Our Team

Jade Richelle
Director of Wellness & Fitness
Both a personal trainer and a personal chef, Jade Richelle's reputation is built from years of experience in creating individualized training programs that unlock talent in the athletes she trains. As a former bodybuilder and lifelong competitor, Richelle effectively teaches her clients through the three pillars of well-rounded athleticism: pushing physical limits, managing mental health, and balancing nutrition. Offering accountability, routine, and guidance, Richelle motivates athletes to reach the peak of their ability through specialized training.

Jason Dawson
Director of Player Development
Jason is a former professional basketball player and award-winning coach best described as a true student of the game of basketball. Understanding athletic ability comes from the mind as much as the body, Dawson has helped basketball players overcome internal hurdles and improve technical efficiency to actualize their college and NBA dreams. Dawson has trained players from the San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets.

Aaron “Lambo” Lambert
Director of Strength & Conditioning
Lambo is a sport-specific strength and conditioning trainer with over 20+ years of experience training world-class athletes. Lambert has trained all levels of collegiate athletes including those in the POWER 5 as well as MLB & NFL players. Lambert approaches an athlete’s regimen based on their sport-specific goals and position — tailoring custom programs to maximize the athlete's potential and to enable play at the highest level. Lambert has trained players from the Colorado Rockies, Miami Dolphins, and Chicago Whitesox.

Ashley O’Rourke (PT)
Dr. O’Rourke is a dual-credentialed Doctor of Physical Therapy (B.A. UNC-Chapel Hill, DPT-Florida International) and Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) specializing in treating and rehabilitating athletes. An athlete-oriented physical therapist, Dr. O’Rourke has helped competitors rehabilitate from injuries and get back to prime playing condition for over 10 years. From high school to college to pro athletes, Dr. O’Rourke’s individualized and deliberate treatment plans lead athletes on the best course of action for successful recovery. Previously Dr. O’Rourke worked with athletes on the DC United (MLS) and the Washington Spirit (NWSL) teams before opening Tidal Sports Rehab & Recovery in Charlotte, NC.

James Long
Director of Basketball Operations
James was a championship-winning head coach for the WVU Tech Golden Bears, and a former basketball player for the WVU Mountaineers. Simple and straight to the point, Long’s methods of tailoring the coaching experience to a player’s needs have helped push players past their limits and into both the NBA and Euroleague. Long has trained players from the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, and New Orleans Pelicans.

Vince Vannelle
Director of Baseball Operations
Vince is a professional baseball player in the Chicago White Sox organization. He is currently with Birmingham Barons the Double A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. He previously played for the Winston-Salem Dash the high A affiliate. Vince played collegiately at the University of Arizona, where he appeared in the College World Series and was named an All-American, All PAC-12, and NCBWA Stopper of the Year Finalist. When not playing in the pros and perfecting his own game, you will find Vince in his off-season at The Carolina Factory developing budding athletes and helping them prepare to compete at their highest level.

Amanda Ayalaa
Softball Instructor
Amanda is a former collegiate softball player who played five seasons at the University of Tennessee. From 2017-2022, she was an active part of the roster and could be been seen wearing the orange and white in the outfield and at various spots throughout the line up. She was a part of the 2018 SEC All-Freshman team, ranked No. 59 in the 2022 Extra Inning Softball Elite 100, earned Spring SEC Academic Honor Roll honors all five seasons, as well as other accolades. While she’s made the decision to hang up her cleats and pursue a career in physical therapy, she looks forward to using her experiences as an athlete and Master’s degree in sport psychology and motor behavior to develop the next generation of softball players both physically and mentally.

Jake Sullivan
Catching and Hitting Instructor
Jake is a professional baseball player in the Washington Nationals Organization. He is currently with the Harrisburg Senators, a Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Previously, Jake played four years of Division 1 baseball at the University of South Florida, where he was a starter for three out of four years and won the American Conference Championship in 2021. Jake also was named the 2021 Gainesville Regional Most Outstanding Player and competed in the Super Regionals. In his off-season, Jake is helping develop the next generation of athletes and baseball players to help them bring out the best in themselves and take the next step in their careers.