MEET THE TEAM
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President - Guys With Ties
Devin Jordan
Devin Jordan is founder of Beyond The Game and has a passion for enriching the lives of young people and giving back to the community. As a former student athlete, he understands that a kids first experience with sports is vital.
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Vice President - Motivational Concerts
Elijah Desmond
"As a former multi-sport athlete in football, wrestling, track and basketball, Beyond The Game is a platform that allows me to give back to the next generation of kids.” Elijah is our VP of motivational concerts and shares his message in hopes of positively influencing their lives.
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Girls With Pearls & Guys With Ties Coordinator
Brandi Jordan
"As a former competitive cheerleader, Beyond The Game allows me to share my experieces with young girls in hopes that I can create a positive impact in their lives. Beyond The Game is a wonderful program & I am happy to have the chance to share it with others."
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Human Resources / Administration
Ashton Knappenberger
"As a former Volleyball stand out, Beyond The Game allows me to prioritize the mental challenges our student athletes face in a way that the younger me would have greatly benefited from.” Ashton is a University of Mount Union Alum, and currently work as the Community Connections Manager for Habitat for Humanity in East Central Ohio.
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Social Media/Marketing Manager / GWP Leader
Alexis Dean
Alexis currently studies marketing and business at THE Ohio State University, and handles all things marketing for Beyond The Game, as well as volunteers as a Girls With Pearls leader throughout Columbus. “As a former competitive dancer and cheerleader, to me, going "Beyond The Game" means helping young female athletes feel empowered and achieve their dreams in all aspects of their lives, including sports!"
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Content Creator
Matthew Brady
With a passion for storytelling and creativity, Matt Brady creates compelling content that connects with audiences. Whether it's a brand video, social media campaign or marketing strategy, Matt is always committed to delivering high-quality work always goes “beyond”! In his free time, he enjoys spending time with my his wife and son as well as cheering on the Cleveland Browns. His ultimate goal is to make a positive impact on the world through his creative talents. To him, going "Beyond The Game" is "about legacy. It’s using your craft to inspire, to elevate, and to remind people that whatever happens can shape who someone becomes for the rest of their life. It’s not just about what happens between moments but rather it’s about everything those moments prepare them for."
FNL Camp Director / Leader - Guys With Ties
Melvin Weatherspoon
Melvin is a hardworking father of four, and comes from a sports loving family. He coaches his son's flag football team, works with the FNL camps, and is a Guys With Ties leader in schools all throughout Columbus. To him, football it isn't just a sport, it's a way of life. As a former Wittenberg University Football player, going "Beyond The Game" is summed up to him in one quote, "Changing Boys to Men one pass, one catch, one kid at a time!"
FNL Camp Director
Korry Lee
Korry is a GlenOak High School graduate where he competed in football and track. He earned his degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, where he also continued his football career as a wide receiver and defensive back. He currently serves as a process assistant at Amazon, bringing nearly five years of experience in logistics and operations. Outside of work, he is a dedicated husband and father of five. His family is the foundation of his motivation and the driving force behind everything he pursues. To him, going "Beyond The Game" is "Whether I’m working with young athletes, mentoring students, or setting an example for my own kids, I aim to share the lessons sports taught me, like discipline, resilience, and teamwork — and apply them to real-life situations. Every time I leave a classroom or wrap up a football camp, I know I’m contributing to something greater than myself: the growth, confidence, and future of the next generation."
FNL Camp Director
Thomas Gunn
Coach Gunn has 15+ years of experience coaching youth, high school, and college football. His players don’t just run plays—they run with discipline and direction. To him, going "Beyond The Game" means "Redefining what it truly means to be an athlete. It’s about using football as a launchpad to build the next thought leaders, head coaches, VPs, robotics engineers, and entrepreneurs. I see coaching not just as a way to win games—but as a calling to build character, discipline, and excitement for the endless possibilities that lie beyond the final whistle."
Leader - Guys With Ties
Neeko Longshore
"As a former football and track star, Beyond The Game gives me the opportunity to be a light in so many young boys' lives that may not have a male role model to look up to. I can't express enough how important it is to set a good, respectful path for young men and women to better set themselves up for the future. My hope is that with my small influence, I am able to change someone's life."
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Motivational Speaker / Guys With Ties
Jamal Luke
Jamal Luke helps students, student-athletes, and young adults excel by providing college, career, and life strategies. As a former football athlete, Beyond The Game allows Jamal to utilize his knowledge of sports and coaching to teach others what it takes to be a true champion in life, sports, and athletics as well as what it means to GO BEYOND!
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Motivational Speaker / Mental Manual
John Taylor
"As a former college football player at Ohio University, Beyond The Game allows me the opportunity to impact students and make a difference.” John works with educational & athletic organizations to help build & develop culture, communication and life skills.
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Leader - Girls With Pearls
Antonette Lackey
Antonette studies nursing at THE Ohio State University & is the community service ambassador for the Black Student Association. “Beyond the Game is an opportunity for me to mentor the youth to be the best they can be!”
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Marketing / Sponsor and Donor Relations
Guys With Ties Mentor​
Samuel Rodriguez
Sam is a current student at The Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business, studying Finance and Marketing. As a Marketing and Sponsor Relations Intern and dedicated Guys with Ties mentor, Sam works to build and strengthen partnerships, support brand development, and help drive initiatives that expand the reach of Beyond The Game while making an impact in the classroom as well.
"Working with Beyond The Game has allowed me to combine my passion for youth mentorship and youth sports with my career and professional ambitions."
Guys With Ties Coordinator
Rohan Patel
Rohan is a current student at The Ohio State University studying Finance in the Fisher College of Business. To Rohan, Beyond The Game is so impactful, "because it creates space for youth to grow not just in skill, but in everyday life. Through mentorship, young people learn how to navigate challenges, build confidence, and show up for others. My own experience as a lacrosse player showed me firsthand how powerful teamwork and accountability can be, and it is these qualities that shape character." Rohan serves as the Coordinator for Guys with Ties, where he plays a key role in organizing programming, supporting mentors, and ensuring each session runs smoothly.
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Girls With Pearls Mentor
Reva Franklin
Reva has been a dedicated mentor with Girls with Pearls since 2025, bringing passion, experience, and a deep commitment to empowering young women. A proud alumna of The Ohio State University, Reva continued her academic journey at Ohio University, where she earned her master’s degree and further developed her focus on leadership and community impact. Through her role as a mentor, Reva plays an instrumental part in shaping the confidence and growth of the next generation.
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Girls With Pearls Mentor
Ava Dean
Ava Dean has been a dedicated Girls with Pearls mentor since 2022, bringing energy, compassion, and consistency to the program. As a current student at The Ohio State University majoring in Health Sciences, Ava is passionate about helping others and making a meaningful difference in her community.
Through her mentorship, Ava creates a positive and supportive environment where students feel encouraged to grow in confidence and embrace their potential.
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Guys With Ties Mentor
Jessie Scott
Jessie Scott is a dedicated supporter of our Guys with Ties program, bringing real-world experience and a passion for mentorship to every interaction. As a Financial Manager at Byers Auto, Jessie has built a strong background in leadership, financial literacy, and professional development—skills he is eager to share with the next generation.
Through his involvement with Guys with Ties, Jessie plays a key role in helping young men develop confidence, professionalism, and an understanding of what it takes to succeed beyond the classroom.
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INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF OUR TEAM?
If you are interested in becoming a Guys With Ties or Girls With Pearls leader in your community, contact us today for more information!