Our Team – Heart of the City Sports

Rena Lee

Executive Director

With over 17 years of experience in nonprofit organizations in Lake and Cook counties, Rena is passionate about finding ways to positively impact the lives of youth and their families with programs that provide support, build skills, and help youth find their confidence, self-esteem, and voice. She is a skilled storyteller, relationship builder, and communicator who firmly believes that if our young people thrive, our community thrives. Rena earned her MA in History from Colorado State University and has been a resident of Waukegan since 2008. In her spare time, Rena loves learning about history and culture and traveling.

Dean Smith

dean@heartofthecitysports.org

Sporting Director

For Dean, soccer is a way of life. He has been involved in soccer all of his life and even played professionally in England. After his professional career, Dean began coaching at Derby County F.C. Academy and has since worked as a college coach, Director of Coaching, and most recently a staff member of Illinois Youth Soccer Association. Dean was drawn to Heart of the City because he saw an opportunity to help youth access a sport that he knows can make a positive difference in their lives. A fun fact about Dean is that he loves karaoke, especially classic 90’s British songs.

Gary Potter

gary@heartofthecitysports.org

Director of Finance

Gary is originally from Aurora, Illinois and after graduating from Illinois State University, moved to Lake County. He has worked in non profit auditing/accounting for over 35 years, as a Partner in a Waukegan CPA firm, and a Chief Financial Officer of a social service agency. He is married to Carol and has three daughters. Gary’s free time has been filled for the past 15 years with his passion for helping run, and coaching in, a girl's travel Fastpitch softball program. He is excited to combine his nonprofit finance background with this passion for helping kids realize their combined educational/athletic dreams at Heart of the City.

Francisco Martinez

francisco@heartofthecitysports.org

Director of Youth Development

Francisco is a passionate educator and counselor with a deep commitment to helping marginalized youth reach their full potential. Born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, Francisco has always been a fan of soccer, which played an important role in his life as a player in his youth and his development as a person. Francisco earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 2017 and later went on to earn his Master's in Education from the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2020. Throughout his professional career, Francisco has dedicated his time and energy to working with youth from underserved communities across the country as a teacher, soccer coach, Dean of Students, and counselor.

Letisia Gutierrez

letisia@heartofthecitysports.org

Director of Sporting Operations

Lety brings over 12 years of business administrative experience in the corporate environment to her role at Heart of the City. As someone who grew up playing soccer in Waukegan, Lety has a deep passion for giving back to this community and serving the youth who live here through the game of soccer. She earned her Associates degree in Arts Business Administration from Columbia College. In her spare time, Lety enjoys watching movies, playing softball, and spending time with her kids.

Adrian Roman

aroman@heartofthecitysports.org

Director of Coaching

Adrian graduated from Lincoln College in 2020 with a Bachelor's degree in Sports Administration. During his time there, he played four years for the men's soccer team, and was a student assistant coach for the 2020 CCAC season. One of his aspirations is to help young players master their technical and tactical soccer abilities, so they are able to move into a competitive soccer environment.

Audrey Nannenga

audrey@heartofthecitysports.org

Development and Grants Manager

After graduating with a degree in Social Work from Olivet Nazarene University, Audrey spent most of her career in Indianapolis, Indiana working directly with homeless families. She supported and encouraged families as they worked to meet their goals for lasting change. In her 20 years with a small community development organization, she played many roles and gained much experience in program management, grant writing and grant management, as well as the unique workings of non-profits. Audrey and her dog Tank look forward to all kinds of new adventures here in Waukegan.

Daphne Marcilli

daphne@heartofthecitysports.org

Development Manager

With a wealth of experience across diverse financial roles, Daphne has developed expertise through positions as a Credit Buyer, Collections Manager, Anti-Money Laundering Manager, and Compliance Manager. This range of roles has strengthened their skills in credit assessment, debt management, financial compliance, and risk mitigation, making them well-equipped to navigate complex financial landscapes and ensure regulatory alignment. Daphne has also dedicated 29 years to playing soccer at all competitive levels and has a strong commitment to coaching, including club soccer and high school girls' soccer.

Natasha Kopystynsky

natasha@heartofthecitysports.org

Wellness and Community Engagement Coordinator

Having grown up playing soccer in the northwest suburbs, Natasha has always had a love for the game. After earning her B.A. in Psychology at Pine Manor College, where she played soccer as well, she began her career helping youth with severe emotional and behavioral needs. Natasha has a passion for helping youth attain their goals and is excited to help young athletes accomplish their ambitions through soccer.

Alejandro Sotelo

alejandro@heartofthecitysports.org

Director of Academy

Alejandro graduated from Trinity Christian College in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in physical education. During his time at Trinity, he played for four years for the men's soccer team. The following year Alejandro was a graduate assistant coach at Campbellsville University for the Men's soccer team. One of many goals for Alejandro is to develop young soccer athletes on and off the field.

Daniel Giraldo

daniel@heartofthecitysports.orgorg

Marketing Manager

Daniel graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with his BA in Graphic Design. His love for soccer comes from years of playing and the joy of watching Arsenal play. He brings vibrancy, passion, and perspective to help show a view that not all can see or understand. In his free time, he finds peace in exercising, nature, and spending time with his family.

Nicole Borchers

nicole@heartofthecitysports.org

Administrative Manager

After graduating from Truman State University with a B.S. in Exercise Science, Nicole started her career in recreation at Waukegan Park District and from there has gained over 10 years of experience in program administration and coordination. During that time she had the opportunity to work with youth from preschool through high school and is delighted to continue that work by returning to the Waukegan community. In Nicole’s free time, she enjoys music and singing, crafting, watching Formula 1 and playing tabletop and video games. Soccer played a significant role in her life growing up and she is excited to be a part of the HOTC team!

Elizabeth Contreras

elizabeth@heartofthecitysports.org

Sporting Operations Coordinator

Elizabeth has worked with Waukegan Schools as a volunteer for the past 5 years and has helped with programs to improve school safety as well as implement better after school programs. Elizabeth’s passion is helping kids to find balance in their lives through sports. Elizabeth is currently attending college. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, and watching her younger daughter play soccer with HOTC, but what she most enjoys is spending time with her family.