Staff

Albeiro (Al) Florez is a dynamic leader whose career spans elite soccer, community service, and technology innovation. Born in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and raised in El Salvador from infancy, Al’s passion for soccer and dedication to community development have shaped his professional journey.

With a deep-rooted love for the game, Al began playing soccer at an early age in El Salvador. He excelled at Colegio Champagnat, earning a spot on the El Salvador National U-15 Men’s Team and competing in the CONCACAF U-17 Championship. His experience extended to playing for Club Deportivo FAS, one of El Salvador’s most prestigious clubs. After joining the U.S. Army, Al transitioned into coaching, beginning with the USO and local recreational teams. His global impact continued as a coach for MCCS Armed Forces in Okinawa, Japan.

Upon completing his military service, Al pursued professional coaching certifications through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center (USSF ID: 1000-0000-0024-7615). His coaching career has flourished, leading both men’s and women’s teams for Fayetteville Fury to national championships in the National Indoor Soccer League. He has also served as head coach for Fury FC in the UPSL Premier Division (Mid-Atlantic Conference) and Fayetteville Fury in the USL-W League. Currently, he is a mentor and educator for coaches through N Zone Sports All American and Fury NXT Programs, developing the next generation of leaders in soccer.

In addition to coaching, Al serves as a certified referee for both the North Carolina Soccer Referees Association (NCSRA) and the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), further contributing to the integrity and development of the game.

Beyond the field, Al is a pioneering technologist and community advocate. As Cumberland County’s Application Development and Support Manager, he spearheads strategic initiatives to enhance county services through data-driven solutions. His leadership extends to numerous boards and committees, where he champions diversity, workforce development, and the arts:

• NC Governor’s Advisory Council on Hispanic/Latino Affairs (Councilman)
• Latinos United for Progress (Chairman)
• Armed Forces YMCA (Board Member)
• Fayetteville/Cumberland Arts Council (Trustee)
• Cumberland County Workforce Development Board (Board Member)
• Cumberland County Academy of Information Technology (Chairman)
• Cumberland County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee (Committee Member)

Al’s outstanding leadership has earned him numerous accolades, including:

• Fayetteville Young Professional of the Year Award
• Fayetteville Observer’s 40 Under 40
• Presidential National Engaged Leader Award (National Society of Leadership and Success)

Academically, Al holds a Master of Science in Business Intelligence from Full Sail University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Technology and Innovation Management (Data Science Specialization) at Northcentral University.

With a proven track record of leadership, innovation, and community impact, Al Florez is dedicated to advancing the sport of soccer, empowering future generations, and leveraging technology for societal progress. His work bridges the gap between athletics, education, and community development, making him a driving force for positive change.

Barry David Giles, affectionately known as "Barry G," brings decades of leadership, sports expertise, and community involvement to his role as Assistant General Manager of Fayetteville Fury. Born at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, in May 1962, and raised in Fayetteville, NC, Barry’s journey embodies a lifelong commitment to excellence, service, and the beautiful game of soccer.

Barry's educational foundation began at Washington Drive Junior High and Reid Ross High School, where his interest in sports medicine first took root. He continued his education at UNC Pembroke, where he served as Head Athletic Trainer during his sophomore year, showcasing his leadership potential early on.

A proud veteran, Barry dedicated 20 years to the U.S. Air Force, serving across the globe, including Korea, Germany, and Albania. Rising to the rank of Technical Sergeant, his career centered on physical and administrative security, protecting critical intelligence assets. Beyond his military accolades, Barry found his passion for coaching and officiating sports, particularly soccer, during his service. His coaching highlights include leading an 11U team to a Florida Presidents Cup victory and officiating at various levels, from youth soccer to high school basketball and collegiate-level games.

After retiring from the Air Force, Barry explored diverse professional roles, from operations management and security consulting to driving luxury transport. Notably, he served in freelance security roles for prestigious organizations such as the NBA’s Orlando Magic and MLS’s Orlando Lions and Pride, merging his operational expertise with his passion for sports.

Barry's return to Fayetteville in 2023 marked a full-circle moment, reuniting him with the community he calls home. Joining Fayetteville Fury, he quickly became an integral part of game-day operations, security, team support, and motivational entertainment. His dedication extends to coaching, mentoring, and advancing both the club's professional teams and youth development programs, aligning perfectly with the Fury's mission to build pathways from grassroots to professional soccer.

As Assistant General Manager, Barry's focus remains on fostering operational excellence, nurturing local talent, and enriching the Fayetteville Fury experience for players, fans, and the broader community. With a steadfast commitment to the club's vision, he is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of the Fury and its continued success.

Meet Furyous, the fiery heart and soul of Fayetteville Fury! As the club’s Chief Spirit Officer, Furyous brings unmatched energy, unwavering enthusiasm, and plenty of playful fire to every matchday and community event.

Born from the flames of passion for soccer and crafted with scales of pure gold (with a hint of black, of course), Furyous arrived in Fayetteville to ignite the Fury spirit among players, fans, and families alike. With his wide, mischievous grin and signature thumbs-up pose, Furyous spreads joy and keeps the Fury faithful cheering from the first whistle to the final goal. Whether leading chants, dancing on the sidelines, or snapping pictures with fans, he’s the ultimate ambassador of fun and community connection.

Furyous Facts:

• Hometown: Fayetteville, NC (by way of Dragon’s Peak)
• Favorite Move: Tailspin dance during halftime
• Skills: Motivating fans, keeping kids entertained, and delivering high-fives hotter than a goal celebration!
• Hobbies: Practicing dragon flips, perfecting his goal celebration, and hanging out with his Fury friends.
• Favorite Snack: Fire-roasted orange and black popcorn
• Motto: "Feel the Fire. Bring the Fury!"

When Furyous isn’t working the sidelines at UPSL, NISL, USLW or with our youth matches, he’s out in the community, spreading the message of teamwork, inclusion, and fiery fun for all. Whether you’re young, young-at-heart, or just looking to have a blast, Furyous is always ready to make your day brighter.

Look out for Furyous at Fury games, fan events, and across social media—because wherever there’s Fury spirit, you’ll find this golden dragon leading the charge!

#FeelTheFire #WeAreFury #FuryousForever

Hailing from Fayetteville, NC, our Merchandise Director proudly identifies with the Coharie Tribe, one of North Carolina’s distinguished State Recognized Native American Tribes. Her early years saw her travel extensively across the US and to Canada, representing and dancing at numerous Pow Wows. This journey not only showcased the rich tapestry of Native American culture but also advocated for a deeper understanding of North Carolina's Native communities.

Her leadership and advocacy didn't stop there. During her undergraduate years at UNC Pembroke, she helmed the Native American Student Organization and became a member of Alpha Pi Omega Sorority Incorporated, a pioneering Native American Greek Organization. With academic accolades that include a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree from UNC Pembroke, she has dedicated two decades to education, particularly championing Special Education. Presently, she serves as an Exceptional Children’s Program Specialist for the Public Schools of Robeson County.

Despite growing up in a baseball-centric household, she discovered a passion for soccer in her teenage years. This passion was rekindled when her daughter, Trinity, started playing soccer at the age of three. As a mother-daughter duo, they have been ardent supporters of soccer, from recreational games to cheering for the US Women's Soccer Team.

Her association with Fayetteville Fury commenced from its inception. Initially volunteering for penalty box duties, she transitioned to overseeing our merchandise table, bringing her keen organizational skills to the forefront. Alongside Trinity, who continues her volunteer work with the team, she is eager about the possibilities and future horizons that the Fury family is destined to explore in Fayetteville, NC. She embodies Fayetteville Fury's ethos of community, diversity, and unwavering commitment to the sport.

Born and bred in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Miguel Sanchez is more than just a local success story. This soccer aficionado owns and operates Sanchez Trucking LLC, but his heart is firmly planted on the soccer pitch. With a coaching career spanning nearly a decade, Miguel's journey began humbly with Fayetteville Parks and Recreation, where his spark for coaching was ignited.

In partnership with his confidante and fellow soccer enthusiast, Sergio Inestroza, Miguel set the local soccer fields alight at the Fayetteville Soccer Complex. The duo orchestrated an impressive string of undefeated seasons across two age divisions, quickly becoming the talk of the town. 

Miguel's coaching approach embraces a more personal, player-centric philosophy. He firmly believes that fostering individual growth and nurturing each player's unique skills ultimately culminates in a dynamic, unstoppable team. Every training session under his watchful eye is like a masterclass in soccer finesse, where he combines technical drills with character development to shape not only remarkable players but also well-rounded individuals.

His love affair with soccer traces back to his own childhood, punctuated by passionate stints in middle school and high school teams. Today, he continues to serve the local soccer community as the founder of the Fayetteville, NC Soccer Facebook Page, an engaged community of over 1,200 members, where he regularly shares invaluable insights, opportunities, and the latest news from the world of soccer.

The narrative of Miguel's coaching career took a dramatic turn during an unsuspecting Saturday morning pick-up game. It was there he spotted raw talent in a young player named Ryan Hensley. Despite a rocky start and a challenging journey, Miguel's unwavering faith in Ryan led him to explore the mental side of the sport more deeply, leading him to undertake NFHS training. After months of meticulous training and focused mentoring, Ryan showcased a complete transformation, catching the eyes of the Fayetteville Fury coaches.

This triumph was the catalyst for Miguel's integration into the Fayetteville Fury NXT, where his dynamic coaching style, player-focused philosophy, and ability to bring out the best in his players quickly gained admiration. Miguel, the relentless trailblazer, found a kindred spirit in Coach Albeiro Florez, and together they share a vision to uplift the sport of soccer in Fayetteville.

Miguel Sanchez, now the revered Head Coach of the Fayetteville Fury NXT, is a true testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and a genuine love for the game. With a commitment to turning his players into the best versions of themselves and a record of producing unbeatable teams, he's not just an exciting addition to the Fury NXT program but a game-changer who's set to make a real impact on Fayetteville's soccer scene. He's making waves, turning heads, and there's no sign of him slowing down. Prepare for the Miguel Sanchez era of the Fayetteville Fury NXT - it's going to be a thrilling ride!

Ann Marie Chao's story is a rich tapestry of dedication, adventure, and a profound love for sports that began in the vibrant landscapes of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and Syracuse, New York. From her early days, Ann Marie was not just participating in sports; she was living them. Her childhood was adorned with the thrill of soccer, lacrosse, competitive swimming, track and field, basketball, and volleyball, painting the picture of a life built on the foundation of athleticism and adventure.

Her journey of leadership and coaching ignited at Camp Near Wilderness in Upstate New York, where she first embraced the role of a lifeguard. Her path led her to Camp Lenox in Western Massachusetts, where she flourished as a Unit Leader, Certified High Ropes Course Instructor, and a mentor in soccer and basketball. Her commitment to nurturing young talents continued at Camp Chinqueka in Connecticut, further solidifying her role as a beacon for aspiring athletes.

Ann Marie's spirit of resilience and determination was further tested and proven in the United States Navy, where she was stationed in San Diego. Here, she not only served her country with honor but also continued to challenge and surpass the boundaries set before her on the soccer fields and basketball courts, demonstrating the true strength and versatility of a female athlete.

Her move to North Carolina marked a new chapter of community and family. Ann Marie quickly became a pivotal figure in local soccer, coaching her nieces and later contributing her expertise to NZone Sports, where she honed her skills under the guidance of our current General Manager. Her coaching credentials are as impressive as her background, with certifications from NFHS, U.S. Soccer Grassroots, First Aid, and CPR, highlighting her dedication to safety, excellence, and the holistic development of young athletes.

In 2023, Ann Marie took her passion for coaching to Grays Creek High School, where she led the Girls Junior Varsity team, showcasing her ability to inspire, lead, and develop the potential within each player. Her drive to "pay it forward" and enrich the lives of the youth in our community is a testament to her character and her unwavering commitment to the sport of soccer.

As she steps into her role as Co-Director of the Fury Futures Program, Ann Marie Chao brings with her a lifetime of experience, a heart full of passion, and a vision for a future where every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed both on and off the soccer field. Her story is not just one of personal achievement but a blueprint for what dedication, passion, and a love for community can accomplish.

Skye Linkous embodies the spirit of passion and dedication, a testament to her diverse journey from the vibrant town of Watertown, New York, to the heart of North Carolina's soccer community. With a rich tapestry of experiences that span dance, Tae Kwon Do, and a plethora of school sports, Skye's early life was marked by a relentless pursuit of diverse interests, further enriching her journey with studies in animal care and culinary arts.

The year 2010 marked a pivotal chapter in Skye's life as she embraced the warmth and vibrancy of North Carolina, a place she proudly calls home alongside her husband and their two inspiring children. It was the journey of motherhood and the magnetic pull of soccer that ignited Skye's drive to establish the Futures Program, drawing from her deep involvement in travel soccer and her innate desire to make a difference in the lives of young athletes.

Soccer is not just a game for Skye; it's a way of life. Her profound connection to the sport is evident in her impactful coaching career, from leading young talents at NZone for multiple seasons to mentoring the middle school boys' team at Freedom Christian Academy. Her expertise is backed by certifications in first aid, AED, and recognition as an NFHS Certified coach, underscoring her commitment to safety, excellence, and nurturing potential.

Skye's journey is a compelling narrative of growth, learning, and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of giving back. As she steps into her role as Co-Director of the Fury Futures Program, Skye is poised to infuse the program with her passion for soccer, her dedication to positive impact, and her visionary approach to nurturing the next generation of athletes. Her story is one of inspiration, a beacon for young players and a reminder of the incredible journey that awaits them both on and off the field.

At Fayetteville Fury, we're thrilled to welcome Breanna Chao, an exceptional Athletic Trainer Intern whose dedication to sports and academic achievements precede her. As a sophomore at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Breanna is not only excelling in her Exercise Science major with a notable 3.53 GPA but is also weaving her passion for sports into her professional aspirations.

Having showcased her athletic prowess on the volleyball courts for Southview High School and the Sandhills Volleyball Club, Breanna is no stranger to the demands and dynamics of competitive sports. Her transition into the realm of athletic training with Fayetteville Fury is driven by a deep-seated desire to blend her academic insights with practical applications in sports medicine.

Embarking on a Journey of Learning and Impact

Breanna's internship is meticulously designed around key learning outcomes that serve as the foundation for her development and the value she brings to our athletes:

• Injury Prevention and Management
• Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis
• Emergency Care and Response
• Rehabilitation and Recovery

Professional Collaboration and Communication: Throughout her internship, Breanna will engage in collaborative efforts with our medical staff, coaches, and athletes, honing her communication skills to enhance team coordination and athlete care.

Breanna's immersion in the dynamic environment of Fayetteville Fury promises not just a transformative period of personal and professional growth but also signifies our commitment to fostering a supportive and scientifically informed athletic training framework. Her academic rigor, combined with a genuine enthusiasm for sports medicine, positions her as a valuable addition to our team.

We're excited to witness the contributions Breanna will make in advancing the health and performance of our athletes, underpinned by her academic knowledge and fueled by her passion for athletic training. Welcome aboard, Breanna, as we embark on this collaborative journey towards excellence in sports medicine at Fayetteville Fury.

Everyone has a story to tell.  Capturing that story using photography is what inspires JT as a photographer.  Sharing that story, the joy and the memories is what drives JT to excel in the craft of photography.

JT, owner of J. Prevatte Photography, began an up and coming photography service serving the Fayetteville and surrounding areas of North Carolina.  Photography is not a new experience for JT, but one that he grew to understand the importance of as he has watched time pass and realized that there are moments that can never be regained, but, they can be preserved for enjoyment through photography.

Seeing a constantly increasing need for something better than the average cell phone pictures that family and friends were capturing of their children playing sports, soccer in particular.  JT once again picked up his camera after years of being a hobbyist in the craft in an effort to seize some of those moments because time passes by so quickly and those cherished memories are more deserving than a bad photograph that the world has come to accept with the phone in their pocket.

JT began photographing soccer for the local high school soccer team, the Pine Forest Trojans, where his son attended school and played for the team as well as the Fayetteville recreational leagues for his younger son.  It was soon learned that the skill required for photographing soccer due to its fast paced environment, presented quite the challenge, but JT often challenged himself to make his photos excel in quality and always be full of action.  JT soon progressed to photographing soccer at Methodist University which, again, was even a faster pace of play.  

The Fayetteville Fury Soccer Team went on to provide JT with an opportunity to represent them as a Team Affiliate Photographer and what an opportunity it was.  Providing more experience in what's needed to excel in sports photography by following the Fayetteville Fury Soccer Team throughout their outdoor soccer season, JT has continued his journey of sports related photography becoming an affiliate Team Photographer with the Fayetteville Marksmen Hockey Team at the Crown Coliseum.

An impressive portfolio has been created by JT mainly focusing on sports, but, he is ever ready to provide for the needs of those that request photographic services in other realms of the genre of photography, be it a family event, a personal, family  or business photo or any other need.  Sports wasn’t the sole intention of photography that JT pursued, but became something that “self-defined its own path" in the course of the journey in the growth and development of the photographic services that J. Prevatte Photography provides.

JT currently serves as a Team Affiliate Photographer through the media teams of the Fayetteville Fury Soccer Team and the Fayetteville Marksmen Hockey Team while looking forward to the upcoming season of the Fayetteville recreational leagues, the Pine Forest Trojans and Methodist Monarchs as he doesn't forget what helped him get to this point in his journey and will always have a love for those that helped him get started.  

More inspiring photos captured can be seen at www.jprevatte.com and you can also check out his often updated blog covering many photography related topics.

Fayetteville, NC, is home to Oriana Evans, a dedicated photographer with a keen specialization in sports and general photography. Currently, she's the talent behind the lens as a ringside photographer at FireStar Pro Wrestling in Greensboro, North Carolina. There, she has masterfully captured moments of stellar Superstars, including the likes of Ameera, Kiara Hogan, and Lio Rush.

Oriana's academic achievements speak volumes of her dedication to the craft. She proudly holds an Associate's degree in Simulation and Game Development from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Presently, she's on the path to attain her Bachelor’s in Game Art and Development, seamlessly merging her twin passions for photography and computer graphics.

Through her lens, Oriana's intrinsic love for art and her precise attention to detail become evident. She possesses an uncanny ability to encapsulate the essence of moments, especially the myriad expressions that unfold during action-packed events. Her skills have earned her the privilege of media credentials at Fayetteville's Comic Con, where she's celebrated for her work, capturing the vibrant essence of attending cosplayers.

In the spirit of Fayetteville Fury's values, Oriana's journey is a blend of relentless pursuit of excellence, an unwavering commitment to her craft, and a testament to the beauty of dedication and passion converging.