Athlete Development Leader & Mentor Coach

MICHAEL D. DESHIELDS

443-***-**** **************@*****.***

Athlete Development & Program Leader Coach & Mentor Former Professional Soccer Player

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Former professional soccer player and Communications graduate with proven leadership experience, public engagement expertise, and a passion for athlete development. Known for building strong team cultures, mentoring young athletes, and representing organizations with professionalism and integrity. Skilled in coaching, program coordination, community outreach, and storytelling that strengthens athlete engagement and organizational brand.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Coaching & Athlete

Development

• Player Development & Skill

Progression

• Team Culture & Leadership

Development

• Performance Mindset &

Mental Toughness

• Goal Setting & Athlete

Accountability

Athletic Operations &

Program Leadership

• Team & Program

Coordination

• Youth & Community

Programming

• Event, Camp & Clinic

Management

• Stakeholder & Parent

Engagement

Athletic Communications &

Engagement

• Public Speaking & Media

Relations

• Community Outreach &

Youth Engagement

• Brand Representation &

Storytelling

• Cross-Cultural

Communication

EDUCATION

Wake Forest University

Bachelor of Arts in Communications

December 2020

The McDonogh School

College Preparatory Diploma

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Professional Soccer Player

Charlotte Independence (USL League One) — 2025

Veteran leader supporting playoff push; mentored younger players and reinforced team culture standards. Team finished 8 in league standings with playoff qualification Served as informal mentor to players or rookies

Hartford Athletic (USL Championship) — 2024

Key squad contributor in top-tier USL competition; represented club in community outreach and youth clinics.

Participated in 3 community events reaching 300 youth participants Page 1 of 3

Newington Soccer Club — 2024

Training Specialist and mentor of youth soccer players of local club. Coached 100+ participants.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship) — 2023–2024 Member of a perennial playoff contender; upheld high-performance standards and strengthened locker room cohesion.

Team playoff appearances in 2 seasons

[Appeared in 16 matches / 10 starts

New England Revolution II (MLS NEXT Pro) — 2022

Competed in elite development league; guided emerging professionals transitioning to first-team environments.

Mentored academy or developmental players

DC United(Major League Soccer)/ Loudoun United (USL Championship, DC United affiliate) — 2021 First-round MLS SuperDraft selection; trained and competed within top-flight professional environment.

[Top 5 draft selection league-wide]

Earned professional match experience while mentoring academy and early-career players.

[Recorded 14 appearances / 684 minutes played]

Treasure Coast Tritons (USL League Two) — 2019

Developed competitive match experience while completing collegiate career. Placed 2nd in league standings

LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL IMPACT

• Team Captain at club, high school, and collegiate levels, fostering accountability, unity, and performance standards.

• Mentored younger and academy players on professionalism, preparation habits, and mental resilience.

• Represented clubs through youth clinics, school visits, and community outreach initiatives.

• Built strong relationships with coaching staff, teammates, and supporters through professionalism and leadership.

• Maintained elite training discipline and adaptability across multiple teams, systems, and competitive environments.

• Total years competing at elite level: 5 years

• Total community engagement appearances: 30

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LEADER Independent Schools Nonprofits Community Programs

• Delivered engaging presentations to student-athletes and community groups on resilience, confidence, and goal setting.

• Translated lessons from elite athletics into practical strategies for leadership and personal growth.

• Connected with diverse audiences through storytelling and interactive presentations.

• Collaborated with organizations to support wellness, confidence-building, and youth empowerment initiatives.

• Presented to audiences ranging from 10 to 100 participants

• Delivered 3 presentations annually

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YOUTH SOCCER COACH & PLAYER DEVELOPMENT TRAINER

Various Clubs, Camps & Private Training

• Coached youth athletes across developmental levels, improving technical skills, teamwork, and confidence.

• Designed structured training sessions focused on fundamentals, tactical awareness, and game intelligence.

• Mentored players on sportsmanship, discipline, and performance mindset.

• Provided individualized training plans targeting ball control, agility, decision-making, and positional awareness.

• Built strong relationships with families through constructive feedback and a supportive coaching environment.

• Coached 20+ athletes ages 5-16 annually

• Improved player performance metrics (speed, ball control, decision-making)

• Conducted 2 camps/clinics per year

ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EXPERIENCE

• Represented professional organizations in media interactions, fan engagement events, and youth outreach programs.

• Strengthened community relationships through clinics, appearances, and mentorship initiatives.

• Demonstrated professionalism and media readiness in public-facing roles.

• Supported organizational brand reputation through positive fan and community interactions.

• Media appearances/interviews: 30+

• Fan or community engagement reach: 500+ individuals AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

• MLS SuperDraft — 1st Round, 5th Overall Pick (2021)

• Maryland Soccer Gatorade Player of the Year (2015)

• Team Captain — Club, High School, and Collegiate Teams

• Pittsburgh Riverhounds Regular Season Champions(2023) COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Youth mentorship and school outreach programs

• Community wellness and sports participation initiatives

• Volunteer coaching and athlete development support

• Volunteer hours annually: 20+

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Public Speaking & Presentation Delivery

• Media & Interview Communication

• Program Facilitation & Group Leadership

• Conflict Resolution & Team Building

• Cultural Competency & Inclusion

• Fitness & Performance Training

• Time & Priority Management

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