Christina Unkel
Christina Unkel, J.D., M.B.A. is a distinguished attorney, entrepreneur, and sports analyst with nearly two decades of experience at the highest echelons of soccer, law, and business. A former NCAA athlete and FIFA referee, Christina blends her extensive expertise in sports, law, and leadership to deliver impactful insights on the global stage. Christina specializes in Football Law and has advised on high-stakes officiating and legal matters, earning a reputation as an authority in her field.
Christina is a globally recognized, sought-after broadcaster, partnering with premier networks such as ESPN, CBS Sports, Apple TV, ITV, and Fox Sports. She has delivered expert analysis for the world’s most prestigious events, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Championships, and CONCACAF competitions. Known for seamlessly integrating officiating, legal expertise, and sports strategy, Christina is a trusted authority on the global sports stage and a leading voice in soccer media.
A graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University and Stetson University’s dual J.D. and M.B.A. programs, Christina has received numerous accolades, including Sarasota’s Women of Influence and Palm Beach Atlantic’s Top 50 Alumni. She has consistently been named a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch Honoree and Super Lawyers: Rising Stars, solidifying her position as a top-rated attorney in the nation as a litigator and sports law attorney. As the founder of SPARQ Consulting Group, Christina bridges the worlds of sports, business, and law, advising clients ranging from federations to athletes and coaches.
Christina’s influence extends beyond the courtroom and broadcast studio. She serves on the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, the Advisory Board for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four, and the Advisory Committee for the Tampa Bay Chapter of Women in Sports and Events (WISE). A member of the International Women’s Forum (IWF), she champions the advancement of women in leadership worldwide.
Christina’s multifaceted career reflects unparalleled expertise and innovation. Whether shaping policy, delivering strategic insights, or mentoring future leaders, she is a driving force in the evolution of soccer, law, and leadership on a global scale.
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS & TICKETING
Genesis Botero
Genesis Botero is a results-driven leader with extensive experience in the sports and entertainment industry. As the Director of Revenue for Tampa Bay Sun FC, she oversees partnership sales and ticketing, focusing on driving growth, building strong relationships, and creating impactful business opportunities.
Throughout her career, Genesis has contributed to the success of organizations including Madison Square Garden, the New York Liberty, New York City Football Club, and Wheels Up, bringing expertise in sales strategy, revenue generation, and partnership development. Her experience spans some of the most dynamic and high-profile environments in sports and entertainment, equipping her with a unique perspective on business operations and fan engagement.
A native New Yorker, Genesis blends her professional experience with spontaneity and fun outside the office. She is a proud dog mom who loves exploring new restaurants, uncovering hidden gems throughout the city, and connecting with people through shared experiences. Her energy, creativity, and passion will help elevate Tampa Bay Sun FC to reach new heights.
PAUL WALES
SHANA CRESPO
Shana Crespo is a former SUNY Cortland basketball player who has turned her competitive drive and love for the game into a thriving career in sports business. She began her professional journey with the New York Liberty of the WNBA, where she spent two years learning the business of professional sports and developing her skills in fan engagement and sales. In 2021, Shana moved to Tampa and joined USF Athletics, where she worked in group sales for three years. Her ability to build strong relationships and consistently deliver results earned her a promotion to Senior Group Sales, where she played a key role in growing attendance and enhancing the fan experience. Today, Shana serves as a Senior Account Executive with the Tampa Bay Sun, focusing on group sales, premium experiences, and community partnerships. She works to grow the game and create memorable experiences for fans across Tampa Bay.
Claire Beccaccio
DEVYN MUCH
OPERATIONS
Desiree Phelps
Desiree Phelps is an innovative leader with over a decade of experience in professional sports. As the Senior Director of Business Operations for Tampa Bay Sun FC, she specializes in strategic planning and growth, revenue generation, operational efficiency, and leadership.
Throughout her career, Desiree has contributed to the success of several minor league baseball teams, MLB Spring Training operations, and nonprofit organizations in the sports industry. She holds a Master’s degree and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Old Dominion University, equipping her with a strong foundation in organizational development and executive decision-making.
Passionate about creating sustainable growth in sports organizations, Desiree takes a strategic approach to business operations, ensuring efficiency and long-term success. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, attending baseball games, and cooking. She met her husband, Zac, while working in baseball, and now, their son Harrison is beginning his own journey in sports
ZOE LEONARD
KYLE JOHNSON
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
KODY ALLENSON
SARAH RECTOR
Eric Kidd
EMILY RODGER
Eliz Santiago
FOUNDATION
Rachel Jolley
Tampa Bay Sun Foundation
Rachel began her journey as a Division I soccer player at the University of South Alabama, where she furthered her deep love for the game and developed her leadership style. That experience laid the groundwork for a career centered around storytelling, impact, and community building.
Since 2016, she has worked as a freelance social media storyteller and content creator, helping brands—from Toyota USA to Travel & Leisure as well as local startups—craft meaningful digital identities. Alongside that, Rachel earned her USSF D License as a youth soccer coach and has been recognized with honors like PCAC Coach of the Year and the Positive Coaching Alliance’s Double-Goal Coach award for her commitment to both player development and character building.
In 2023, she founded Rise Up Soccer Club, a free-to-play program focused on empowering girls at Title 1 schools through soccer and mentorship. Her leadership there led to her current role as Program & Marketing Director for the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation, where she leads the organization through building inclusive, community-driven initiatives that expand access to soccer and support local youth.When Rachel is not at the soccer field, she prioritizes spending quality time with her family and friends in addition to nurturing her love for nature and the great outdoors.
CALLIE LUPICA
Tampa Bay Sun Foundation
Callie Lupica serves as the Impact Giving Liaison at the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation, where she builds meaningful partnerships with community members passionate about creating opportunities for youth and women in sports. A graduate of the University of Tampa with a B.A. in Psychology, Callie brings over eight years of nonprofit experience, previously serving with Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County. She is dedicated to leading by example, and being part of organizations that bring a community together through action.
At the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation, Callie is excited to merge her love for community-building with the powerful platform of soccer, ensuring that young athletes have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive both on and off the field.