Eric Harris-Poindexter

I’m a part of Flag Star because…

I enjoy mentoring young athletes and teaching them life lessons through the game

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids:

Sports is a microcosm of life. The same skills needed to become a great athlete can translate very well into business and adulthood.

Favorite intro/pump-up song:

Meek Mill- Dreams and Nightmares

Favorite Sports Movie:

He Got Game

Who was your childhood sports hero:

Dwayne Wade

Who was your favorite youth coach and what did he/she teach you:

Coach P, taught me how to leave it all out on the field and be satisfied with the results.

Who’s the best friend you made through sports:

My college teammate Parker

What’s your most cringe-worthy sports moment / biggest failure:

My biggest failure was in an HS playoff game, getting called for a penalty on a potentially game-winning drive which killed our momentum.

What are your off-field interests/hobbies:

Basketball training and coaching, Photography/Videography, business

What’s your favorite quote:

Never forget where you come from

Ben Brooks

I’m a part of Flag Star because of the amazing opportunities it provides from kids of all ages to stay active and make new friends. 

The most important value to share with kids is that winning isn’t everything and it doesn’t define you as a person. 

Favorite pump up song: Nonstop (Drake)

Favorite sports movie: Blindside

Childhood sports hero: Antawn Jamison

Favorite youth sports coach: Coach McMahon (basketball). He taught me the importance of effort and hustle. 

Best friend I made through sports: Ben Plishker

Biggest sports failure: in flag football once, I was playing quarterback and I had a huge open space so I started running and then tripped on my own shoelace and face planted. 

Off-field interests: Tennis, Ping Pong, Mexican food.

Favorite Quote: “sometimes, all I want is to be a few inches taller so the world does not look like a dense collection of torsos”

Cole Miller

I’m a part of Flag Star because…

Youth sports provided the foundation that allowed me to accomplish my childhood dreams. I want to help the next generation of dreamers accomplish theirs.

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids:

Resiliency

Favorite intro/pump-up song:

Man of the Year

Favorite Sports Movie:

Hoosiers (I'm originally from Indiana)

Who was your childhood sports hero:

Peyton Manning (Again, from Indiana)

Who was your favorite youth coach and what did he/she teach you:

Definitely my Dad. He instilled in me a strong work ethic first and foremost.

Who’s the best friend you made through sports:

The majority of my friends I've made through sports, but I'd have to say Zacciah Saltzman since he's the only one I've lived with for 3 years!

What’s your most cringe-worthy sports moment / biggest failure:

In a high school game, I almost took a kickoff return back for a touchdown. I got tripped up by the turf monster at the 5-yard line. Moral of the story: Keep looking forward and don't look back to see if you're about to get tackled. ...Wow, that's pretty deep now that I think about it.

What are your off-field interests/hobbies:

I'm really into hiking and just being outside as much as possible. I love movies and tv shows and hopefully, I can learn to play the guitar soon.

What’s your favorite quote:

"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul" -William Ernest Henly

I'm a big poem guy so just a could I like a lot: Invictus (William Ernest Henly) and Live Your Life (Chief Tecumseh)

Richard Shankle

I’m a part of Flag Star because…

I was fortunate enough to have many great coaches, mentors and leaders in my life. I want to be that for the young gunners in this league

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids:

The sum is greater than the parts. No matter how great a player is individually they cannot succeed without a team around them doing their part.

Favorite intro/pump-up song:

Candyman by Zedd & Aloe Blacc

Favorite Sports Movie:

Hardball

Who was your childhood sports hero:

Kobe Bryant

Who was your favorite youth coach and what did he/she teach you:

My High-school football Coach, John Small. He taught me to play with integrity on the field. You can play hard and do the right thing

Who’s the best friend you made through sports: I have three from Georgetown:

Darius Baxter, Troye Bullock and Daniel Wright.

What’s your most cringe-worthy sports moment / biggest failure:

My senior year of HS we were playing in the second round of the playoffs against a team we steamrolled during the regular season. We completely underestimated them and got our tails kicked by 3 touchdowns. The lesson there is you have to show up and prepare for your opponent each week no matter what.

What are your off-field interests/hobbies:

I really enjoy music! Going to concerts music festivals etc.

What’s your favorite quote:

“Nobody cares, work harder”

Nicky Varela

I’m a part of Flag Star because…

I love what this organization does with the kids and I love the thrill that football, regardless of age, brings to the table.

The most important value to teach the kids:

The value of hard work. When the kids put in work towards something they have passion for, like football, and that hard work pays off, they learn to transfer that mindset to other facets of life.

My favorite intro/pump-up song:

Right now it is “Trap Queen” by Fetty Wap. I know it’s old, but it still slaps.

My favorite sports movie:

“The Waterboy.” One of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen.

My childhood sports hero:

The DC GOAT, Ryan Zimmerman.

My favorite youth coach:

My dad, he taught me the importance of always giving 100%.

The best friend I’ve made through sports:

My guy Mason Munoz, who also works for Flag Star.

My most cringe-worthy sports moment:

When I was in Little League and the pitcher threw a curveball that maybe reached 30 mph. My 12-year-old self was gearing up for a fastball, and when the ball was delivered I swung and missed horribly and somehow let go of the bat during my backswing. It didn’t hit anybody thankfully, but the feeling of everyone’s confused stares boring into me as I walked to the backstop to pick up my bat was not fun to experience.

Off the field interest:

I love playing football for McLean, hanging out with friends, and eating food (obviously).

My favorite quote:

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” -Tim Notke.

Lastly, I know I look big and intimidating, but honestly I’m a teddy bear. Don’t be afraid to talk to me. I’m a fun guy, I swear.

Abdul Taylor

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids:

Respect your elders while you enjoy your youth because you are the future.

Favorite intro/pump-up song:

Ruff Ryder Anthem by DMX

Favorite Sports Movie:

Remember the Titans

Who was your childhood sports hero:

Jerry Rice

Who was your favorite youth coach and what did he/she teach you:

Coach Cox. DB coach. Developed me and football helped me get to college.

Who’s the best friend you made through sports:

HS football buddies Vel and Zeke.

What’s your most cringe-worthy sports moment / biggest failure:

Gave up the winning touchdown in a big, high scoring game in High school. We lost 47-40

What are your off-field interests/hobbies:

Acting. I’m a thespian.

What’s your favorite quote:

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Frederick Douglass

Isaiah Easley

I’m a part of Flag Star because…

I believe that sports are a powerful tool for bringing people together and it's such a great opportunity to help the kids build their character development.

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids:

The most important value to share with the kids is that you need to work hard for anything you want to do.

My favorite pump-up song is:

"Scenario" - ATCQ

My favorite sports movie is:

"Hardball"

My childhood sports hero is:

The greatest basketball player of all time, Lebron Raymone James.

My favorite youth coach was:

Coach Joe with my youth football team. He taught me the importance of school and hard work by taking me off the team when my grades dropped. I didn't appreciate it when it happened but I understand why he did that now.

My best friend that I met through sport was:

Jeremiah on my peewee team.

My worst moment ever was when:

The quarterback threw the ball my way and I tripped and let the defender get an easy pick. There was a flag that got it called back so it wasn't too bad.

My off-field interests include:

listening to music, playing video games and reading.

My favorite quote is:

"Fail fast, fail often" - Ryan Babineaux. To me, this states that nobody in the world is perfect and your going to fail if your attempting new things. There is no growth in succeeding all the time.

I look forward to having a great season with the coaches and kids of Flag Star.

Tyler Miller

I’m a part of Flag Star because…

I enjoy what I do on a daily basis. Flag Star has offered me life lessons, an awesome book club, office dogs, and an opportunity to positively impact hundreds if not thousands of lives. I’m beyond thrilled to join this team, support our mission, and participate in greatness!

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids:

Be proactive - always look for ways to improve, accept criticism and compete with your biggest competitor...yourself.

Favorite intro/pump-up song:

‘Till I Collapse - Eminem

Favorite Sports Movie:

Remember the Titans

Who was your childhood sports hero:

Brian Dawkins

Who was your favorite youth coach and what did he/she teach you:

High School Varsity Football Coach Dominick DeMatteo. He taught us that you must seize every moment, both on and off the field - and he encouraged us not to “get lost in the sauce” - stay focused!

Who’s the best friend you made through sports:

Adam - we started playing football together in middle school and fast forward a decade, now we ride our motorcycles through the countryside. 

What’s your most cringe-worthy sports moment / biggest failure:

Opening kick-off with my first girlfriend’s family in the stands. I charged down field faster than my feet could manage. I tripped up and fell...twice! *I hopped up each time and continued my charge though.

What are your off-field interests/hobbies:

Spending time with my fiancee Caity and our fur baby Chloe. Riding my motorcycle, hiking, traveling and spending time with the ones who matter most. 

What’s your favorite quote: 

“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”

― George Bernard Shaw 

Anything else people need to hear?? 

Carpe diem, don’t sweat the small stuff, make conversation, and always pursue HAPPINESS!

Nick Gasbarro

I’m a part of Flag Star because…

I had great experiences playing football from youth through college and want to pass it on.

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids:

Effort

Favorite Sports Movie:

Rocky II

Who was your childhood sports hero:

LeBron

What are your off-field interests/hobbies:

I am a student at Georgetown Business School!

What’s your favorite quote:

"I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it."

Marquelle Jones

I’m a part of Flag Star because…

As a kid I developed a love for the game and want to help kids gain a love for the game

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids:

No matter whats going on always try your best

Favorite intro/pump-up song:

Gotta Lotta – 2 Chains & Lil Wayne

Favorite Sports Movie:

Any Given Sunday

Who was your childhood sports hero:

Michael Jordan

Who was your favorite youth coach and what did he/she teach you:

His name was Micah Bender and he taught me nothing will ever be given to me I have to go earn everything I want in life.

Who’s the best friend you made through sports: Khalid Conteh and Ayize Sabater

What’s your most cringe-worthy sports moment / biggest failure:

My junior year of high school we were in a thanksgiving day 7 on 7 tournament and we made it to the championship and everyone told me not to eat until after the game but I ate a plate of food at halftime. I ended up cramping up in the fourth quarter during what was the game winning play for the other team. I learned how to follow rules that day

What are your off-field interests/hobbies:

I enjoy acting, reading, hanging with my son Aj and video games

What’s your favorite quote:

“The greatest super power a hero can have is the ability to inspire other people to be heroes themselves”

Anything else people need to hear?? GO COWBOYS

Max Norton

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids:

Patience and Perseverance!

Favorite intro/pump-up song:

Boys of Fall

Favorite Sports Movie:

Rudy

Who was your childhood sports hero:

Jason Pierre-Paul

Who was your favorite youth coach and what did he/she teach you:

My pop warner Coach, Coach Rob. He taught me that no matter what life throws at you, if you love your sport you will succeed at it.

Who’s the best friend you made through sports:

Pretty much all of my friends!

What’s your most cringe-worthy sports moment / biggest failure:

When I was a freshman, an older player got hurt and I was forced to play. I didn't know any of the plays and I was awful! I ended up getting benched later in the year. After that, I really stepped it up and became a much better player

What are your off-field interests/hobbies:

Playing Madden and hanging out with my friends!

What’s your favorite quote:

"No one ever drowned in sweat" -Lou Holtz

Nate Hazen

I’m a part of Flag Star because…

It’s the most fun I’ve had outside of partying. 

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids:

Family and Fun first. You should rather aspire to be a great teammate over a great player 

Favorite intro/pump-up song:

The theme to the Last of The Mohicans 

Favorite Sports Movie:

RUDY

Who was your childhood sports hero:

The GOAT TB12

Who was your favorite youth coach and what did he/she teach you:

My Dad: How to be a man

Who’s the best friend you made through sports:

The people I work with here

What’s your most cringe-worthy sports moment / biggest failure:

Throwing more pick sixes (2) than completions in a half then getting benched.

What are your off-field interests/hobbies:

Madden. Girlfriend. Pats in the fall and winter, Caps in the spring and summer

What’s your favorite quote:

They have missed underestimated me- George ‘Dubya’ Bush

Anything else people need to hear??

Brady is coming back

Cotter Smart

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids:

The fact that football should be fun, no matter the outcome all that really matters is the camaraderie.

Favorite intro/pump-up song:

tweezer reprise by phish

Favorite Sports Movie:

Remember the Titans

Who was your childhood sports hero:

Sean Taylor

Who was your favorite youth coach and what did he/she teach you:

Coach Barakat, he coached me in both football and wrestling. He was the single most influential person in my childhood and I owe much of who I am today to his teachings

Who’s the best friend you made through sports:

My best friend, Luke Goodwin

What’s your most cringe-worthy sports moment / biggest failure:

One time I ran smack into the goal post trying to catch a ball

What are your off-field interests/hobbies:

phish, the Grateful Dead, I love the environment and getting outside, and working out is always fun

What’s your favorite quote:

“If you’re not first, you’re last” Ricky Bobby

Bruce Evans

I’m a part of Flag Star because… I love the energy, the people and the overall environment.

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids: That lessons are learnt through life wins and losses.

Favorite intro/pump-up song: no one song in particular just depends on that day and the expectation of the game.

Favorite Sports Movie: The longest yard

Who was your childhood sports hero: I have two Michael Jordan and John Elway

Who was your favorite youth coach and what did he/she teach you: Tal Bayer, he taught me to be confident in myself

Who’s the best friend you made through sports: Anwaar Muhammad together we were thunder and lightning

What’s your most cringe-worthy sports moment / biggest failure: My very first rugby game ever I made a 60 meter run with no one in sight and put the ball down too early and ended up not scoring because by the time realized that I put the down before the goal line the other team caught up and prevented me from scoring.

What are your off-field interests/hobbies: playing games with my kids

What’s your favorite quote: “when does a man die?, when his heart is pierced by a bullet?, no. When he has an incurable illness?, no. When he eats poison given to him?, no. A man dies only when he is forgotten.

Clas Duncan

I’m a part of Flag Star because…

FOOTBALL IS A PART OF ME,AND KIDS ARE THE FUTURE

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids:

Self confidence,and leadership

Favorite intro/pump-up song:

I JUST NEED LOTS AND LOTS OF BASS

Favorite Sports Movie:

Any Given Sunday and Longest Yard (Sandler)

Who was your childhood sports hero:

DIEON PRIMETIME SANDERS & MIKE VICK

Who was your favorite youth coach and what did he/she teach you:

Coach Greg instilled me with self confidence and leadership...We went all the way to Florida that year 15 y.o...3rd best AAU 14U in the nation

Who’s the best friend you made through sports:

Jay Pickett, he was my receiver on that championship team

What’s your most cringe-worthy sports moment / biggest failure:

The summer headed to the 12th grade, i knew I'd start,so i skipped workouts,and overall just wasn't as tuned in as i was the year before (blaming coaches and everyone else ) rather than doing all that's in my control!

What are your off-field interests/hobbies:

Calisthenics,yoga,garden,read,etymology,gardening 

What’s your favorite quote:

"There's no coincidences!"

Anything else people need to hear??

Everything you need,YOU POSSESS!!!

Liam Downey

I’m a part of Flag Star because…

I love playing football and watching it. It is a big part of my life and if I can get other kids interested in playing it then that makes me happy.

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids:

Fundamentals. That is what my youth coach always taught me and it made me better at the game so if I can teach kids the fundamentals hopefully they will improve their game.

Favorite intro/pump-up song:

- How bad do you want it? ( PaulF/ SoundCloud)

Favorite Sports Movie:

Rudy, I'm a big Notre Dame fan.

Who was your favorite youth coach and what did he/she teach you:

My first youth football coach was Coach Barakat and he taught me the fundamentals of tackle football and he would push us every practice to get better.

What’s your most cringe-worthy sports moment / biggest failure:

During my high school rivalry football game as we were breaking down the huddle and lining up I tripped on my cleats and fell in front of everyone. Kind of embarrassing!

What are your off-field interests/hobbies:

After school I like to go to the weight room and workout with my team and I also love playing pick up basketball. I also love to game with my friends on Xbox.

Tyler Lindsay

I’m part of flag star because…

I like coaching. 

The most important value to share to the kids:

Never give up.

Favorite pump up song:

“U Don’t Know” - Jay-Z

Favorite Sports Movie:

Friday Night Lights

Childhood Sports Hero:

Brian Dawkins

Best Friend Made through Sports:

Best Man at my wedding.

Cringe Worthy Sports Moment:

Getting ran over at the first game my family showed up to.

Off-Field hobbies:

Video games and tennis

Favorite Quote:

“A loss ain’t a loss it’s a lesson” -Jay-Z

Anything needed to know:

I’m from PG County.

Nate Lieber

I'm part of Flagstar because:

I want to help guide the young ballers in my community, help make them better sons and daughters. 

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids:

to appreciate the opportunity they have to play such a powerful game. not everyone is so fortunate!

Favorite intro/pump-up song:

“Love Sosa” - by chief keef

Favorite Sports Movie:

The Blind Side

Who was your childhood sports hero:

Laron Landry (redskins safety)

Who was your favorite youth coach and what did he/she teach you:

Coach Mohamed. He taught me patience and taught me to be confident in what I do.

Who’s the best friend you made through sports:

My friend and fellow teammate Daniel Schehl

What’s your most cringe-worthy sports moment / biggest failure:

I made a mistake as goalkeeper in the final of a tournament in Spain and we ended up losing 1-0.

What are your off-field interests/hobbies:

I love chess and watching Last Chance U.

What’s your favorite quote:

"enjoy the journey, not the destination"

Anything else people need to hear?? 

I am the biggest Creighton Bluejays Men's Bball fanatic on the east coast and maybe in the whole world.

Rodney Faulk

I’m a part of Flag Star because…

I love football and the outdoors.

What’s the most important value to share with/teach the kids:

Respect goes a long way.

Favorite intro/pump-up song:

“Magnolia” - Playboi Carti

Favorite Sports Movie:

Space Jam

Who was your childhood sports hero:

Blake Griffin

Who’s the best friend you made through sports:

Henry Iloanya, wade jackson, and jestus johnson (all work for flagstar)

What’s your most cringe-worthy sports moment / biggest failure:

7on7 at university of maryland i dropped an easy pick 6.

What are your off-field interests/hobbies:

Reading and haning out with friends

What’s your favorite quote:

"Life is like a sandwich, no matter the way you flip it, the bread comes first" - unknown

Keon Eady

The most important value to teach a kid:

Respect. Respect for themselves, their teammates, their parents, their coaches, their opponents, and the game. If you teach them this they won’t just be great players but great people.

My favorite pump up song:

Love Sosa.

My favorite sports movie:

The Water Boy

My childhood sports hero:

RG3

My favorite coach:

my high school coach because they preached to me about how the game shouldn’t be a business and that No matter what I should find a way to have fun.

Who’s the best friend you’ve made through sports:

I’ve found one of my best friends Through sports.

What’s your most cringe-worthy sports moment / biggest failure:

was in soccer when i scored a goal on my own team. I like to play video games and listen to music off the field.

My favorite quote:

is “1 fish 2 fish red fish blue fish”.