Ownership

Michael Taylor

Co-Owner

Michael Taylor's longevity in professional sports is matched only by his success. Most recently Michael was the owner of the Florida Tarpons arena football team from 2012-2020. For the last eight years, his Florida Tarpons have played in five league championship games, winning two, including titles in 2013 – and in 2015.

His history goes back all the way to the early 2000s, with the San Angelo Texas, an expansion team in 2004 in the Intense Football League which earned a playoff berth in their inaugural season. The year following, as President of the Richmond Bandits in the Atlantic Indoor Football League, the Bandits won that league's championship, going 11-1, in their expansion season.

Specializing in development of expansion franchises Taylor was VP of the Fairbanks Grizzlies in Alaska in 2008.

Born and currently living in the greater Tampa area, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Sports Coaching Degree from the United States Sports Academy, and graduated high school from Hollow Rock Bruceton Central High School in Tennessee.

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Andrew Haines

Co-Owner

Andrew Haines, a Sports Executive, Entrepreneur and marketing guru is currently president of HSE, a sports & entertainment marketing, and consulting company. For the past several years, HSE has worked with professional sports teams in soccer, arena football, baseball, as well as properties within the sports & entertainment industry. Andrew was also the VP of sales for the Fredericksburg Nationals baseball team until August 2020.

Andrew has served as General Manager, CEO, and Owner in the Major Arena Soccer League since 2012 until 2020. Most recently, Andrew was General Manager of the Orlando SeaWolves in the MASL. From 2015-2018, he owned and operated Central Florida Sports Ventures which owned Florida Tropics SC (indoor soccer), and Lakeland Tropics (outdoor soccer).

During 2012-2015, Andrew led STL Sports Ventures which owned and operated both the St. Louis Ambush (indoor soccer) and St. Louis Attack (arena football). Prior to 2012, Andrew has owned and operated several minor league sports teams, and leagues since 2001.

Outside of sport, Andrew has his Florida 2-20 Insurance License, along with Florida 2-14 Life Insurance License. In addition to insurance, Andrew is a licensed Real Estate Agent in Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee.

Andrew has always been committed to the community, having volunteers with dozens of non-profit organizations and at community events. He has also served on the board of Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, Urban League, and the City-County Library Foundation.

With over 20 years of sales, marketing, and management experience within professional sports, Andrew had led some of the best front office staffs.

Awarded Top 50 in Business (St. Louis, MO), Best of the Best award from Street Scape Magazine in 2014.

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Di Serio Family

Co-Owner

Rocco Di Serio with his wife Giovanna and son Luigi are an Italian-Canadian family that have “calcio” (aka soccer) running through their veins. Rocco had a successful semi-professional career in Italy and in Canada growing up.

After severely breaking his leg he focused more on work, family and playing amateur instead of pursuing a career in soccer. Rocco’s passion for soccer was passed to his kids where he coached them growing up. Coaching his daughter’s team, Rocco won the Ontario Cup (the highest trophy in the province for their age group). Luigi played amateur and competitive soccer most of his life until forming his own team which he played and managed since 2005. Giovanna supported and cheered for her children’s and husband’s endless soccer adventures. She even helped administer and manage aspects of their various teams. Luigi’s teams won many trophies in a variety of leagues around Toronto, with Rocco, of course, coaching.

Luigi is also author of a non-fiction sports book called “Why Baseball is a Sport and Golf is Not”, which serves as an in-depth analysis of what the distinction is between games, athletic competitions, and sports.

Since Canada has such a cold, long winter, indoor soccer has always been a huge part of the soccer season and the Di Serio’s have a particular love for indoor soccer because it is fast, technical and has many resemblances to Canada’s national sport, hockey. Our family has spoken about trying our hand at a professional level team for many years and when the opportunity to get involved with Central Florida Crusaders and Tampa Bay Strikers became available, the Di Serio family all immediately agreed (which doesn’t happen often in an Italian family!).

The Di Serio’s are excited and looking forward to being a part of the NISL and working with and supporting the Magic City SC, Central Florida Crusaders, and Tampa Bay Strikers as best as they can and hope to grow and learn alongside our new colleagues, friends and team members during this new adventure.

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María Opeaye

Co-Owner

Maria Opeaye was born in New Orleans Louisiana and raised in Atlanta GA. She moved to Santa Barbara and attended Santa Barbara college of law.

After law school Maria moved back to Atlanta. She is a single serial entrepreneur that is a published Author of over 8 books. Maria designs her own brand of shoes called M’Opeaye Shoes. She also is the owner of London Marie coffee brand. Maria has a mediation and arbitration certification. She started a legal firm that specialize in mediation and arbitration cases.

In June 2021 Maria became the 2nd African American Female Professional Soccer Agent, for the USA Soccer Federation. Maria started her own sports agency Neoteric Sports & Entertainment in June 2021. Maria recently became the first Female African American female professional soccer team owner in March 2022.

Maria became one of the owners of Memphis Americans professional men and women’s soccer club in 2022, and now co-owner of Magic City SC.

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Hallie Hogan

Co-Owner

Hallie Hogan is a seasoned sports industry professional with a diverse background that spans well over a decade. With a passion for sports and a track record of success, she has recently taken on the role of co-owner at Magic City SC, a proud member of the National Indoor Soccer League (NISL). Hallie's journey through the world of sports has seen her excel in various capacities, making her a valuable addition to the Magic City SC team.

Hallie's sports career began in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Communications Department. She spent an impressive 12 seasons honing her skills in the field. Her dedication, strategic thinking, and strong communication abilities make her an invaluable asset to the Grizzlies organization.

In 2022, Hallie ventured into the world of MLB and baseball communications as part of the Tampa Bay Rays organization. Her experience at the Rays provided her with a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of the sports industry, adding to her already extensive knowledge.

Hallie's versatility extends beyond the realm of communications. Her journey into sports TV production started in 2012, where she took on roles as a stage manager, time-out coordinator, official and talent stats manager. Her ability to orchestrate seamless broadcasts and ensure the smooth flow of events made her a sought-after professional in the field.

Before her role with Magic City SC, Hallie contributed her talents to Junior Achievement of Memphis, where she served as a Program Manager from 2008 to 2016. Her commitment to empowering young minds through education and mentorship showcases her dedication to community involvement.

From 2016 to 2022, Hallie held the position of Marketing Manager at Landers Center in Southaven, MS. In this role, she utilized her marketing prowess to enhance the center's reputation and drive engagement with audiences across the region.

Hallie Hogan's dynamic career journey reflects her commitment to excellence and her passion for the world of sports. Her diverse skill set, coupled with her extensive experience, positions her as a co-owner ready to make a significant impact on Magic City SC's future success.

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