and with Woody Herman and his Thundering Herd. He then re-directed his creativity into acting and has appeared in several TV Series including X-Files, Arliss, Seinfeld and Murphy Brown to name a few. An avid golfer, Michael has also appeared on the Big Screen in Films such as Tin Cup, Pearl Harbor, Crimson Tide, Executive Decision and as Chicago White Sox third baseman Buck Weaver in Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner.

BART OATES

Bart is a former American Football Player in the National Football League and played center for the New York Giants from 1985 to 1993 and for the 49ers from 1994 to 1995. He is a 3 time Super Bowl Champion  in Super Bowls XXI and XXV with the Giants and Super Bowl XXIX with the 49ers. He played College Football at BYU and is a member of the BYU Athletic Hall of Fame. He was extremely durable starting 125 consecutive games during his Giants career. He has a law degree from Seton Hall Law School graduating in 1990. He is currently the President of the NFL Alumni Association with the primary mission of Caring for Kids. 

TITUS O’NEAL

Thaddeus Michael Bullard aka Titus O’Neal is an American Wrestler signed to WWE and a former football player at the University of Florida. Thaddeus had a very difficult childhood whose mother was 12 years old at the time of his birth, but he has shown that by never giving up, he has become a tremendous success. He is heavily involved in charity and has helped over 300 student athletes in the Tampa Bay area get into college. He has also written a book entitled “There’s No Such Thing As A Bad Kid”.

BILL PATRICK

Bill spent 25 years in Sports Broadcasting with ESPN, USA Network Sports and NBC Sports. At ESPN, Bill hosted Sports Center and several other programs. He hosted NHL Hockey at USA Network and at NBC Sports, he hosted the pre and post game show along with the between periods show on Hockey Night In America Game of the Week with Mike Milbury and Jeremy Roenick. Bill will oversee the Florida Rising Stars Youth Broadcast School. 

JP PETERSON

A graduate of Florida State University, JP was the game day anchor for FSU Football on the Seminole Radio Network. He also worked with Gene Deckerhoff as an analyst for FSU Basketball. From 1999-2008 he was lead sports anchor and game day anchor for Tampa Bay Buccaneers broadcasts on WFLA. JP has been involved in sports radio and television in the Tampa Bay Market for 22 years and is presently host of the afternoon drive JP Peterson Show on 820 WWBA.

MARCIA PINDER

Going into her 43rd season as Head Coach of the Dillard High School Ladies Basketball team, Marcia in not only a Coach but also a Mentor and Surrogate Mom. Coach Pinder is Florida’s winningest Basketball Coach approaching 1000 wins and has won 10 State Championships. She was the 2018 Gatorade Coaching Excellence Award winner adding to her long list of honors. Coach Pinder understands the needs of today’s youth as well as anyone in the country. We lost Marcia on June 22nd, 2021. She was the epitome of what a Florida Rising Stars Ambassador should be. Marcia will be missed and will always be with us in spirit.

DENNIS RASMUSSEN

Ras spent 13 year and is a former starting pitcher for Major League Baseballs San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals who batted and threw left-handed. In 1986 while pitching for the New York Yankees, he had his best season finishing 18-6 with a batting average of .217. In 1988, his 14-4 record with the Padres tied him with Gaylord Perry for the team single season Won-Loss record (.778).

KAY RAWLINS

Kay is the Vice President of Community Relations for Orlando City Soccer, President of the Foundation and is also a Founder and Owner of the club. She is deeply involved in the community in so many ways. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Central Florida Foundation (CFF) and is on the Executive Committee of the Orlando Business Journal as Secretary.

CHUCK ROHE

Legendary University of Tennessee Track Coach finishing with a 87-10 (.896) winning 21 SEC Championships indoor, outdoor and cross country between 1962 – 1971. Vice President of Pace Management promoting exotic sports and entertainment events and concerts. For 20 years he was Executive Director of Florida Citrus Sports. He is a member of both the Tennessee and Florida Sports Hall of Fame. He remains National Director of Nike Coach of the Year Football Clinics.

CHEF RICH ROSADO

An Ex-Marine, Chef Rich is a master Chef. 1PL8.com is Chef Rich’s website and it is the mission of Chef Rich, through his web site, to inspire, educate and lead consumers to resource food as their greatest medicine. Chef Rich will educate our kids on nutrition helping them to live a healthy life, something we all need.

GRADY ROSS

There’s no quit in former FSU Seminole Linebacker Grady Ross. Addicted to alcohol and pain killers due to a car accident, Grady was ready to call it quits. Thanks to his Mother’s love and the devotion of former Seminole Players, June 27, 2015 represented the first day of Ross’s rebirth. He took control of his life through both fitness and nutrition. He is the Founder and President of #QuitPlaying, his very successful apparel company.

JAMIE SEH

Sports have always been Jamie Seh’s game and as the Sports Director at WKMG Channel 6 in Orlando, she’ll bring you coverage of all the hottest games. She is thrilled at the opportunity to cover Florida’s powerhouse teams; the Orlando Magic, the UCF Knights and all the outstanding athletes that call Central Florida home. Jamie came to Orlando from her hometown of Albany, NY where she spent 5 years covering sports for WTEN-TV, 2 of those years as Sports Director. She has also freelanced as television play-by-play calling college basketball and Soccer. 

TOM SHAW

Coach Tom is a living legend in the world of speed and NFL Combine Training. While with Nike, he developed the SPARQ training system, Speed – Power – Agility – Reaction – Quickness. Over 22% of all Super Bowl MVP’s were trained by Coach Shaw. He has been strength and conditioning coach at FSU, the New England Patriots (3 Super Bowl Rings), The New Orleans Saints and the Oakland Raiders. Tom Brady simply states, “Coach Shaw is the best in the business”. 

ALAN SMITH

Alan is an English Footballer in the Premiere Soccer League who last played for Notts County. He represented the England National Team, winning 19 caps. Smith was known for his aggressive on pitch mentality and high pressing style of football. Alan first came to prominence playing for his hometown Leeds United as both a striker and right winger. He later played for Manchester United and Newcastle United as a holding midfielder. He became a player coach for Notts County. Alan will oversee all of Florida Rising Stars Soccer Camps.

DAVID STEELE

Since it’s 1989-1990 inaugural season, David Steele has been part of the Orlando Magic Broadcast Team on both radio and television assuming the television role for the 1998-1999 season. Prior to that, he was the voice of the Florida Gators from 1982-1983 through 1988-1989. He was recently inducted as the 8th member of the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame.

LEIGH STEINBERG

Super Agent for 41 years and has represented over 300 professional athletes, 8 of which were #1 picks in the NFL Draft. He is the real-life inspiration of the sports agent in the film Jerry Maguire. Leigh went through a very difficult period with substance abuse but has fought his way back and presently represents such players as Patrick Mahomes and Tua Tagovailoa. He will address the dangers of substance abuse.

DARRYL TALLEY

Darryl was an All-American Linebacker at West Virginia University. He played 14 seasons in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings and played in 4 Super Bowls. In his 12 years with the Bills and nicknamed “Spider Man”, Darryl never missed a game. In 2011, Talley was inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame and is also a member of the WVU Athletic Hall of Fame.

NATHAN WHITAKER

As an Attorney, Author, NFL Front Office Representative and Agent, Nathan has lived a full and very successful life. He has co-authored 11 books, 9 with Tony Dungy and 2 with Tim Tebow. He worked for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is a Principal in Whitaker Partners, LLC which represents College and Professional Coaches. He is the Co-Founder of Impact For Living, a company which helps people reach their full potential speaking publicly on team work, leadership and writing skills.

JOHN WILKINSON

Coach John Wilkinson is one of the most successful High School Football Coaches in the State of Florida. In 13 seasons at Cocoa, John posted a record of 143-27 (.841 winning percentage) with 34 post season victories. The Tigers three-peated as state champions from 2008-10, a run that included 38 strait wins then added another title in 2016. In 2018, Coach Wilkinson accepted the Head Coaching  Position at New Smyrna Beach High School and has built an 18-12 record with 2 playoff appearances. He is the President of Florida Athletic Coaches Association and is also in the FACA Hall of Fame. 

DANNY WUERFFEL

Danny is a former college and professional American Football Quarterback. Wuerffel played his college ball at the University of Florida where he was a prolific passed for the Gators under head coach Steve Spurrier. During his senior year in 1996, Wuerffel won the Heisman Trophy while leading the Gators to their first national championship and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013. Danny spent six seasons in the NFL for the Saints, Packers and Bears. After retiring, he returned to New Orleans to work with Desire Street Ministries. He is now their Executive Director and has moved its headquarters to  Atlanta, GA.