Staff
Our Team
The coaches and staff at DC Way Academy are more than instructors—they're mentors, role models, and passionate advocates for youth soccer. Each member of our team brings deep soccer knowledge, coaching expertise, and a genuine commitment to developing confident, skilled, and well-rounded young people.
We hire coaches based on more than just their resume. We look for honesty, fairness, a love for the game, and a passion for teaching. Every coach on our staff shares our core values: putting players first, promoting good sportsmanship, and building a supportive community both on and off the field.
Meet the people who make DC Way Academy special.
Our Coaches
MARCO CHAVES
Challenge Level Coach & Programs Coordinator
Marco joined DC Way Academy in Fall 2023 through our partnership with Brazilian United. He holds a degree in Physical Education and has been coaching youth soccer since 2011. Marco's coaching philosophy focuses on building confidence, respect, and a love for the game through player-centered development. He currently coaches Challenge Level teams and coordinates our Weekly Skills Clinics and Goalkeeping School.
CHANTAE BLACKWOOD
U8 Girls Black and U13 Girls Coach
Chantae began playing soccer at age 6 and went on to represent Jamaica on the U15, U16, and U17 Women's National teams during high school. She played college soccer and graduated from Jackson State University with a Bachelor's degree. Chantae's coaching philosophy centers on the mental side of the game, believing that soccer is 80% mental and 20% physical. She's passionate about giving back to the sport that shaped her journey.
JUAN CORTES
Travel Coach
Juan joined DC Way Academy in 2018 and has coached multiple teams. For Juan, soccer is more than a game—it's an art that teaches life through every pass and move. His coaching philosophy centers on making complex ideas simple and enjoyable, helping players develop their skills while finding joy in the journey. As a Colombian coach inspired by René Higuita's flamboyance and skill, Juan brings passion to the pitch every day, instilling in his players a love for the game that transcends the scoreboard.
JOSE ALVARADO
U8 Boys White & 2017 Boys Silver Head Coach
Jose played NCAA Division 1 soccer at George Mason University before joining DC Way Academy. He's passionate about sharing his knowledge with the next generation and helping players grow both on and off the field. Jose's coaching philosophy centers on the belief that hard work beats talent, and he focuses on building player confidence through small wins and incremental progress. He encourages parents to support their children by avoiding sideline coaching and instead having constructive conversations after games.
JAMIE JOSEPH
U10 Girls Black & Orange Head Coach, U16 Girls Assistant Coach
Jamie has played soccer since age 5, competing collegiately at Clark University and professionally for Afturelding FC in Iceland. She was inspired to coach because she never had a woman coach during her own club career and believes young girls need passionate, knowledgeable female role models. Jamie's coaching style focuses on holding high standards while being supportive, developing tenacious yet composed players who aren't afraid to take risks. She currently plays in the DCPL league for DCFC.
COACH KELECHI
U8 Boys Black, U8 Boys Blue, U8 Boys Orange & U9 Boys Gold Head Coach
Kelechi started playing soccer at age 6 and got into organized soccer at 15, where he was coached by a mentor who worked with Barcelona's technical director. His coaching philosophy focuses on possession-based play and drawing out opponents. Kelechi tailors his approach to each player's individual needs, building confidence through personalized attention. His most memorable moments come from seeing his players improve and apply what he's taught them on the field.
MATHEUS FERNANDES
Travel Coach
KATE AKALONU
2014 Girls Black Head Coach
Kate played at the University of Illinois on the inaugural women's varsity team under Title IX, coached by Jill Ellis (who later won two World Cups with the USWNT). She was inspired to coach because she wanted young female athletes to see women in coaching and leadership roles. Kate's philosophy centers on a team-first culture grounded in effort, growth, and accountability, and she coaches through a female lens, recognizing that girls thrive in environments tailored to their needs. She also coaches her own daughter on the team.
DANIEL VALLE
Travel Coach
CARLOS RODRIGUEZ
Travel Coach
CARLOS RODRIGUEZ
Travel Coach
LUKAS BARBERI
Travel Coach
RUSS GULIYEV
Travel Coach
ALVARO DOS SANTOS
Travel Coach
ALY ISMAIL
Travel Coach
BRIAN TABULOV
Travel Coach
SPENCER PAIK
Travel and Goalkeeping Coach
ALEX SAVOV
Travel Coach
Get To Know Our Coaches
Behind the Scenes
DENIS CHEKURISTOV
Director of Coaching
Denis comes from a long tradition of soccer. His father, a professional player, started teaching Denis soccer as soon as he could walk. Coming from a tradition of education, he was also raised by a mother who has worked at a school for over 25 years. Later in life, Denis went through the Volgar Gazprom FC youth academy system and played successfully on the collegiate level. He became one of the first people to play futsal in his city Astrakhan, Russia.
Overall, he holds a National Soccer Coaching License for the ages 8-12 years old and a Coerver Coaching Youth Diploma. He believes that a focus on continuous self-development is key to better helping players and keep up with the latest changes in soccer. Therefore, he regularly attends seminars to improve his coaching skills. Last but not least, Denis was VOTED the Best Sports Coach for the years 2016 and 2017 by the Washington City Paper!
ROMAN KILISHEK
Director of Operations
Roman fell in love with a game of soccer when he was a child and he believes it played a huge role in his life. Roman holds an MBA degree from George Mason University and brings with him extensive experience in finance and project management. His skills help DC Way be successful and have all day-to-day operations under control.
Roman's commitment to DC Way goes beyond administration. He is dedicated to fostering an environment where young players can discover their own love for soccer, just as he did. As a father whose own child participates in DC Way programs, Roman is deeply connected to the soccer journey and passionate about nurturing a thriving community for young athletes and their families. His leadership and devotion continue to drive the club's mission forward, making DC Way Academy a vibrant and supportive hub for soccer enthusiasts.
MELIS BAYRAKTAROGLU
Marketing Manager
Melis graduated from The George Washington University School of Business with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration concentrating in Marketing and a minor in Organizational Sciences. Growing up in Turkey, she has always been focused on tennis and competed in professional tournaments until joining the varsity tennis team at GW. Melis also volunteers in her free time to help reduce chronic homelessness and participates in other activities to give back to the community. Her past experiences in the field of marketing allowed her to gain great organizational and leadership skills that lead her to excel at coordinating our programs and other aspects of DC Way.
ONUR SENOL
Marketing & Operations Specialist
Onur joined DC Way Academy in 2022, bringing expertise in digital marketing and operational management to the organization. He plays a crucial role in the behind-the-scenes operations that keep everything running smoothly. His innovative approach to marketing strategy, content creation, and online advertising has helped amplify DC Way's message and connect with families throughout the DC area. Beyond marketing, Onur supports the club's operational infrastructure, using data-driven strategies to improve efficiency and ensure that programs run seamlessly. His contributions are instrumental in helping DC Way grow and serve the community at the highest level.
CELESTE BUSS
Club Manager, 2010 Girls Black Head Coach
Celeste joined DC Way Academy in 2016, starting by working camps and programs and supporting different teams. She's passionate about player development and has watched many athletes grow from beginners at four or five years old to strong high school players. Celeste holds a USSF D License and a B.S. in Exercise Science with a minor in Coaching. Outside of soccer, she's deeply creative. She attended art school from 4th through 12th grade and learned to speak Portuguese to connect with DC Way's Brazilian coaches, even visiting them in São Paulo and Rio.
CARINA VITAL
Academy Girls Coordinator, 2013 Girls Head Coach, 2015 Girls Head Coach
Carina joined DC Way Academy in Spring 2023 and currently serves as the club's Girls Coordinator and Head Coach for multiple teams. She brings over 11 years of experience in youth sports and player development, including her role as Director of the Women's Football Department at Federação Paulista de Soccer Society in São Paulo, Brazil. Carina holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education with a minor in Sports Club and Event Management from UNINOVE and multiple coaching licenses, including U.S. Soccer Grassroots, ATFA Coach License C, and CBFS Futsal Licenses. Soccer is her passion, and she's constantly developing her skills to deliver high-quality coaching while sharing her love for the game with young athletes.
LEO GONZALEZ
Boys Coordinator & Spanish Speaking Coordinator | (571) 490-1275
Leo joined DC Way Academy in 2020, bringing his passion for youth development and deep commitment to helping players grow both on and off the field. Originally from Guatemala, Leo serves as the Boys Coordinator, overseeing the development and coordination of boys' programs across the club. He also acts as the Spanish Speaking Coordinator, helping bridge communication between the club and Spanish-speaking families. Leo's coaching philosophy is simple: help kids get to the next level of their game while making sure they have fun doing it. He's dedicated to creating an environment where young players can develop their skills, build confidence, and fall in love with soccer.
AMALIA PROPER
Travel Administrator
Amalia's journey with DC Way began in 2013 as a camper, and she's grown with the club ever since, working her way up to coach and Summer Camp Director before joining as Travel Administrator in January 2022. Her role includes managing family registrations, securing field permits, and serving as the point of contact for DC Way's relationships with DC United and the Washington Spirit. Amalia is passionate about making the club accessible, navigating DC's challenging permitting landscape to secure quality field space and ensuring a smooth experience for families. Despite managing operations remotely while attending college full-time in Florida, she remains fully dedicated to supporting DC Way families year-round.