OUR FACULTY

DIRECTOR OF SOCCER

With deep expertise in developing and applying sports curricula for children and youth, Gus is passionate about integrating education and athletics. His extensive background in sports management and leadership reflects a strong commitment to fostering environments where student-athletes can thrive both on and off the field. Gus holds a *master’s degree in education – Physical Education & Sports Coaching* from Charleston Southern University and is a licensed Soccer and Futsal Coach through both *U.S. Soccer* and *U.S. Youth Futsal*. 

He also earned his undergraduate degree in Physical Education from the Higher School of Physical Education of Jundiai (Brazil) and completed a post-graduate in Soccer at the Federal University of Viçosa-MG. Gus is a results-driven, enthusiastic professional who continually focuses on empowering

individuals and solving challenges while upholding the values and vision of every institution he represents.

• U.S. Youth Futsal National Team Head Coach U-15 -2024
• U.S Youth Futsal National Team Head Coach U-10 - 2025
• U.S. Youth Futsal National Team ID Staff since 2023
• Elite Futsal Charleston – Futsal Coach Since 2022
• Oceanside Collegiate Academy – Soccer Coach 2021-2023
• MPFA Futsal Academy – Director 2019-2022
• FC Golden State California – Assistant Coach 2018-2019
• Sant’Anna International School – Brazil Athletic Director 2016-2018

DIRECTOR OF BASEBALL

Ari brings elite experience and a development-first mindset to our program. As the Director and Founder of Palmetto Republic Travel Baseball and the owner of Asteri Sports, the largest sports performance center in the Charleston area, he has coached athletes from 9U all the way to MLB, and now he is bringing that approcah to CASA.

• Played at the College of Charleston 2015-2021 / 14th all-time in Homeruns / 10th-all-time games played / 2020 8th toughtest hitter to Strikout (NCAA)
• Played overseas in the Italian Professional Baseball League with San Marino Republic and  won the 2021 Championship of Italy qualifying San Marino back to the European Championship Cup in Bonn, Germany. 
• Played in the United Shore Independent baseball league as a member of the Utica Unicorns (2022) where he finished as the 2022 MVP / Home Run King / All-Star Team Captain and a member of the All-USPBL Team. 
• Ari is a current member of the Greek National Baseball Team representing his heritage across the globe on the baseball field. He has been on the active roster since 2018.

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Grace joins CASA as an award-winning educator with a passion for developing students academically, athletically adn personally. With a Master's in Learning Experience Design and Education Technology, Grace brings a powerful blend of instructional expertise and innovative program design. She is also a licensed U.S. Soccer coach and a former Division 1 athelete.

With years of experince teaching, leading professional development, mentoring educators and coaching club soccer, Grace has a proven track record of creating learning environments where students, teachers and athletes thrive. Her background as both a competitive athlete and a coach gives her a deep understanding of what student-athletes need to excel. To help her student athletes, Grace provides a balance of discipline, resilience and support which allows them to succeed both on the field and in the classroom.