From Locker Room to Leadership: The Alumni Impact on AMU Athletics

• Elizabeth Feger is in her 14th year with the Ave Maria University Athletic Department. She enters her ninth year as Associate Athletics Director, Senior Woman Leader. As Associate AD her duties include oversight of eligibility and compliance in accordance with the NAIA, and direct oversight of eight sports - women’s basketball, cross country, dance, lacrosse, women’s soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball. Additionally she serves as the advisor to AMU's Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). In addition to her role as Associate AD, Feger spent nine years as head cross country coach. During her tenure as cross country coach, Gyrene runners earned eleven berths to the NAIA National Championship. Additionally, Feger's programs have seen a great deal of success in the classroom, as both the men's and women's programs have consistently boasted some of the highest GPA's among Ave Maria athletic teams since 2013-14. She served as Interim Head Softball Coach for the 2016-2017 season after serving as an Assistant Softball Coach from 2013-2015 at AMU. She also served as Assistant Sports Information Director for two years (2012-2014). At the helm of the softball program she helped to guide the Lady Gyrenes to their most successful season to date (32-14, 15-6 TSC) including coaching the program's second NAIA All-American. She joined the athletic staff after graduating from Ave Maria in the spring of 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. She was a two sport athlete while in college, playing both softball and basketball during her time in a Gyrene uniform. Feger is a native of Scranton, Pennsylvania. She currently resides in Ave Maria, Fla. with her husband, Brett, and their four children - daughter Zelie, Serafina, and Eulalia and son Emil. Mr. Brett Feger enters his tenth year serving as AMU’s Faculty Athletic Representative. Feger has been a member of the Ave Maria University Faculty since January of 2014. He serves as an instructor in the Department of Biology. Feger received his bachelor’s degree in Biology from Knox College, a master’s of science degree in Zoology from Western Illinois University, and a master's of arts degree in Theology from Ave Maria University. In addition to his academic pursuits, Feger was a sprinter on the track and field teams at both Knox College and Western Illinois. Feger is a native of Springfield, Illinois. He currently resides in Ave Maria, Fla. with his wife, Elizabeth and their daughters, Zelie, Serafina, and Eulalia and son Emil.
• Katelyn Sherman is in her fourth season at Ave Maria and her first year as the Director of Game Day Operations. She leads all operations for the athletic department on game days across all sports. In addition to her game day responsibilities, she is also AMU's head lacrosse coach and is the Sports Information Media Assistant. Sherman was named the fourth head coach of the Ave Maria University women's lacrosse program in August 2022. Sherman is an alum of the University, and returns to AMU as the program's all-time leading scorer. Before returning to Ave Maria, Sherman was the head coach at William Penn University and Elmira College. During her playing career at Ave Maria, Sherman was a dominant attacker. A four-time All-Conference selection and 2017 NAIA Second Team All-American, Sherman scored 142 goals over her four years in southwest Florida, and added 26 assists. Her totals in goals, assists, and points all still stand as Ave Maria career records. Sherman has continued playing lacrosse since her graduation from Ave Maria. In the summer of 2022, Sherman suited up for Team China at the 2022 World Lacrosse Women's World Championship. Sherman scored a goal in China's platinum bracket victory over South Korea, and helped the Chinese to a winning record on the biggest stage of women's lacrosse.Abby Castro-Rivera is in her fourth season as an assistant coach with the Ave Maria University women's lacrosse program. Castro-Rivera, a 2017 graduate of Ave Maria, is one of the best players in program history, and was named to the Ave Maria University Athletics Hall of Fame in October of 2022. Castro-Rivera was a founding member of the Ave Maria University lacrosse program, joining the Gyrenes from Kennesaw State University for the 2015 season. She was a three-time captain for the Gyrenes, and still ranks in the top ten in school history in basically every category of note. During her sophomore and junior seasons, she was selected as an All-American by the National Women's Lacrosse League, earning Honorable Mention honors in both 2015 and 2016. Castro-Rivera's lacrosse career continues to the present day, as the Miami native played for Colombia in the 2022 World Lacrosse Women's World Championship. Her prior coaching experience includes time with the lacrosse program at Miami Killian Senior High School, as well as with the Colombian national team. Castro-Rivera is currently transitioning to a player-coach role with Team Colombia in preparation for the 2026 Women’s World Lacrosse Championship.
• Cameron Barford is in his third year as Ave Maria's Director of Sports Performance. Barford officially joined the University as the Gyrenes' head of strength and conditioning in January of 2024. Prior to returning to his alma mater, Barford served as a strength and conditioning coach at Redline Athletics in Fort Myers, Florida, as well as a physical therapy aide at an Ave Maria University partner, Agility Physical Therapy & Sports Performance in Venice, Florida. Barford graduated from Ave Maria University with degrees in exercise physiology and psychology in the spring of 2022, and was a four-year member of the Ave Maria men's soccer program.Elie Coyle is in her first year as a graduate student at Ave Maria, where she leverages her background in accounting, data analysis, and management. Coyle graduated from Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, Florida, earning her Bachelor of Science in Buisness Admistration. During her time at Ave Maria, she developed strong quantitative and research skills through projects in taxation, financial analysis, and strategic management, as well as a deep commitment to professional ethics and service. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Coyle brings both analytical precision and a mission-driven approach to her work at Ave Maria University.
• Savohn Hunt is in his sixth year as the student support services advisor for the Ave Maria athletic department. Hunt graduated from Ave Maria University in 2020, earning his degree in exercise physiology. He was a four-year member of the AMU football program, and earned All-American honors following his senior season in 2019. He was announced as an Ave Maria Athletics Hall of Famer in 2024. During his time at Ave Maria, Hunt was a two-year team captain for the football program, and was named the University's "Mr. Ave", an honor given to a student that best embodies the culture of the University. For his efforts within the University, he was honored with the athletic department's GameChanger Award following the 2022-23 school year. Charles Mickens is in his fifth year as a student support services advisor for the Ave Maria athletic department. For his efforts within the University, he was honored with the athletic department's GameChanger Award following the 2022-23 school year. Mickens graduated from Ave Maria University in 2021, earning his degree in psychology. He was a three-year member of the AMU football program, transferring in to Ave Maria prior to his sophomore season. Mickens was a three-time Academic All-Mid South selection, and earned NAIA-Daktronics Scholar Athlete recognition following the 2019 season. Alexandra Baalman is a Student Support Services Advisor. She earned a B.A. in Literature with a minor in Theology from Ave Maria in 2025. Alexandra is passionate about mentoring students as they discern academic pathways and navigate university life with confidence.
• Trenton Phillips O'Neil is in his fourth year as the head of the Ave Maria University marching band. Trenton Phillips O'Neil received his Bachelor's in Music from Ave Maria University and his Master's in Music from Kansas State University. He teaches full time in Ave Maria University's Music Department in addition to his role as Director of the Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Concert Band programs. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in music from the University of Kansas.Camryn Olive is in her second season as a color guard instructor for the Ave Maria marching band program. Olive graduated from the University in the spring of 2024, and played a key role in the founding of the competitive dance program. A three-year captain for the Gyrenes, she helped Ave Maria to back-to-back regional top two finishes, and was selected as an All-American following the 2024 season. Away from the University, Olive has served as a dance instructor at Powerhouse Dance Studio in her hometown of Estero. She graduated from the University in the spring with a degree in Psychology, and earned the athletic department's Gyrene Award, the highest award given.
• Jimmy Coffey joins the Ave Maria Baseball coaching staff as a graduate assistant for the 2026 season. Coffey, a graduate of Ave Maria in 2025, played four years for the Gyrenes, appearing in 156 games and making 146 starts. Coffey tallied 140 hits over his four years and batted .299. In both 2023 and 2025, Coffey collected over 50 hits and batted over .300. In both of those seasons, the Gyrenes made it the postseason and to the final day of the Opening Round. Along with hits, Coffey had a great discipline at the plate, drawing the tenth most career walks in Ave Maria history.Sebastian Cabeza joins the Ave Maria Baseball staff as a graduate assistant for the 2026 season. Cabeza transferred to Ave Maria in 2025 as senior and immediately found a role as the starting catcher for the Gyrenes. He started 38 games behind the dish and played in three more games. As a catcher, Cabeza caught 19 runners stealing in 2025 for caught stealing rate of 22%. At the plate, Cabeza totaled 31 hits with five doubles and three home runs for a batting average of .248. Kelton Little is in his first official season as a volunteer assistant coach for the Ave Marai Gyrenes. Before joining the staff, Little pitched six season for the Gyrenes, making 49 appearances with six starts. Little won five games throughout his career and logged 70 strikeouts. He was a two-time Sun Conference All-Academic Team Honoree and a two-time Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete. During his redshirt sophomore season in 2022, Little was named the Ave Maria Male Comeback Player of the Year.
• Jelani Akil is in his first year as head coach for the Ave Maria Women's Basketball team. Akil, a former student at Ave Maria from 2011-15, played on the men's basketball team in all four of his years, seeing action in 88 games. In his senior year, he served as team captain and started in all 29 games. He logged 1000 minutes, averaging 12.5 points and eight rebounds per game. Off the court, he was named to the Second Team All-Sun Conference and was selected as the Sun Conference's Champion of Character for exemplifying the NAIA's core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. At the conclusion of that tremendous senior season, he was awarded the Men's Basketball Leadership Award, was named the team's Most Valuable Player and honored as Ave Maria's Male Athlete of the Year. Akil was also the recipient of the AMU Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassato Sportsmanship award in 2015. The award's namesake, Pier Giorgio Frassati, was an Italian Catholic lawyer in the early 1900s who was affectionately called the "Man of the Beatitudes" by Saint John Paul II and was recently canonized himself on September 7, 2025. Akil graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Minor in Mathematics and Family & Society from Ave Maria in 2015. Since that time, he has worked as a financial advisor for both Edward Jones and Fidelity Investments in Arizona.Branden Pannell is in his first year as an assistant coach for the Ave Maria University women’s basketball team. A native of Harlem, New York, Pannell competed for the Ave Maria men’s basketball program during his collegiate career, where he was known for his leadership, communication, and dedication to team culture. During his time at AMU, he served as a resident assistant, campus ministry leader, and student mentor, helping foster a strong community rooted in faith and purpose. Before joining the women’s basketball staff, Pannell served as the head middle school boys’ basketball coach at Donahue Academy for two seasons, where he led player development and implemented a faith-based leadership approach that helped strengthen the school’s basketball foundation. Pannell graduated from Ave Maria University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. In addition to coaching, he is a published author and motivational speaker whose work focuses on faith, identity, and personal growth. Through his experiences as an athlete, mentor, and communicator, Coach Pannell brings a holistic approach to player development emphasizing servantship, identity, and purpose in every aspect of the game.Kellyanne Scanlan is in her first season as an assistant basketball coach at Ave Maria.
• Kristian Marks is in his second season as the AMU Quarterbacks Coach, and in his first season as the program’s Director of Football Operations. A five-year player for the Gyrenes from 2018-2022, Marks is all over the record book for Ave Maria quarterbacks. He currently holds the AMU career record for completion percentage (57%) and is top four all-time in completions, passing yardage and touchdowns. In his senior year in 2022, Marks was named the Sun Conference Champion of Character. He has also won the Gyrene of the Year Award in 2021 (the high honor given out annually), and was a two-time winner of the Mr. Ave Award for the football program. Marks earned his Master's degree in theology from Ave Maria. Along with coaching quarterbacks, he is also the Associate Athletics Groundskeeper and is in charge of maintaining all of the athletic playing surfaces around campus.Courtland Duncan is in his third season as a member of the Ave Maria University football coaching staff, joining the staff prior to the 2024 season. In 2024, he served as the Assistant Wide Receivers Coach. In 2025, he served as the program’s Tight Ends Coach. In 2026, he serves as the Running Backs Coach. Duncan first came to Ave Maria as a student-athlete, transferring into the program in 2023, following three seasons at Wilmington College, a Division III program in Ohio. Dunca earned a Communication degree from AMU as well as an MBA with a Sports Management concentration.Will Hampton is in his sixth season on the Ave Maria football staff. During his six seasons, he has been an assistant on the offensive side of the ball, handling a multitude of responsibilities. Hampton is a graduate of Ave Maria, having earned both a History undergraduate degree and an MBA with a Sports Management concentration.A former offensive lineman for the Gyrenes, Nate Rumrill is in his second year on the AMU coaching staff, and in his first year as the Tight Ends coach. During his first year on the staff, he served as an offensive line coach.
• AJ Cherubini is in his second season as an assistant coach with the Ave Maria University golf program. Cherubini came to Ave Maria in 2021 after two seasons at Wittenburg University, an NCAA Division III program in Ohio. In three seasons as a Gyrene, Cherubini saw time on the course in numerous tournaments as a Gyrene, and posted a 77.6 scoring average as a senior. He was part of Ave Maria's NAIA Championships qualifying team in his final season. Cherubini graduated from Ave Maria in 2023 with a degree in business administration, and remained at Ave Maria following his graduation to pursue his Master's in Business Administration, as well as utilize his final season of collegiate eligibility.
• Tyler Rosser completed his eighth season at the helm of the Ave Maria University Women’s Soccer program in November 2024. He was named head coach by the University in June 2017. The 2020 season was a high-water mark for the Ave Maria women's soccer program, who finished in third place in The Sun Conference and earned the program's first ever Sun Conference Tournament win. Rosser was named the conference's Coach of the Year, and guided three players - Emily Dalton, Lauren Brooks, and Maddie Samuelson - to All-Conference recognition and one player, Emily Dalton, to NAIA All-American Honorable Mention Honors. Emily is the first women’s soccer player at the university to be named an All-American. The success continued into 2021, when AMU earned their biggest win in school history by beating a top five Southeastern team, 2-0, on Southeastern’s home field. The team received votes in the NAIA national poll for the first time and finished the season ranked in the final Area Regional Committee rankings. Following the season, two Gyrenes earned All-Conference honors - Rachel Dalton was named second team All-Conference, and Emily Dalton became the school's first-ever two-time All-Conference selection. In 2022, the Gyrenes earned a point in more than half of their contests, and were extremely stout defensively. Ave Maria posted seven shutouts, including a school record of five consecutive games without allowing a goal. In 2023, the Gyrenes boasted the 13th toughest strength of schedule in the country while still maintaining a goals against average just over one. They also defeated #17 St. Thomas at home and earned the first point against perennial top 25 powerhouse, Keiser University. After that season, goalkeeper Emma Schweitzer and midfielder Rachel Dalton were named to the All-Sun Conference Second Team, and goalkeeper Ariana Dale was named the NAIA Sun Conference Champion of Character. Dale is the second Gyrene soccer player to receive that award, the other being Clare Lauderback in 2019. In 2024, the Gyrenes finished the season with its highest ever Massey rating of 55 out of 210 in the country. The team finished fifth in the uber competitive Sun Conference-SCAD won the national championship and Keiser was the national runner-up-and reached the Sun Conference semi-finals for the second time in school history. After the season, Rachel Dalton and Kana Mateaki were both honored as Second Team All Sun Conference Selections, and they were named to the Sun Conference All Tournament Team. Rosser was also recognized by his former employer, FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students), at its national SEEK conference in January 2024 as the St. Francis Xavier Honoree. This award goes to a FOCUS staff alumni who continues to live the principles of evangelization exceptionally well after leaving staff. Rosser was chosen out of thousands of former FOCUS staff members. Rosser has seen considerable academic success in the program. The program has been honored with the highest GPA in the athletic department during his tenure. The team won the United Soccer Coaches All Academic Award following the 2018 and 2020 season. Dozens of players have earned Sun Conference All-Academic honors during his reign as head coach and two ladies, Meghan Precord and Maddie Samuelson, have won the highest athletic department award, Gyrene of the Year, under Rosser’s charge. Tyler came to Ave Maria after serving as the head coach of the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School girls’ soccer team for three years. He led them to a 14-6-1 record and their first playoff appearance in three years in 2016 and to their first playoff win in ten years during his final season in 2017. He also taught theology and leadership classes at MCPS. Prior to Montgomery Catholic, Rosser was the Director of College Outreach for the Southeast Region of FOCUS, managing seven team directors and staff at seven campuses across the southeastern United States. Before he was the Director of College Outreach, Rosser spent three years as a FOCUS Team Director and Varsity Catholic staff member at Loras College and Belmont Abbey College. During his senior year at Ave Maria, Rosser was an assistant coach to the AMU women's soccer team and upon graduation was named head coach for the men's soccer program. As head coach, he provided oversight of all aspects of the program including recruiting, budgeting, scheduling games, conducting practices and games, and raising funds for the program. Rosser finished his playing career in 2008 as a member of the first varsity soccer team at Ave Maria after transferring from and competing for three varsity seasons at NCAA Division III mainstay, Rhodes College. Tyler graduated from Ave Maria University with a B.A. in History in 2010 and California University of Pennsylvania with an M.S. in Sports Management in 2013. He has taken graduate level courses at the University of Notre Dame in Educational Leadership. He has his United States Soccer Federation 'C' license, is a certified Working Genius facilitator, and a certified Strengths Finder Coach through the Human Formation Coalition. Rosser lives in Ave Maria with his wife, Dene’, and their six children, James, John, Gemma, Josie, Charlie, and Lucia. Accolades: 2020 Sun Conference Coach of the Year 2024 St. Francis Xavier Honoree
• Michael Middendorf is in his fourth year as the head coach of the AMU ultimate frisbee program. Middendorf is the program's founding head coach, leading the program in their inaugural varsity season in 2023. Middendorf is a graduate of Ave Maria University, finishing his studies at AMU in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, as well as a minor in accounting. During his time at Ave Maria, Middendorf was a member of Ave Maria's ultimate frisbee team, which at the time held club status. Middendorf also took a leadership role during his tenure at AMU, coaching the women's ultimate frisbee team beginning in January of 2019.

# From Locker Room to Leadership: The Alumni Impact on AMU Athletics

Ave Maria University's athletic department stands as a powerful testament to the enduring bonds between Gyrenes and their alma mater. From the locker room to the coaching staff, from the training room to the administrative offices, alumni are shaping the future of AMU athletics while embodying the values that define our university community. These dedicated professionals represent the best of what it means to be a Gyrene—individuals who have internalized the lessons of student-athlete life and channeled them into meaningful service that strengthens our athletic programs and supports our current student-athletes.

At the helm of many of our most successful programs stand alumni who have returned to lead with purpose and passion. Elizabeth Feger, now in her ninth year as Associate Athletics Director, has been instrumental in overseeing an expanding list of sports while maintaining the highest academic standards for our student-athletes. Jelani Akil, a former men's basketball captain and Male Athlete of the Year, has brought his championship mentality and financial acumen back to lead the women's basketball program. Katelyn Sherman, Ave Maria's all-time leading scorer in lacrosse, has stepped into the role of head lacrosse coach and Director of Game Day Operations. These leaders and many others represent a living continuity of excellence, passing forward the lessons they learned as students to guide the next generation of Gyrenes.

Beyond the head coaching positions, alumni fill essential roles throughout our athletic infrastructure, ensuring that every student-athlete receives comprehensive support. Cameron Barford, who earned his degrees in exercise physiology and psychology, now guides our athletes' physical development as Director of Sports Performance. Savohn Hunt and Charles Mickens, both football standouts who earned All-American honors and academic distinctions, serve as student support services advisors, helping athletes navigate the demands of collegiate life. Jimmy Coffey and Sebastian Cabeza have just joined the baseball program as graduate assistants, bringing fresh perspectives and recent playing experience to the coaching staff. Kristian Marks, a standout quarterback and theology graduate, manages football operations while maintaining our athletic facilities, embodying the servant leadership that defines Ave Maria's mission.

The impact of alumni coaches and staff extends beyond wins and losses. These individuals model the integration of athletic excellence with academic rigor, spiritual growth, and service to others—the very foundation upon which Ave Maria was built. Whether inspiring confidence in young athletes, maintaining championship-caliber facilities, or ensuring compliance with academic standards, our alumni are living proof that a Gyrene education prepares students not just for successful careers, but for lives of meaningful contribution. As we celebrate these remarkable men and women, we recognize that the strongest measure of our athletic department's success is not only found in scorebooks and championship banners, but in the ways our student-athletes go on to serve their communities and pass on the formation they received at Ave Maria University.