
Rena Lee

Dean Smith

Gary Potter

Dulce Dominguez
dulce@heartofthecitysports.org
Dulce is a graduate of the University of Chicago's Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. She has over 6 years of experience working with, and for, Latinx and Latin American immigrant communities in the area of direct service, community education, advocacy, and nonprofit development. She is originally from Mexico but grew up calling Waukegan home. She began playing soccer at the age of 10 years old, and played with the College of Lake County's Women's team in 2012 and 2013. Dulce is excited about her work at HOTC because it allows her to combine her love for soccer with her passion for helping develop the next generation of community leaders.

Francisco Martinez
francisco@heartofthecitysports.org
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.

Jennifer Ptak
jennifer@heartofthecitysports.org
Jennifer joins us as a seasoned administrative professional with over 20 years experience with an emphasis in project management, implementation and new business development. Jennifer’s love for Waukegan and Lake County really took a leap when she became active with the Waukegan Chamber of Commerce as a volunteer in 2018. Her youngest daughter became involved with the Summer Soccer Academy offered at Heart of the City, and that is when Jennifer decided she wanted to be part of Heart of the City and its mission. In her free time, Jennifer loves cooking, being outdoors, watching her oldest daughter compete in competitive cheer and her youngest daughter play soccer and tumble.

Thomas Cahue
thomas@heartofthecitysports.org
Thomas has coached soccer for over 16 years and has helped build highly successful soccer programs in Northwest Illinois. In addition to serving as the head soccer coach at Elgin Pumas S.C. and Chicago Mustangs, he helped launch the Elgin Pumas Recreational Program and the Lil’ Kickers soccer franchise for children 18 months to 12 years. He has coached all levels of soccer, including professional indoor and semi-professional outdoor (UPSL), and with IYSA in the Illinois ODP program. Thomas strongly believes in developing youth players and helping them discover their true potential; building a strong foundation and teaching strong values that will help youth achieve success in their future, on and off the field.

Audrey Nannenga
audrey@heartofthecitysports.org
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.

Letisia Gutierrez
letisia@heartofthecitysports.org

Adrian Nevarez
anevarez@heartofthecitysports.org

Adrian Roman
aroman@heartofthecitysports.org

Natasha Kopystynsky
natasha@heartofthecitysports.org
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.

Nicole Borchers
nicole@heartofthecitysports.

Elizabeth Contreras
elizabeth@heartofthecitysports.org
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.