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.

Kiernan has spent the majority of her career in the sports and publishing business with roots in the golf industry as a professional athlete. She graduated from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem NC where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Some of the major companies where she learned the trade are Time Inc, Hearst Communications, the LPGA Tour and Foundation and most recently USA Lacrosse.

As a daughter of an FBI agent and teacher she was born in Tokyo, Japan and has spent many years living in various cities like Hong Kong, San Francisco, Baltimore and ultimately found her way back to the great state of Florida. Tampa has been her home for the last seven years where she and her husband have raised two sporty children who have recently graduated from local high schools (Jesuit and Academy of the Holy Names). She looks forward to adding to the amazing sports atmosphere of Tampa by being an integral part of the success of the city’s first women’s professional soccer team!

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

Laura is an accomplished sports professional who has spent the vast majority of her career in sales and business development. Laura will lead the creation and implementation of the club’s ticketing strategies and operations. 

Laura previously worked at WorkInSports.com, where she led the company’s educational sales pillar, which involved partnering with colleges across the U.S. and Canada to assist sport business students trying to break into the industry.

Laura earned all of her degrees at the University of South Florida in Tampa. She received her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications while working at USF Athletics as the university’s mascot, Rocky D. Bull, for four years. She then went on to complete her MBA in Sport Business and her MS in Sport & Entertainment Management with the Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management program while working at USF Athletics as an Event Management GA and at the Vinik Sports Group as a Sales Fellow.

Laura is a ‘military brat’ who has lived in many places across the globe, but has called Tampa home for over 15 years and can’t wait to make history in Champa Bay!