STAFF & BOARD

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Rich moved to Atlanta with his family in 1978. His playing career started with DYSA, ASA and TYSA soccer clubs.

Coach Rich played soccer at Clarkston High School and then earned a scholarship to play at Berry College in Rome GA. After college he continued to play in the Georgia Amateur league (ADSL Div 1) with Genesis SC and in the Caribbean Soccer League with Islanders FC.

Coach Rich has almost 20 years of coaching experience in academy/select programs starting with GSA then DDYSC where he became the Boys Academy Director.

Coach Rich also coached at Midtown HS (formerly Grady HS) from 2013-2016 with both Boys and Girls Varsity and JV programs and was influential in getting the Globe Academy soccer program started.

Rich currently holds a USSF National “C” license.

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Soccer has always been an important aspect of Coach Hambie’s life, where he acquired many skills through training and coaching. He earned his USSF “B” National License and has applied USSF’s curriculum when managing soccer programs at the collegiate, club and high school soccer levels.
Coach Hambie competed in soccer at the military level playing for the United States Air Force Team, and the United States Air Force Team in Europe as well as several teams in Germany (Sembach FC and SV Mehlingen Futbol Club), where he was the lead scorer. He coached at the collegiate level at Agnes Scott College with the women’s soccer program, as well as at youth clubs. As the Assistant and Head Varsity Boys Coach at Decatur High School (1998 to 2005 then 2013 to Present) Coach Hambie has been instrumental in coaching the boys’ program to be one of the Top Ten Teams every year in Georgia High School. Playing and coaching at these levels helped him to develop a strong work ethic, confidence and passion for soccer.

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The height of Alex’s playing career came when he played for the first team in the second division of the Venezuelan Professional Soccer League. Prior to that, he played in the Under-20 Venezuelan golden series for Universidad Central de Venezuela FC (UCV FC) for two years. While playing professionally, Alex began coaching youth soccer in Venezuela. After finishing his playing career, Alex completed his degree in accounting and began working for Ernst & Young Venezuela. Alex also competed in trail running competitions throughout Venezuela, winning several races. He began working with TYSA in 2017.

Ben has been playing soccer his entire life. He came up through the TYSA youth soccer program, playing for a variety of excellent coaches at the top level on a travel team. He stayed with TYSA through his teenage years, while also playing for the Georgia Select program and the Olympic Development Program. Ben played soccer at Lakeside High School in Atlanta, GA, graduating in 1997 with a Georgia State Championship. He captained the 1997 Georgia State Championship team and the Georgia All-State team. Ben decided to end his competitive soccer career and attended the University of Georgia in Athens, GA.

Ben came back to soccer to coach at Lakeside High School in 2008, as Varsity Assistant Coach and Junior Varsity Head Coach. That season, Lakeside High School won another Georgia State Championship. He became the Varsity Head Coach of Lakeside High School in 2013. While still involved with Lakeside High School soccer, Ben stepped down in 2017 as Varsity Head Coach at Lakeside High School to focus on being an elementary school principal at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf and to coach at TYSA.

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A native from Höganäs, Sweden, Ludvig has a long background in Soccer, both coaching and playing. Recently Ludvig came from Davis & Elkins College where he was the Men’s assistant coach for the NCAA DII team who made it to the Sweet 16 in the National Tournament. Prior to Davis & Elkins, Ludvig served on the Western Illinois University (NCAA DI) staff as an assistant coach for both men’s and women’s. His coaching career started at University of The Incarnate Word, San Antonio (NCAA DI) where he was the volunteer coach. In San Antonio he also served as the Head Coach for San Antonio City Soccer Clubs Girls u10, Boys u15, and Boys u17.

Ludvig’s playing career started at his local club in Höganäs, and then led to playing for the internationally ranked Helsingborgs IF Academy. Here he played from u15-u19, which led to regional camps, and being a backup for national team camps. He also played in 4th division in Sweden, before he decided to come over to the U.S. to study and play college soccer. Ludvig played for University of Mary where he was Team Captain, before he transferred to Montana State University Billings for his last three semesters.

As a head college coach at the NCAA I, NCAA II, NCAA III, NAIA and NJCAA levels, Rob has recruited and mentored both male and female student-athletes at every level of college soccer. The 2003 NCAA II women’s national championship for Kennesaw State Univ. (GA) and a men’s national championship at Martin Methodist College (TN), stand as beacons in a college coaching career that included recognition as the 2003 NSCAA/Adidas NCAA II National Coach of the Year. While the conference titles and national championships were notable; it’s the relationships, experiences and memories forged with players throughout this college soccer journey that are priceless.

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Anja grew up playing at TYSA. She earned a scholarship and went on to play at Charleston Southern and continued playing WPSL in Atlanta after college. Anja returned to TYSA and has been coaching since here for the last 5 years!

Coach Hong began his playing career with many clubs around Atlanta, including DDY, ASA Wolves and Concorde. He played on the Nike travel team and ODP team. He played for Lakeside High School all four years.

He was granted a full soccer scholarship to play at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Social Science and is currently a Social Studies teacher at Tucker Middle School.

Hong has 22+ years of various coaching experience. After graduating from college he returned to his alma mater, Lakeside High, to be the head coach of the JV Boys and Assistant Coach to the Varsity Boys and Girls for ten years. He has coached club teams for 12 years in the Atlanta area (AYSA, TYSA, GolSA, Inter Atlanta FC and back to TYSA) - ages from Tiny Tykes to U15 Athena and Select.

Hong currently has a National C License - USSF (United States Soccer Federation) and a National Diploma - NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America)

Coming soon

Coach Derrick brings over twenty years of coaching experience to TYSA. During his Coaching Career he has worked in the following roles at other youth soccer clubs: Director of Coaching, Future Academy Director, Select and Academy Coach for boys and girls teams. Coach Derrick also coaches High School Soccer and spent fifteen years at Cross Keys High School and in 2023 accepted the position as the Boys Varsity Coach at Decatur High School.

During his tenure at Cross Keys High School he achieved the following honors:

• GHSA State Finalist the schools first ever Finals appearance
• Region Champions x3
• Region Runners-Up x3
• State Quarter Finalist x3
• Nationally Ranked by USA Today in 2018 and 2019.

Coach Derrick has earned the following Coaching Licenses:

• USSF A License
• United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma
• United Soccer Coaches Advance Diploma
• United Soccer Coaches Director of Coaching Diploma
• ISPAS Level 1 Practitioner
• PSFA Level 1 & 2 Opposition Analysis
• United Soccer Coaches Urban Diploma
• United Soccer Coaches Level 2 Performance Analysis

Off the field Coach Derrick works as an IT Professional and incorporates the use of technology with video and performance analysis tools which he uses to help players and teams reach their full potential and measure growth and performance.

Coach Alex grew up playing for Concorde Fire Academy and Select teams his U11-U18 years. He later played at the National League level with Georgia Alliance becoming part of the best starting XI in the southeastern region for the 2020 year. Alex went on to play at the collegiate level with the Georgia Gwinnett Grizzly's where he then decided to turn his attention to coaching. He's been doing private training with Fenomeno Footy as well as coaching for over 2 years now and is very glad to finally be a part of the TYSA team!

Andre Deas grew up playing in the inner city of Atlanta, Ga. After playing Developmental Academy and high school soccer, he played at the University of Central Florida before transferring to University of California State, Northridge. He received his Bachelor's degree in communications and is finishing his masters in Recreation, tourism and management. The last three years Andre has been playing professionally with USL Championship club, Hartford Athletic Club and Flower City Union in the NISA. Andre began his TYSA coaching career last fall and also does private training on the side.

Coach Ross began his playing career with many clubs in England. He played and captained at Lincoln College, making it to the final 8 of the National College Cup.

He was granted a soccer scholarship to play at Erskine College, South Carolina. During his sophemore year, Erskine won the first NCAA conference title. He then went on to captain Erskine in his junior and senior years.

During the summers, Ross played in the NPSL and PDL for Myrtle Beach Mutiny. His team won three division titles, final 16 of the National cup, and he led as captain for the 2016 season.

Ross has 6 years experience coaching at various levels. He coached for Coast FA for one year, Christian Academy High School in 2017, and through Global Image Sports he coaches for many English academy teams. He has been a North American Academy coach for West Ham, Wolves, Stoke and the Muelensteen Method. Currently Coach Ross is in his 2nd year as an Assistant Coach at NCAA II Women's program Clayton State University and holds a UEFA B Llcense.

Coach Cameron Heyen grew up playing soccer at TYSA and Tucker High School. After high school, Coach Heyen played soccer for The University of Georgia Men’s Club Soccer Team while obtaining his Bachelors’ degree. Coach Heyen returned to Atlanta and attended Mercer University for his Masters’ degree, while coaching at The Davis Academy and Santos Club. For the past 5 years, Coach Heyen has been coaching at TYSA and the Tucker High School Varsity Boys Team. Coach Heyen has 15 years of soccer coaching experience.

Originally from Ghana, Coach Nene grew up playing soccer in the Atlanta area where he graduated from Tucker High School. Soccer led him to both Presbyterian College and King University, graduating with a B.A. in Behavioral Science. Nene spent time with The Charlotte Eagles and The Atlanta Sliverbacks reserves, along with coaching stints with Ralph Lundy and Providence Christian Academy. "I genuinely enjoy sharing this game we love with these wonderful girls I coach all while serving in my community".

My soccer club career was at Chiefs Futbol Club which is now Rush Union Dekalb. I played there throughout my high school years on their top team for my age. I also played at cross keys High from sophomore to junior year both on JV and Varsity for coach Derrick Burgess who is also at TYSA. My junior year I was Varsity captain and lead our team to our first state finals in school history.

After that I had an Athletic scholarship for soccer to go to to school at Tennessee Wesleyan University but unfortunately broke my ankle my senior year. A few years later I reconnected with Coach Derrick Burgess who told me they were looking for coaches at UFA Metro Atlanta and that's where I've been for the past three years. At UFA metro I coached all ages in the academy and I as well lead our U13, U14, U15, and U16s boys select teams that were all competing in sccl premier 2 or higher divisions. I was also part of the Cross keys High coaching staff for both JV and Varsity.

This year I will be joining Decatur high schools boys soccer program. I will be the head JV boys coach and assistant Varsity coach at Decatur high. I currently hold a US soccer federation C license for coaching education. When I am not on the field my day job is a para professional in the city schools of Decatur.

Isabel is an international student-athlete from Venezuela. She has competed extensively at the club level, playing for Caracas Futbol Club for three years and Deportivo La Guaira for one, as well as for California Rush. She played for the U-17 Venezuelan National Team. She played for Clayton State University, where they were runner-ups of the Peachbelt Conference Tournament. Isabel coached tykes in Venezuela before coming to TYSA’s Tiny Tykes program. She has worked as a TYSA camp coach and several recreational soccer camps with Caracas FC in Venezuela.

A native to Georgia, Devon (dev-en) has a long background in playing and coaching club soccer, bringing over a decade of coaching experience. Most recently, he coached for United Futbol Academy-Metro Atlanta where he led the U9 (2014) boys age group and U7-8 Pre-Academy program as the program’s director. Devon’s coaching career began at age 16 with his local club in Henry County coaching U4 players. Since then, Devon has obtained a USSF D License and has coached all age groups at the academy level and was also previously a Varsity and JV Boys Assistant Coach at Cross Keys High School (DeKalb County).

Devon’s playing career started at Atlanta Fire United South (formerly known as Thunder Soccer Association) in Henry County. As he got older, Devon transitioned to playing for Georgia United Soccer Alliance (Development Academy) and United Futbol Academy-Forsyth. Devon was then recruited to Georgia State University (DI) his freshman year in 2014. He transferred to Oglethorpe University (DIII) where he was captain 2017-2019 and SAA Conference Champions 2015 & 2017. He led the Stormy Petrels to the NCAA DIII National Tournament in 2017 & 2018. Devon also played for the Atlanta Silverbacks and Georgia Revolution (NPSL).

Off the field, Devon teaches as an elementary school teacher in DeKalb County and holds a Masters degree in Special Education.

As a young boy growing up in Jamaica, I fell in love with the game of soccer. I knew from then that soccer would shape my life. I played soccer for five years in high school. I moved to the United States in 1989. I played collegiate ball at Young Harris College and Lander university. I played semi-professional for four years before starting to coach in high school. Currently I am the head boys coach at Cross Keys High School. I have been coaching and teaching for over 25 years.

Coming soon

Erin has been a part of TYSA since 2006 when she started as a U8 Recreational player. She advanced to the Academy and Select programs where she played through U19. Erin worked as a referee for a few years, as well as a coach for various age groups. Over the years, she has also volunteered at TYSA in many capacities alongside her family. Erin is a full-time graduate student at the University of Georgia, and enjoys being able to spend her evenings and weekends outside on the soccer field.

Mauricio is from Miami, FL. Full bio coming soon.

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Allan Waters has been playing soccer his entire life, and coaching soccer since 2008. He currently holds a National D USSF coaching license. As a kid he played at TYSA and RYSA as well as for Lakeside High School. He also was a starter for the Georgia ODP team and a regional alternate before a back injury caused him to halt his playing career. He began his coaching career at Dunwoody High School for a few years before helping start a “stepping stone” academy program at Dunwoody United Methodist Church. After that he returned to TYSA to work with the Academy program. He has also been a personal trainer since 2013 and specializes in youth training.

Coach Boxi Started his soccer journey at TYSA almost 20 years ago as a member of the rec program. He's gone on to have a 9 year professional career playing for clubs such as Atletico Madrid and the San Jose Earthquakes. He was featured heavily for the US Youth National teams during his youth career. He has found his passion in assisting local players to reach the heights they set.

Coming soon

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Allan Waters has been playing soccer his entire life, and coaching soccer since 2008. He currently holds a National D USSF coaching license. As a kid he played at TYSA and RYSA as well as for Lakeside High School. He also was a starter for the Georgia ODP team and a regional alternate before a back injury caused him to halt his playing career. He began his coaching career at Dunwoody High School for a few years before helping start a “stepping stone” academy program at Dunwoody United Methodist Church. After that he returned to TYSA to work with the Academy program. He has also been a personal trainer since 2013 and specializes in youth training.