Coaching Staff

allen mandell - director of coaches, Youth League, Men's UPSL

Allen came to DeLand from Tallahassee in 1995 to attend Stetson University. He began coaching while still competing collegiately and has continued that model at SFA by giving hundreds of college athletes an opportunity to begin a coaching career, including Jenna, Owen, Andy & Andres. Since graduating in 1999 he has served the local soccer community in many capacities at different times - Stetson Men's Soccer Assistant Coach, DeLand HS Head Coach, SFA Coach, Director of both SFA & SVSC, and a referee. He holds a BA in Sports Administration (SU), USSF B License, and USSF Club Leadership License.

stetsonfacoach@gmail.com

EMY MAZZOLA - PROGRAMMING DIRECTOR, UPSL, U17 BOYS

Emy came to DeLand from Italy, where he played at the National Level for AC Pro Sesto's Pro Academy. He began coaching in 2014 and has coached for Deltona YSC, Orlando City MLSNext & FYSA Olympic Development Program. Emy holds an BA in Education from UCF. He is a Spanish teacher with over 25 years experience, speaks five languages, and is a SCUBA instructor. Emy earned his USSF "B" license in 2024.

Coaching Philosphy

Jenna Melendez - Tiny Tots DIRECTOR

Jenna grew up in Deltona and attended Deltona HS with Coach Mo, whom she married! She is an SFA alumna who went on to play for Stetson University. She holds a BA in Education from Stetson, has taught in Volusia County schools for seven years and coached for SFA for eight years at every level of our club. Jenna currently directs our Tiny Tots program, which introduces soccer in a fun, age-appropriate way to almost 100 three and four year olds each season!

Andy Paterson - U16 BOYS

Andy was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. As a youth player he played for Aberdeen FC of the Scottish Premiership and progressed all the way to Aberdeen B. Andy was the Captain at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is now working towards his Master's Degree as a GA. Andy coached for SVSC in 2023 under Coach Allen and Liz Manner (Daytona State Women's Assistant) and has also coached for Aberdeen FC and Saville Christie Pro Soccer Camps.

Alex Jennings - U13 Girls, U15 Girls

A Virginia native, Alex played collegiately for the University of South Florida & George Mason University, earning 1st Team All-Conference in the Atlantic 10. She has played for Charlotte Eagles (WPSL), Washington Spirit (NWSL), and Strasbourg (French Feminine 2). Alex earned her Grassroots License and will begin her D License soon. She holds a BS in Sports Management (GMU). Alex is a Chapter 7 Trustee Assistant in a law office.

SEBASTIAN MONTALVO - U14 BOYS

Sebastian joins SFA after coaching for Orlando City, Diamond Soccer Academy, and Central Florida Fire. He holds a USSF B License and is currently taking his UEFA C License through the Scottish FA.

eric rowley - u12 boys white

Eric grew up in DeLand, playing soccer successfully through club, high school, and ODP. This will be his fourth year working with SFA. He began as an assistant and is now a head coach. He has earned his Grassroots License and will begin his D License course soon. Eric is an insurance agent.

DOMINIK TOPOLSKI - U12 BOYS GREEN

Dom is a former academy player for Fulham FC and Olympique de Marseille, and a former Slovakia Youth National Team player. He competed at the NCAA Division I level for both Mount St. Mary's University and Stetson University. With over five years of coaching experience, Dominik is passionate about developing technically gifted, tactically intelligent, and confident players while helping them reach their full potential on and off the field. Dom is currently completing his MBA at Stetson University.

Andres Rodriguez Colin - Hybrid Boys Green & U11 Boys White

Andres came to Stetson from PUMA UNAM Academy and Cruz Azul U20's. Andres was named Captain of Stetson's team and now serves as a Graduate Assistant Coach. He is also a member of our UPSL team.



BERT LOPEZ - U11 BOYS GREEN

Bert was born in Manizalez, Colombia and moved to the US in 1982. He began coaching in 2002 when his sons began playing and previously coached for SFA while his son was in high school. His three children - Sebastian, Alejo, Daniella - all played for SFA and Alejo is now playing for our UPSL team and is coaching our Futures Girls team. Bert is a USSF and FHSAA certified referee. Bert is a retired truck driver.

hugo larrazabal - U10 Girls

Hugo was born in Caracas, Venezuela. He played collegiately at Campbellsville University (KY) where he earned a Master's degree in Sports Management. After graduating Hugo was an assistant for the CU Women's Soccer Team for two years. He has his D License and will begin his C course soon. Hugo works for Robinhood as a Quality Analyst.

TONI WORLEY - HYBRID BOYS WHITE, U10 BOYS WHITE

Toni recently joined the coaching staff at DSC Women's Soccer after serving as an assistant coach at Francis Marion University. While there she helped FMU reach consecutive NCAA tournaments and a conference championship. Prior to FMU, Toni served as a GA at Wingate University. She played collegiately at Texas Women's University. Toni has also coached at Charlotte Independence and coached youth teams in Texas and North Carolina. Toni holds a Master's Degree in Marketing from Wingate University.

Steve Smith - Goalkeepers & Coach at Large

Steve and his wife, Miriam, recently retired to Florida from New York and Indiana. He played collegiately at the US Merchant Marine Academy and earned a Marine Engineering degree and later earned an MBA. He coached his two sons, Macrae and Peter, coached high school, college, and semi pro soccer as a head coach. He has been a Director of Goalkeeping for several midwest clubs. Steve holds a USC Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma and a USSF "B" license. Steve's travel plans are extensive so he will serve on a prn basis this year.

Kaleigh McKinney - Coach at large

Kaleigh grew up in Deltona and attended Deltona HS with her sister - Coach Jenna. She is also a former SFA player who went on the play for Thomas University, where she captained the team and then served as an assistant coach after graduating. Kaleigh earned her MBA and is currently an analyst for Flower's Foods. Kaleigh will give birth to her 3rd child in July so she will serve on a prn basis this year.

Mo Melendez - Coach at large

Mo grew up in Deltona and attended Deltona HS with Coach Jenna, whom he married! He has a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from UCF and is working towards a Master's in Sports Management. He was an assistant with the UCF Men's Soccer team for three years and has coached for SFA for five years. He also serves as a "Red Hat" at all Orlando City and Orlando Pride games. Mo is an Academic Advisor for Southern New Hampshire University. Jenna recently gave birth to twins so Mo will serve on a prn basis this year.

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