TFC Academy News

STATESBORO, Ga. – July 29, 2024 – The Tormenta FC Academy’s Alejandro Fernandez has received a call-up to the U17 Puerto Rican National Team. Fernandez’s call-up will mark his first appearance on the international stage. 

Fernandez has trained with the Tormenta FC Academy for four years, playing for both the MLS Next team and USL Academy team. The young goalkeeper believes he is prepared to represent his country’s U17 national team due to the intensity of play coupled with the high expectations from coaches in the Tormenta FC Academy.

“It’s really cool to have the opportunity to represent the island [Puerto Rico],” Fernandez said. “It really means a lot to have this chance.” 

Fernandez will play with the team in December, meaning he has ample time to continue to prepare and develop his skills with the Tormenta Academy before traveling to represent his country. 

Founded in 2015, South Georgia Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC is proud to compete in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League. The team is also proud to offer a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. South Georgia Tormenta FC rose victorious in 2022, becoming the USL League One Champions and the USL W League champions. 

For media inquiries or additional information please contact Caroline Boykin at (912) 667-9422 or email cboykin@tormentafc.com.

USL Academy player Murilo Lara is seen as a leader in the Tormenta Academy, working each day to further his skills, techniques and game play. Lara began his journey with Tormenta in the 2020 season, playing with the MLS Next team, then later joining the USL Academy roster.

As the Tormenta FC Academy is the only program in the region offering MLS Next and USL Academy programs, Lara knew his skills would increase exponentially under the tutelage of his coaches. 

The breadth of experiences and knowledge offered by Tormenta’s coaches is invaluable to him. USL Academy Head Coach Drew DeJohn also acts as the performance coach for the professional USL League One team, which enables him to tie in experiences from professional-level coaching to the realm of pre-professional soccer.

“I think when the USL Academy season comes around, it’s when I am at my peak as a player because we train almost every day and it’s a good, well organized environment.” Lara explained. “My favorite part of Tormenta is the USL Academy but also the MLS Next tournaments I have been able to go to.” 

The USL Academy provides a rigorous training schedule for its players, allowing them to get a glimpse into a more professional environment. Between training and games, Lara is on the pitch just over ten hours per week, similar to the training schedule of the USL League One professional men’s team.

During the last USL Academy season came Lara’s strongest achievements, where he scored two braces in the final two matches of the season.  

While the opportunities for development and growth are a strong reason Lara committed himself so deeply to Tormenta and the USL Academy, it is the friends he has made in his teammates that reinforces his dedication to the team. 

Lara has plans to reach a higher level of play in his soccer career. He will go to college in August to take the next steps in his level of play and knows the training he received in the Tormenta Academy will help him maximize each opportunity in store. 

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

Follow the club through Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the Tormenta FC app available on both iOS and Android.

For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Boykin at cboykin@tormentafc.com and 912-667-9422.

STATESBORO, Ga. – June 6, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC is thrilled to announce the boy’s USL Academy coaching staff for the 2024 season. Each coach comes with a unique, wide array of experiences to provide players with a well-rounded soccer education. 

Head Coach Drew DeJohn

Drew DeJohn rejoins the USL Academy coaching staff for the 2024 season as head coach, while also acting as an assistant coach and performance coach for the professional USL League One team.  DeJohn has been a part of the Tormenta FC organization since 2019, serving in various roles. He holds a master’s degree in Exercise Science from Georgia Southern University. While at Georgia Southern, he worked as a research assistant within the Human Performance Laboratory, focusing his research on training load and match demands in soccer. Prior to his move to Georgia he played soccer at the collegiate level at Cortland State University in New York. He holds the USSF C-License and CSCS to further inform his coaching tactics. DeJohn works with each athlete holistically, working to develop each individual player to their highest potential on and off the pitch.

Assistant Coach Terri Chawirah

Terri Chawirah, a Johannesburg native, turned Savannah local, acts as a Tormenta FC USL Academy assistant coach for the 2024 campaign. Prior to coaching with Tormenta, Chawirah played soccer at the University of Charleston and Mars Hill University. He would then go on to play professionally at Appalachian FC, where he notably played in the U.S. Open Cup against Charlotte Independence. Chawirah is entering his sixth year of coaching and is in the process of obtaining his National D license to continue garnering more tools to use in his coaching practices.

Assistant Coach Phillip Neiland

Phillip Neiland serves as one of the assistant coaches for the 2024 USL Academy boys team. Neiland has a deep history of coaching, working as the first team Assistant Coach at Quang Nam FC and Binh Dinh FC in Vietnam, the Maldives National Team Opposition Analyst during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, the Technical Advisor and Scout at Nadm Soccer Club in Ghana, Co-Head Coach at Cork Institute of Technology, First Team Assistant Coach at Douglas Hall AFC in Ireland and as the Academy Director, U15/U13 KFA League Head Coach in South Korea. The breadth of his experiences informs his coaching tactics. Neiland has the UEFA “A” License from the Scottish Football Association, UEFA “B” License from the Football Association of Ireland, United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma, Barca Sport Psychology Certificate, Asia Football Confederation Fitness L2, and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies.

Fitness Coach Ayomikun Fajemisin

Ayomikun Fajemisin, previously the 12G Statesboro and 07B Statesboro coach, joins the boy’s USL Academy coaching staff as the fitness coach. Fajemisin played Third Division soccer for a Nigerian team and currently holds his National D license. With a rich playing and coaching history, Fajemisin ties in his lived experiences to his coaching approach. Fajemisin has worked with the Tormenta FC Academy for more than three years and continues to strengthen and inform his coaching techniques by working toward advanced coaching licenses. 

Strength and Conditioning Coach, Sports Analyst Diego Castro-Diaz

USL Academy Assistant Coach Diego Castro-Diaz has worked with South Georgia Tormenta FC since 2022 and has since continued to grow and evolve alongside the club. He originates from Kings Bay, Georgia and has since integrated himself into the Statesboro community. Castro-Diaz holds a master’s degree in Kinesiology, which he uses to educate his coaching techniques and practices. He infuses his academic knowledge with his extensive coaching history to bring in unique perspectives to the game.

Goalkeeping Coach Sam Jones, Boy’s and Girl’s

Sam Jones, of Savannah, Georgia, serves as the USL Academy boy’s and girl’s goalkeeping coach and has a proven track record of dedication to South Georgia Tormenta FC. Jones himself played in the Tormenta FC Academy in his youth career before moving on to play collegiate soccer for Winthrop University. After college, Jones played on the South Georgia Tormenta FC USL League Two team and the New Jersey Copa FC League Two team. Jones found his love of coaching with Charlotte Independence before becoming the director of goalkeeping for the Tormenta FC Academy and goalkeeping coach for the Tormenta FC W League, overseeing the goalkeeping curriculum for both teams.

Statesboro, GA – May 31, 2024 – The South Georgia Tormenta FC Academy is proud to announce that ten more players from the 2024 class have committed to play collegiate soccer. The ten players have spent a combined 60 years playing in the Tormenta FC Academy, developing their skills for the next level of their soccer career.

The Tormenta FC Academy is dedicated to fostering an environment conducive to developing players to their highest possible playing potential. Maximizing visibility and guiding players through the recruitment process remains a core tenet of the Tormenta FC coaching staff.

“Tormenta FC Academy has a proven track record of working with families so their children can have the opportunity to participate in soccer at the collegiate level,” Tormenta FC Academy Vice President Brad Nein said. “From the training on the field to the college recruitment process, we have set up a system that has effectively placed over 100 male and female players in the last five years. The coaching staff is incredibly proud of the work and effort our new crop of college participants has put in over the years to have this opportunity to play at this level. We look forward to staying connected with them throughout their college experience and know they will represent Tormenta FC Academy in a positive, effective, and respectful manner.”

Name	Year with Tormenta FC Academy	High School	College
Angel Andreucetti	9	Hilton Head Island High School	Columbia College
Alex King Castro	5	Gap Year	Liverpool John Moores University
Lucas Fernandez	9	Hilton Head Island High School	USC Salkehatchie
Wesley Hooker	3	Savannah Country Day	Pfeiffer University
Murilo Lara	5	Richmond Hill High School	Savannah College of Art and Design
Juan Andres Milan	9	Hilton Head Island High School	Coker University
David Morales	10	Hilton Head Island High School	Wingate University
Marvin Rodriguez	2	Bluffton High School	Newberry College
Patrick Slater	4	Gap Year	Coker University
Brennan Smith	4	Islands High School	Mary Baldwin University

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. 

Follow the club through Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the Tormenta FC app available on both IOS and Android.

STATESBORO, Ga – May 22, 2024 – The feeling of seeing the ball sail into the net drives Keegan Lameo, a player on the 2010 Boys Ibis team with the Tormenta FC Academy. Growing, pushing forward, and reaching new heights defines the young player’s priorities on the pitch. 

No stranger to hard work and dedication, Lameo plays soccer just over 10 hours per week with his team to reach his ambitious goals he has set for himself. He first began playing soccer at the age of four after seeing his father play and has never looked back. Lameo wants to play on the international stage as he develops and grows in his skills and knows that the Tormenta FC Academy is the place to reach his full potential. 

Lameo is a fresh face to the Tormenta FC family, playing his first season with the club in 2023. He made the decision to train with the Tormenta Academy when he noticed the caliber of coaching staff coupled with the growth opportunities within the club. 

While Lameo is a serious player and values the grit and rigor that comes with playing a sport at a higher level, it is his teammates that ultimately set apart his experience with Tormenta. 

“When I first joined, everyone was so welcoming,” Lameo explained. “I felt like I was already a part of the team, even though it was my first season.” 

Behind every strong team, is a stronger coach. Lameo, before joining the Tormenta FC Academy, typically played as a right winger. When he joined Tormenta, coach Terri Chawirah saw that he would be suited to play as a center midfielder. Chawirah guided him through the learning process of picking up the nuances of a new position and helped round out the skills Lameo already brought to the team. 

Lameo quickly took to his new position, even completing a hat trick during a major tournament in Jacksonville, Florida. 

The 13-year-old has years of training with the Tormenta FC Academy ahead and hopes to continue scoring goals, improving upon his skills, and mastering his craft. Lameo just underwent evaluations and has been selected to play with the Tormenta Academy’s MLS Next team. The Tormenta FC Academy MLS Next team is the only MLS Next program in the region, giving Lameo and his new teammates the opportunity to develop their skills to the highest possible level. 

Watch Lameo and other members of the Tormenta FC Academy sign on with their new team at the Academy Signing Night hosted at Tormenta FC’s professional men’s game May 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Tormenta Stadium. All Academy players wearing their uniform will receive free admission. 

SAVANNAH, Ga. – May 2, 2024 – Tormenta FC Academy player Jared Rivas was called up to train with the Honduras U16 National Team. Rivas will train with the team for one week on site in Honduras and is among the first in the Academy to train with a national team prior to turning 18-years-old. 

Rivas is a player for the Tormenta FC MLS Next team, which is a prestigious team intended to develop players to their highest playing potential. The Tormenta FC Academy is, at present, the only soccer academy offering an MLS Next team in the region. 

The Tormenta FC U16 MLS Next team is affiliated with the national MLS Next organization, owned and overseen by the professional Major League Soccer league, which is the highest level of soccer in the United States. 

“Jared is a shining example of how we strive to live our mission each day at the Tormenta FC Academy,” Vice President of the Tormenta FC Academy said. “We want to develop each player as an individual and elevate them to their highest playing potential, and we are able to see the fruits of this practice truly blossom here.” 

Rivas has acted as an attacking player with the Tormenta FC Academy for four years, where he has grown in his skillset, commitment and game strategy. In this most recent season, Rivas played under the guidance of MLS Next coach Philip Neiland. 

The Tormenta FC Academy is a youth soccer club with a direct path to a professional team. The vision of the organization is to create an environment where all of its members can thrive and learn valuable life lessons soccer can uniquely teach. Regardless of technique or aspirations, South Georgia Tormenta FC aims to be a catalyst for communities to come together and provide an exceptional experience.

For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Boykin cboykin@tormentafc.com or at 912-667-9422 or Noah Schroyer at nschroyer@tormentafc.com or 770-871-8654.

STATESBORO, Ga. – April 29, 2024 – Tormenta FC Academy Graduate Jada Gittings has signed to play collegiate soccer at South Carolina State University. The senior goalkeeper has spent five years with the Tormenta FC Academy and will graduate in May before joining the Bulldogs.

South Carolina State University Bulldogs, a Division I team, concluded its 2023 season with a 0-13-1 (W-L-D) record. As Gittings joins the team, she will play a crucial role in fortifying the defense, which conceded 87 goals in the previous campaign. 

“It has truly been a pleasure to work with Jada the past couple of years here at Tormenta FC,” Head Coach Jim Robbins said. “She is the consummate teammate and team player and has made all the sacrifices needed to reach this point in her playing career. She fully deserves this opportunity. I am very proud of her. It has been my honor to work with her here at Tormenta and help her in her journey to play soccer at the collegiate level. I wish her nothing but success at South Carolina State University.”

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. 

For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Boykin at cboykin@tormentafc.com and 912-667-9422 or Noah Schroyer at nschroyer@tormentafc.com and 770-871-8654.

STATESBORO, Ga. – April 26, 2024 – The Tormenta FC Academy proudly announces the return of its DPL Director and Head Coach Jim Robbins and Head Coach Miguel Lopez for the 2024-2025 season.

Robbins returns as the DPL Director and acts as the head coach of the ‘06/‘07, ‘08, and ‘11 DPL teams. He comes with a host of passion and experience that he infuses into his coaching practices. With Tormenta FC, Robbins serves as the head coach for the USL W League team and coached the U19, U17, and U16 DPL girls teams this past season. Robbins has a bachelor’s degree in economics and business from Lafayette College and earned his master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University-Irvine. 

During his undergraduate career, Robbins played NCAA Division I soccer. Robbins has obtained many certifications to continue his soccer education including USSF A, B, C, D, and youth licenses, and his NSCAA Advanced, National, Youth, and GK1 Diplomas. He also earned his national Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential and Professional Football Scouts Association Level 1 certification and is taking the U.S. Soccer’s Club Technical Leader Course. Robbins has 32 years of coaching experience, with 14 of those years at the collegiate level. In New Jersey and Georgia, Robbins additionally coached in the Olympic Development Programs. He has also worked with U.S. Soccer at its National Training Centers in Georgia and New York. 

Lopez will coach the ‘09, ‘10, and ‘12 DPL teams during the upcoming season. He has served Tormenta FC for 14 years and has shown his unwavering dedication to developing players to their highest potential. Lopez grew up in the Lowcountry soccer community, playing for Hilton Head High School. He holds a USSF C License, NSCAA Premier Diploma, and NSCAA GK level I & II Diploma to inform and bolster his coaching practices. 

“We are thrilled to have Jim and Miguel return for the 2024 season,” Tormenta FC Academy Vice President Brad Nein said. “Having both coaches back for the upcoming season means our DPL teams will see continuity in the system that has proven successful thus far.”

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. 

For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Boykin at cboykin@tormentafc.com and 912-667-9422 or Noah Schroyer at nschroyer@tormentafc.com and 770-871-8654.

STATESBORO, Ga. – April 25, 2024 – The Tormenta FC Academy is excited to announce changes to its MLS NEXT program coaching staff and director position. The Tormenta FC Academy Director of Coaching, Kian Brownlee, will relieve Jay Peake of his duties as an MLS NEXT coach and director.

Brownlee, the new MLS NEXT director and ‘06/‘07 and ‘12 MLS NEXT coach, brings a wealth of experience and achievements to his new roles. Brownlee has a Master of Education degree in health and physical education from Augusta University and a Bachelor of Science in sports management from Liberty University. He previously coached the 2012 and 2014 Girls Ibis teams and has more than 25 years of coaching experience. His collegiate playing career at Liberty University was equally impressive, earning him numerous accolades, including the Ed Dobson Award for Exemplary Character 1997, 1st Team All-Big South 1999, 2000, the NCAA All-South Atlantic 3rd Team 2000, 1st Team All VA 2000, and All Time assists leader of Liberty University Men’s Soccer. Brownlee’s commitment to his players’ development is evident in his pursuit of coaching knowledge, earning his USSF B License, USC Director of Coaching Diploma, and USC Premier Diploma. 

“We are thrilled to have Kian leading our MLS NEXT program for the Tormenta FC Academy,” Brad Nein, Tormenta FC Academy Vice President, said. “Kian brings a wealth of knowledge with 25 years of coaching experience. His ability to clearly communicate his understanding of the game sets him apart and will be extremely valuable to our MLS NEXT players’ development.”

Brian Okumu will coach the ‘10 and ‘11 MLS NEXT teams next season. He brings in a wealth of experience from his years playing professionally and his years mentoring the next generation of players. He currently coaches the MLS NEXT U13 and U14 teams, where he ties his passion and knowledge into his coaching practices. Okumu played for the Kenya National Team in his professional career and Gor Mahia FC in Nairobi, Kenya, and played for Milligan University at the collegiate level. Coach Okumu also holds his USSF A License.

Lastly, Philip Neiland will be coaching the ‘08 and ‘09 MLS NEXT teams. He has a deep history of coaching, working as the First Team Assistant Coach at Quang Nam FC and Binh Dinh FC in Vietnam, Maldives National Team Opposition Analyst during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Technical Advisor and Scout at Nadm FC in Ghana, Co-Head Coach at Cork Institute of Technology, First Team Assistant Coach at Douglas Hall AFC in Ireland and as the Academy Director, U15/U13 KFA League Head Coach in South Korea. The breadth of his experiences informs his coaching tactics. Neiland has the UEFA “A” License from the Scottish Football Association, UEFA “B” License from the Football Association of Ireland, United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma, Barca Sport Psychology Certificate, Asia Football Confederation Fitness L2, and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies.

“We are grateful for the work Jay has done with our MLS NEXT program,” said Nein. “We extend our best wishes for his future endeavors and thank him for his dedication as our MLS NEXT coach and director.”

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. 

Greensboro, NC – South Georgia Tormenta FC’s ’07 DPL team based in Savannah, Georgia played with intense conviction at the After an opening 3-0 victory over New York Long Island at the Girls Academy Spring Showcase held at Brown’s Summit, North Carolina, the victories kept rolling in for the Tormenta FC 2007-born Girls DPL team, as they remained undefeated by closing out the weekend with a pair of 3-3 draws with San Diego Albion SC and the Southern Soccer Academy. A total of 48 top-level U17 girls teams from across the USA assembled at James Island Bryan Park Soccer Complex to conclude the 2023-24 soccer season.

In their second game of the tournament, after Albion SC took an early lead, Tee Headman slotted in a rebound into the lower right corner after Selena Duncan dribbled through traffic and shot on net.

Albion SC took the lead again, and led 2-1 heading into the second half. Duncan made another splendid pass over to Ella Peterson at the edge of the 18’ box, who ripped a shot right over the keeper’s head to knot the score.

Shortly after, Peterson returned the favor, crossing the ball over to Duncan, who cushioned it, let it roll down her leg, and then booted it into the lower left corner to give Tormenta FC its first lead. With 10 minutes remaining, Albion managed to tie up the score once more.

Kamryn Martinez, Tormenta FC’s goalkeeper, made a diving save to her right to preserve the tie. “I feel like we controlled the game, and we stayed down the middle,” said the Richmond Hill native. “I also received a lot of help today from centerbacks Ellie Gallagher and Raigen Young.”

In their final game, Tee Headman netted all three of Tormenta FC’s goals, leading to a tie against the top-seeded team in their bracket, Atlanta’s Southern Soccer Academy. 

Headman, who also runs track and field, and plays flag football and basketball, not to mention scuba diving, zig-zagged by the last defender and shot top right to open the game’s scoring. SSA took a 2-1 lead into the half. In the second half, the defense worked the ball forward, and Kate Clark made a slick move to scoot by a defender, and passed the ball to Headman, who tied the score by using her left foot to surprise the keeper.

Late in the game, Headman was substituted back in, as SSA held a slim 3-2 lead. She and Duncan were applying pressure, Headman stole the ball and dribbled down the field, and completed her hat trick from the right side with a low shot into the far left corner.

“Kamryn, our keeper, played great, and she was the biggest reason we tied,” said Headman, whose brother TJ plays MLS Next with Tormenta.  And Raigan checked people down all game long, she is the glue of our defense.  Ending the season this way, against such excellent competition, was a ‘we made it’ moment for all us for sure!”

Head Coach Jim Robbins was extremely pleased with the results at the showcase. “I’m proud, really proud, of how well we played, doing all the right things.  We stuck to our style, and played very physical. They have made excellent progress,” said Robbins, who also coaches Tormenta FC’s USL W League team.