MEET THE STAFF
Get to know the dedicated coaches who make up our team. Each Coach brings unique skills, determination, and passion to the game, representing the spirit of Upstate Elite Youth Sports.
Coach Ronald Goodwin
Organization Director / President Head Coach
Coach Hakeem Flowers
Vice President / Head Coach
Coach Preston Thomas
Head Coach / Athletic Director
Driven and accomplished Football Coach with a proven track record of helping athletes achieve their maximum level of athletic potential. Committed to fostering a positive team environment conducive to achieving success on the field. Adept in designing effective game plans, consisting of powerful defensive and offensive techniques.
Employment with Upstate Elite since 2023:
•Trained athletes and guided them to develop techniques.
•Organized department fundraising efforts and collaborated with staff. •Organized drills and implemented physical conditioning programs. •Evaluated game video to better understand strengths and weaknesses. •Helped lead two teams to championships wins, and one team to a national championship.
Favorite quote:
"Both desire and imagination are stored in the mind of the individual and when stretched, both have the potential to position a person for greatness."
Coach J.R.
Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
I’ve been coaching overall for around 16 years. I’ve been with “The U” since 2017. My favorite part about coaching is that it’s always a different challenge. With kids you never know what you’re going to get. I love the life lasting bond created with players.
The motto has always been… Be coachable.. Be humble.. Give God the glory!
Coach Polo
Assistant offensive coordinator/special teams coordinator.
“Life is what you make it, work hard to achieve your goals and always put your trust in god.”
-Coach Polo
Coach DeAndre Watson
Tackle Football & Flag Football Coach
Coach DeAndre Watson is passionate about teaching the game of football while shaping young athletes into leaders. He focuses on fundamentals, confidence, and positive reinforcement, creating an environment where players can grow, compete, and have fun. His mission is to help athletes develop skills, character, and a love for the game.
Coach Brian Thompson
Defensive Coordinator
With 25 years of coaching experience, I have had the privilege of working with both high school students and little league football teams. I believe that coaching extends beyond athletic skill; it is essential to instill good character, develop a positive attitude, and emphasize respect in all aspects of life. One of my favorite scriptures is Galatians 6:9: "And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not lose heart."
Coach Bryant Boyd
Assistant Coach -War Daddy- “Essayons”
Coach Marcus Keller
Offensive Coordinator/Defensive coordinator/ Assistant Coach/ Basketball Coach.
Has Coached with the organization since 2017.
Coach Jalisa Thomas
Basketball/Cheer Coach/Flag Football Coach
Coach Jalisa is a Navy veteran serving 8 years in the military. She works as an Assistant Manager/ Certified Dental Assistant at a pediatric dental office and also serves as a youth ministry leader at her church. She was All State in Basketball.
Favorite quote: “Let your smile CHANGE the world, but don't let the WORLD change your SMILE." -Connor Franta
Coach Q Jefferson
Junior Squad Head Football Coach/ Basketball Coach
Brian Thompson
Brian Thompson
Coach Mike Bcheck
Assistant Head Coach for the Junior Squad/ Basketball Coach/ Flag Football Coach
Coach Karla Boyd
Cheer Director and Girls Flag Football Director & Coach.
Coach K. was a martial artist and dancer for over 14 years prior to making the switch to cheerleading. This is her 7th year coaching cheer and 3rd coaching flag football.
Favorite quote:
"Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless—like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup; You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottle; You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend." -Bruce Lee
Coach Tasha Keller
Coach Tasha is one of our girls flag football and basketball coach with a passion for keeping athletes active, positive, and growing on and off the field. With over a year of coaching experience, she is dedicated to making a difference in kids’ lives and helping them become great in sports and in life. She also helps coordinate team banquets and events.