7 ON 7 
BSA Girls Flag Football 
Lawrence Williams II
Branding Coach
Step into the world of Next Play, a vibrant and dynamic mentoring program tailor-made for middle and high school student-athletes. It’s a place where dreams are nurtured, talents are honed, and success is forged both on the field and in the classroom.
Next Play is a transformative journey centered around five pillars: mentorship, financial fitness, brand awareness, mental fitness, and community outreach. Together, these elements create an immersive and empowering experience that sets student-athletes on a path to greatness.
Imagine having a personal champion by your side, someone who has walked the path you aspire to tread. That’s what our mentorship program offers. Our mentors, drawn from diverse backgrounds, ignite your drive, share their wisdom, and inspire you to reach new heights. They are your unwavering support system, guiding you towards excellence in both sports and academics.
In a world where financial know-how is paramount, Next Play equips you with the tools to navigate the financial playing field. From understanding income and expenses to mastering the art of savings and budgeting, you’ll gain the financial savvy needed to make smart choices and secure a prosperous future.
At Next Play, we believe in the transformative power of giving back. Through engaging in community service projects, you’ll learn the value of compassion, empathy, and active citizenship. Together, we’ll make a positive impact, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the field.
Branding Coach
Branding Coach
Born in Atlanta, GA and raised in Decatur, GA, Lawrence Williams, II affectionately known as Coach Lawrence by many is a graduate of Alabama A&M University and Columbia Theological Seminary, father of 3 amazing children (Jahayla, Lawrence III, and Kason), a husband to Kenitra Williams, and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
His passion and love for helping young people to become the best version of themselves spans over 18 years of service as an educator in the Fulton, Gwinnett, and DeKalb County School Systems, volunteering for organizations such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), NG3, coaching youth and high school football, co-founding The HUDDLE Group that serviced middle and high school students in the Metro Atlanta Area, and what he is most known for being the founder, speaker, and motivator from My BRAND, LLC. Coach Lawrence currently serves as the Student and Young Adult Pastor at New Mercies Christian Church in Lilburn, GA
Mental Fitness Coach
Mental Fitness Coach
Claudia Matteo, PsyM, PMP® has been a Project/Program Manager at IBM for about 25 years. She was inducted into the Inclusive Design Guild Leadership Squad, Trusted Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center of Excellence (CoE), and Academy of Technology (AoT), a society of about 600 leading thinkers and problem solvers, for her ability to design innovative solutions.
She has a BS in Computer Science and Technical Communications and an MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology along with various training from humane tech to life coaching. Claudia received the first ever Loudoun County Resilience Award and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Virginia Youth Education Champion Award for mental health contributions like co-implementing roundtables to better support abuse survivors and serving as lead presenter of Ending the Silence (ETS), family support group facilitator, and
board member collaborating in multiple health and human services networks of nonprofits and healthcare providers to ensure access to support for holistic needs of the community.
Life Skills/Outreach Coach
Life Skills/Outreach Coach
Coach Thomas, a native of Atlanta, Georgia and a product of Atlanta Public Schools, is in his twenty fifth year of coaching and teaching the youth of the city of Atlanta. He graduated from Fredrick Douglass High School where he excelled in academics along with athletics. Coach Thomas was named as a senior captain of both the football and baseball teams. Coach Thomas served as a peer tutor to under classman in several subjects. After high school, he continued his education at Fort Valley State University where he earned his degree in Middle Grades Education as well as his Masters in Middle Grades Education. While in college he was voted by his peers as an SGA officer during his junior year of college. Coach Thomas played collegiate football at Fort Valley State University under head Coach Doug Porter.
After graduating from FVSU he began his career in the field of education he began working with Atlanta Public Schools. While an educator he was drawn back to his love of sports began coaching football and baseball within the district. For the past twenty-five years Terrence Thomas has poured into the heart and souls of thousands of student athletes by pushing them to be the best version of themselves. He was teacher of the year in 2005 and has been recognized numerous times for his top performance of growing data and bridging gaps in student’s deficits.
Before moving in to the King football family, he was coaching at Douglass High School, where in the past he’s served as both defensive and special team coordinator. Coach Thomas started his coaching career at Price Middle School, where he started as an assistant coach on both sides of the ball, then moving on to become the head coach of the program. He has coached athletes that have graduated from high school and gone on to play college football, joined the arm forces, and even played professionally. Coach Thomas has a passion to bring out the best from on and off the field out of his scholars. He builds relationships with his scholars and athletes so that they understand that he wants the very best for them. These relationships have proven to be successful because he still communicates as stays abreast of former student-athletes from the beginning of his career.
Terrence is married to Nadia Thomas and the father of an adult daughter Chyna, and two teenage sons Collin and Chance Thomas. He is a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Incorporated. When not on the field supporting his kids Coach Thomas enjoys drag racing motorcycles and traveling.
Financial Fitness Coach
Financial Fitness Coach
Jonavon (Coach Jay) Stephens is a high school/collegiate coach turn Financial Advisor. Jonavon brings over 20 years of investment & Merger and Acquisition knowledge to Next Play. Jonavon goal for “Financial Fitness” program is teach to all the mentees in the program the following techniques of financial success.
As a Financial Rep. Jonavon works tirelessly to ensure that each client has a secure plan that has income/asset protection with written Instructions that provides a legacy for their families and the next generation to come!!
As President of Aquarius Vision, LLC, of Alpharetta Georgia a company founded in 2002, that serves as the parent Company for AQV MUSIC, AQV Sports Management, AQV Films and AQV Talent Management. In addition to the stellar team of approximately 20 experts he leads at AQV, Jonavon brings over 20 years of business management experience, specializing in elite client finance portfolios, funding and managing budgets and providing oversight for film and TV Projects, music production, concert tours, and sporting events. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the sports and entertainment industries.
Jared is a former offensive lineman for Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt University. After playing his first four seasons at Vanderbilt and receiving his Bachelors Degree in Economics, Jared grad-transferred to Georgia Tech to finish his remaining eligibility and earned a Masters Degree in economics while being voted a team captain by his peers. Originally from New Jersey, Jared now lives in Atlanta where he is a management consultant in data & analytics, a private strength coach, and runs his own business training offensive linemen. Jared is very involved in the community working with athletes at all levels, ranging from middle school all the way up to the NFL.
Chase Middleton is a former NFL/CFL Athlete, who currently works as an educator in the Gwinnett County Public School system. He was born in Lawrenceville, Ga and graduated from Brookwood High School. As a senior, Chase led the state for solo tackles, averaging 11.2 tackles per game and was credited 112 total tackles. In 2015, he was blessed with a four year scholarship to Georgia State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Chase was drafted as an undrafted free agent to the Houston Texans in 2019 and was later signed to the Atlanta Falcons in the same year. A couple months later he had a chance to play in the Canadian Football Legaue for the Calgary Stampeders in Alberta. After transitioning from football, he began to build his career as a personal trainer along with working at Trip Elementary in Grayson, Ga as a health teacher. Chase’s number one goal in life is to become the best version of himself to serve others and to uplift the youth.
Timothy has Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a Centration in Administration. I’m originally from Greenville, MS and I moved to GA in 2000. I went to Coahoma Community College where I played football. I graduated with an AA in Criminal Justice. After leaving Coahoma, had several scholarship offers but decided to attend Mississippi Valley State University and not play football anymore. I decided to focus on academics, and I obtained both BS & MS degrees. I’m a member of the GREATEST Fraternity in the land Alpha Phi Alpha, Frat., Inc. I have over Twenty plus years of professional and managerial experience in the State of Georgia’s Criminal Justice and other government agencies.
I have worked as a Juvenile Corrections Officer & Sargent, Adult Probation and Juvenile Probation Officer. Ten years, I was the Chief Juvenile PO for the State of GA Juvenile Justice in Gwinnett. This included supervising, guiding, and/or instructing work assignments of subordinate staff and oversight of a million-dollar budget. This also included monitoring program operations to ensure effectiveness, develop, prepare, and implement program budgets, while conducting pre-hearing and pre-screening investigations. Currently, I hold a Senior level position as Court Support Manager II (Court Administration) with Fulton County Superior Court where I manage Fulton County Superior Court facility projects. I have been married for over 21 years and I have 1 daughter and an Adopted son that was one of my wife’s students. “Adversity is another way to measure the greatness of individuals” ― Lou Holtz
Louis “Perry” Bryant, an exceptional leader known for his innovative approach, unwavering integrity, and exceptional work ethic. With over two decades of experience in the IT industry, Louis has successfully managed and delivered cutting-edge IT solutions across diverse sectors. His expertise spans various industries, making him adaptable and versatile in addressing unique challenges. As a dynamic leader, Louis consistently demonstrates his commitment to character, moral values, and personal integrity. He exemplifies these principles in his daily actions, striving to exceed expectations and always adhering to his core values. Louis embraces a servant leadership style, prioritizing talent development and mentorship to empower his team members and foster their growth. His ability to build strong relationships and cultivate a collaborative work environment is a testament to his exceptional leadership skills.
Christopher Scott is a dedicated father and husband who values his family above all else. A Corporate professional who loves to have fun and joke. Sports hold a special place in Christopher’s heart. He believes sports are a great barometer for life and a guide to living it.
A former University of Florida student athlete (student first, athlete second), letter winner and BCS National Champion. He has coached high school football in 3 states.
Chris loves to spend quality time with his family. He has traveled to most of the world wonders with his wife, Natalie. He has two young, bright boys full of zeal and are his greatest accomplishments.
Charlie Walker is a former football player and graduate of Jackson State University. He has a bachelor’s in political science and minor in criminology. After graduation Charlie had a chance to continue playing football with several football leagues such as RFL, XFL and Arena Football. During this time Charlie connected with the outreach programs where he was able to touch the hearts of young student athletes. Charlie went on to become a mentor in his home state of Mississippi and Georgia where he resides now. Through mentoring Charlie can share the importance of education, independent living skills, training of sports techniques, and most important being a great kid at home where it all starts. Charlie mentoring skills has gotten him a mentor of the year award, trained student athletes to go on to play in the NFL and helped several student athletes to get scholarships within universities.
Charlie is a positive, energetic, and responsible role model to young adults to amplify their communication, and confidence so they can make an influential impact on the world as they grow. Charlie mentors with passion, guiding his student athletes to effectively strengthen and elevate their individual vision to new heights. With over 15 years of corporate training experience, a knack for making meaningful connections with audiences and an insatiable appetite for helping others maximize their potential, Charlie knows how to rock a platform, and provide necessary skills so that others can effectively do the same.
Charlie’s down to earth humor compels others to laugh while they learn. He engages groups from the moment he steps in front of them and leaves them with empowering tools and focused mindsets that they will use long after the lights have gone out. Charlie is passionate about people. He is especially inspired to help people take themselves to unprecedented levels.
Edward attended the University of Florida where he played football from 1994-1999 and graduated which a Bachelor’s of Science. Edward has been married 20yrs to Lisa Chester and has 2 children, Natalie and Kaleb. After graduating Edward became a counselor at the Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County for five years where he was a Teen Director. In 2008 he moved to St. Petersburg, Fl to start his current career as a Certified Personal Training. He is also a certified Life Coach.
Mack Brown is a former NFL running back who is currently attaining his PhD in organizational management. Currently Mack is Speaker, Consultant, and business owner. Mack’s professional football career started in 2015 with the Washington Redskins where he spent three years there. Mack played for the Minnesota Vikings for one season and then with the Oakland Raiders in 2019. In 2018 Mack launched the Built Tough Foundation. The Built Tough foundation looks to educate the youth and improve the community. In January of 2018 Mack launched his real estate and investment company. In order to perfect his craft as a business owner, Mack Brown has attained his dual MBA in finance and real estate development in December 22’.
Cecil Hunt is an insurance professional with nearly 30 years of experience in the personal and commercial lines industry. Cecil Hunt is known for bringing a strong work ethic, integrity and innovative leadership to the various insurance carriers he’s worked with and consulted. Cecil Hunt is a native of Chicago, IL and attended Illinois State University. Cecil has resided in Atlanta for 25 years and currently manages a team of senior claims examiners in litigation, commercial general liability and subrogation for a Florida based third party administrator, which consults commercial insurance carriers. Cecil Hunt has traveled the country consulting insurance clients on state mandates and compliance as well as managing a team of adjusters. Cecil has been very involved in his Gwinnett County community as a youth football and baseball coach, community service leader as well as mentoring. Cecil Hunt continues to do a great deal of volunteer work with his church and is very active with his fraternity, focusing on community impact that includes volunteering and awarding college scholarships to local students. Cecil Hunt remains in Gwinnett County with his two adult sons.
Jalen began his safety career while serving as a firefighter in the United States Air Force. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety while serving at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.
Jalen was also a health and safety specialist for his squadron, where he oversaw the safety program for over 400 employees and facilitated training in safety procedures and regulations. Jalen earned an outstanding achievement medal for his support of Operation Allies Welcome, where he provided safety and security operations for thirteen Afghan. He was later awarded firefighter of the year in 2021. Jalen is currently pursuing a master’s degree in occupational safety/ environmental management.
He enjoys serving the Gwinnett County community through mentorship, church service, and giving back to the less fortunate.
