Manatee Jaguars Football and Cheer | Official Youth Program
The Manatee Jaguars are proud to begin an exciting new chapter under new ownership and leadership.
With a fresh vision, renewed structure, and a strong commitment to our athletes, families, and community, we are focused on building a positive, competitive, and supportive program. Our goal is to develop players on and off the field while creating an environment rooted in teamwork, discipline, and growth.
MEET THE TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
EXECUTIVE-BOARD MEMEBERS
PRESIDENT
Terrence Williams
As President, Coach T provides strong leadership and vision for the organization, helping guide its overall direction and long-term growth. He plays a key role in decision-making, planning, and organizational structure to ensure the program operates smoothly both on and off the field.
Known for his professionalism, consistency, and clear communication, Coach T works closely with staff, coaches, families, and the community to uphold the organization’s values and standards. His leadership helps create a positive, well-organized environment where athletes, coaches, and families feel supported and aligned.
Through his commitment to structure, accountability, and development, Coach T helps build a strong foundation for a united and successful program.
VICE PRESIDENT
Brett Koon
As Vice President, Brett plays a key leadership role in overseeing the operations and financial integrity of the youth football and cheer program. He works closely with the executive team to review budgets, registration fees, fundraising income, and expenditures, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with league policies. Brett supports strategic planning and responsible decision-making, helping safeguard the organization and ensure resources are used in the best interest of the athletes, families, and the overall mission of the program.
LEGAL COMPLIANCE DIRECTOR
Dwight L. Walton Sr
Responsible for maintaining the organization’s compliance with league bylaws, policies, and all applicable local, state, and national regulations. He oversees waivers, compliance documentation, and organizational policies, while advising leadership on governance matters. His role helps protect the program, its athletes, and families by promoting accountability, ethical practices, and a safe, well-governed environment.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH DIRECTOR
Elsie Ely
A proud aunt of two Manatee Jaguars athletes, Mrs. Ely brings a deep commitment to community service to the Board. A former athlete herself, she participated in the PAL Boxing Club, King Middle School basketball, track and field, and Southeast High School soccer, track and field, and JROTC programs.
After graduating high school, Mrs. Ely served 10 years in the Marine Corps. Following her retirement, she relocated back to Manatee County, where she volunteered to provide free photography for the Jaguars football program.Ely is currently pursuing a degree in Finance at the University of South Florida.Elsie is passionate about ensuring every child in the area has the opportunity to play in a safe, fun, and inclusive environment.
FINANCIAL-RESOURCE DIRECTOR
Travis Longpre -
A highly valued member of Everglades Equipment Group, Travis brings years of experience and dedication to the organization. In addition to his professional contributions, he serves as a board member for the Manatee County Fairgrounds, where he plays an active role in supporting community events and initiatives. A lifelong resident of Manatee County, he is deeply committed to giving back to the community and supporting local growth and development across both professional and civic arenas.
ADMINISTRATION
TERRENCE WILLIAMS PRESIDENT
In addition to serving as President and coach, Coach T is an active part of the organization’s administration. In this role, he helps oversee operations, planning, and decision-making to ensure the program runs smoothly both on and off the field. His leadership extends beyond coaching, as he works closely with staff, families, and the community to maintain structure, organization, and long-term growth for the team.
By balancing coaching, leadership, and administrative responsibilities, Coach T plays a vital role in shaping a positive, well-managed program that supports the development of both athletes and the organization as a whole.
VICE PRESIDENT -ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Brett Koon - Coach Koon
As Vice President and Athletic Director, Brett provides leadership and strategic direction for the youth football and cheer program, overseeing athletic operations, coaching standards, and program development. He works closely with the executive board to ensure league compliance, promote athlete safety, and support a positive, competitive, and inclusive environment. Brett is committed to fostering growth, accountability, and teamwork, ensuring all athletes have the opportunity to develop both on and off the field while supporting the long-term success and integrity of the organization.
SECRETARY & EVENT MANAGER
Kayla -
An essential role within the administration team, providing reliable and organized office support to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Her responsibilities include handling general administrative tasks, taking detailed notes, and accurately recording meeting times and locations to keep communication clear and efficient.
She also assists with team planning by supporting both early and regular season registration processes, helping ensure all paperwork and forms are prepared and managed correctly. In addition, Kayla supports the Special Events Director by assisting with fundraising initiatives, community events, and book preparation alongside the team moms. Her attention to detail, organization, and commitment make her a valuable part of the team’s success.
TREASURE
Melissa Copp -
In addition to her role as Owner, Melissa is an active part of the organization’s administration, playing a key role in day-to-day operations and long-term planning. She oversees organizational structure, communication, and coordination to ensure the program runs smoothly and efficiently. Working closely with coaches, staff, and families, she helps maintain a supportive, organized environment that allows athletes and teams to thrive.
By balancing leadership and administrative responsibilities, Melissa contributes to the continued growth, stability, and success of the Jaguars organization both on and off the field
CHEER COORDINATOR
Danielle
Entering her second year as Cheer Coordinator and brings a genuine love for the cheer program and the girls involved. Last season, she especially enjoyed her role as a Teen Mom, working closely with the girls and watching their confidence, skills, and teamwork grow throughout the year.
Her son, plays football, which gives Danielle a strong appreciation for the importance of teamwork, commitment, and supporting youth sports as a whole. Even without having a child in cheer, she was fully committed to being there every step of the way for the girls — from practices to game days — creating a positive and encouraging environment.
Danielle is excited to be back for another season and looks forward to another great year with the cheer squad and their families.
PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR/COACH DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Marquis Huston -
Alongside his coaching role, Coach Marquis serves on the administrative team as the Performance Director. In this position, he helps oversee athlete performance standards, training methods, and development strategies across the program. His focus is on ensuring consistency, safety, and effectiveness in conditioning and skill development at every level.
Working closely with coaches and staff, he supports program-wide performance goals while helping young athletes build strong foundations for long-term growth. By combining coaching expertise with administrative leadership, Coach Marquis plays an important role in maintaining high performance standards throughout the organization.
SPONSORSHIP & FUNDING DIRECTOR
SEASON GAME DAY PHOTOGRAPHER
Elsie-
In addition to her board responsibilities, Mrs. Ely plays a key operational role within the Manatee Jaguars as the Sponsorship and Funding Director and Season Game Day Photographer. In this role, she is responsible for building relationships with local businesses and supporters, securing sponsorships, and helping generate funding that directly supports team operations, equipment, events, and athlete opportunities.
Mrs. Ely also serves as the Season Game Day Photographer, capturing moments on and off the field that highlight the athletes, teams, and overall Jaguars experience. Her work helps preserve memories for families while strengthening the organization’s visibility and connection with the community. Through sponsorship development, fundraising efforts, and media support, Mrs. Ely is committed to ensuring the Manatee Jaguars remain a sustainable, community-driven program where every athlete has the opportunity to succeed.
COMMUNITY LEADER MENTOR
Christopher Ward -
Christopher has dedicated his life to mentoring youth, with 12 years of experience working in School Board administration, 2 years as a children’s mental health technician, and over 20 years as a football coach driven by a lifelong passion for the sport. After experiencing a health setback, he gained a renewed sense of purpose and an even stronger commitment to giving back, using his experiences to guide and inspire the next generation. Christopher believes that with positive leadership, strong mentorship, and consistent support, young people can overcome challenges and build a bright, confident, and successful future
OWNER
Melissa Copp -
With more than 16 years of dedicated experience in youth football, Melissa now leads the Jaguars organization as its Manager and Owner. Her journey—from Team Mom to Lead Team Mom—has given her a strong foundation in supporting athletes, families, and coaching staff, including helping guide teams to regional and national competitions.
Melissa’s passion lies in creating a safe, positive place for young people to grow. She has spent every one of her 16 years in youth sports as a volunteer, driven by her commitment to giving kids a supportive environment both on and off the field.
As the Jaguars move into a new season with fresh leadership and direction, Melissa is excited to build a united, positive, and forward-looking program for all athletes and families involved.