COACHING STAFF
COACHING STAFF
CAMERON DUKE
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
With Marietta since 2025.
High energy. Vibrant passion. Clear vision. Strong faith.
All are just a few attributes that describe head coach Cameron Duke, the 22nd head coach in Marietta’s long history of high school football which began in 1916. Coach Duke brings over 20 years of coaching experience to Marietta, most recently serving for 8 years as head coach at Edgewater High School (Orlando) where he turned around the Eagle program while building an impressive record of 85 – 16 record with eight straight playoff appearances.
CAMERON DUKE | Head Football Coach
High energy. Vibrant passion. Clear vision. Strong faith.
All are just a few attributes that describe head coach Cameron Duke, the 22nd head coach in Marietta’s long history of high school football which began in 1916.
Coach Duke brings over 20 years of coaching experience to Marietta, most recently serving for 8 years as head coach at Edgewater High School (Orlando) where he turned around the Eagle program while building an impressive record of 85 – 16 record with eight straight playoff appearances. The Eagles competed in the 2019 and 2020 Florida state championship games, losing to perennial powerhouse Saint Thomas Aquinas in both games. Along the way, Coach Duke was recognized as one of the best head coaches in Florida, gathering multiple honors including the prestigious Dairy Farmer State Coach of the Year and the Orlando Touchdown Club Coach of the Year.
His coaching journey began at Florida State University where he served as a student assistant on Bobby Bowden’s Seminole staff. Assistant coaching spots followed at Lawton Chiles High School (Tallahassee) and Jefferson County High School (Monticello) as offensive coordinator before a one year stint at Carson-Newman University in Tennessee as wide receivers coach. Cam then returned to Florida where he was offensive coordinator at Mosley High School in Panama City.
Prior to his time at Edgewater, Coach Duke was head coach at Lake Highland Preparatory School (Orlando) where he inherited a 0-20 team, turning that program around with winning seasons in 2015 and 2016 (6-4 and 7-3 respectively).
“From my high school days as a player I always felt the calling to be a coach and a teacher. Both my parents are educators and my dad, Jeff, was also a coach and athletic director. My high school coach, Bud O’Hara, was a major influence in my life, mentoring me and helping me find my footing as a young man. The lessons I learned from both my Dad and Coach O’Hara helped build the foundation for my success; valuable lessons I continue to pass on to my staff and players.”
“What sold me on the Marietta opportunity was the community, its people, and the long traditions that I highly value. I will always have love and respect for my friends and colleagues at Edgewater, but Caroline and I felt that this was the right choice for our family. I’m excited at what we can continue to build here in Marietta.”
Coach Duke comes to Marietta with a head coaching record of 99-32 after a transformative tenure at Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida. In 2017, he stepped in and turned a football program, who had a winless season the year prior, into a perennial state power. In just his first season, the team went 9-3 with a district championship and playoff win. A year later the Eagles were 12-2 with district and region titles and a final-four finish. Under his eight years of leadership at Edgewater, the football program achieved an 85-16 record, eight consecutive playoff appearances, and multiple state championship runs, including back-to-back state championship appearances in 2019 and 2020. In 2022, his team accomplished the school’s first undefeated regular season since 1972! During his time there, Edgewater was named one of Florida’s Top 20 Most Dominant Football Programs of the Last Decade and consistently ranked in the Top 100 nationally. In 2019 and 2020, Coach Duke won Florida’s most prestigious Coach of the Year award. He has also had over 95 players commit to playing college football in the last eight years, averaging 12 signees a year. No stranger to the task of rebuilding a struggling program, Coach Duke was 27 when he landed his first head coaching position at Lake Highland Preparatory School, also in Orlando, Florida, where he spent three seasons. The Highlanders had gone 0-9 the year before he took over, but Coach Duke’s leadership resulted in snapping a 17-game losing streak. He restored enthusiasm and his energy directly reflected in the product on the field, with 6-4 and 7-3 finishes before he took the Edgewater position.
Prior to that, Coach Duke spent time as an assistant football coach at Lawton Chiles High School (Tallahassee, FL), Jefferson County High School (Monticello, FL), Carson-Newman University (Jefferson City, TN), and Mosley High School Panama City, FL). He also spent one season as a student assistant with Florida State University’s football program, working under Coach Bobby Bowden.
He is a 2004 graduate of East Ridge High School in Clermont, Florida, where he played as a slot receiver on the football team (in addition to being a member of the soccer team, weightlifting team, and track & field team). He is also a proud 2009 graduate of Florida State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education.
Coach Duke is married to his wife, Caroline. Together they have two daughters: Campbell and Collins.
MARK DUKE
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR / WIDE RECEIVERS
With Marietta since 2025.
Coach Mark Duke brings over a decade of coaching experience that is fueled by a relentless love for the game. When the lights come on each Friday night, his players know that his intensity reflects his deep commitment to them and the program’s success.
MARK DUKE | Offensive Coordinator / Wide Receivers
Coach Mark but brings over a decade of coaching experience that is fueled by a relentless love for the game. When the lights come on each Friday night, his players know that his intensity reflects his deep commitment to them and the program’s success. Beyond his fiery spirit, Coach Mark possesses an exceptional understanding of the game, with a depth of football knowledge that is both rare and remarkable. His ability to read the field, anticipate plays, and make strategic adjustments truly sets him apart.
Prior to his arrival, Coach Mark spent three years coaching football at Lake Highland Preparatory Academy and then eight years coaching at Edgewater High School, both in Orlando, Florida. He also spent four of those years as an assistant baseball coach. In addition to his current football responsibilities, he serves
as a Campus Safety/Security Associate at Marietta High School.
Coach Mark married his gorgeous wife, Gabbi, in May of 2025. In his free time, he enjoys freshwater fishing, playing golf, trying to hide his musical skills, cheering on anything within FSU’s athletic department, and consistently working for his title as “the fun uncle”. If you ever see Coach Mark and the head football coach dramatically screaming at each other on the sideline, please don’t be alarmed. Everything is fine!
JEFF DUKE
CHIEF OF STAFF
With Marietta since 2025.
Dr. Jeff Duke has coached five different sports and directly supervised 200+ coaches in 17 different sports. His coaching experience encompasses the youth level through the professional ranks, coupled with a multi-year stint as an assistant football coach at Florida State University under legendary coach Bobby Bowden.
JEFF DUKE | Chief of Staff
Dr. Jeff Duke has coached five different sports and directly supervised 200+ coaches in 17 different sports. His coaching experience encompasses the youth level through the professional ranks, coupled with a multi-year stint as an assistant football coach at Florida State University under legendary coach Bobby Bowden.
Shortly after his role as the Athletic Director for Leon County Schools, he spent eight years as an international expert on coaching education development pre/post the Atlanta Olympic Games. Prior to his retirement in 2023, Dr. Duke was an instructor within the University of Central Florida’s College of Health Professions and Science teaching courses for their Sport and Athletic Coaching minor. He is also a National Coaches Trainer for the Fellowship of Christian
Athletes.
Dr. Duke’s undergraduate degree was earned at the University of South Florida’s College of Education. His master’s degree and PhD were both completed at Florida State University. His doctoral research created baseline data on how to analyze proficient elite level coaching methods. Outside of football season, Dr. Duke leads and facilitates workshops with the adolescent sport coaching culture all over the country. His book, 3D Coach, recounts Duke’s journey through the three dimensions of coaching and brings personal stories from all levels of coaches who have implemented the 3D concept into their own programs.
Dr. Duke currently resides in Clermont, Florida with his wife Dana. This December they will be celebrating 50 years of marriage. Jeff and Dana are the proud parents of four grown sons: Bo, Cameron, Mark, and Matthew. In his free time, Dr. Duke enjoys a good round of golf, traveling the world, and spending as much time as possible with his four precious grandchildren: Campbell (4), Royce (3), Collins (2), and Jesse (3 months).
On game days, you’ll find “Papa Duke” on the offensive headset up in the press box. He only has one thing left on his bucket list: “I sure would like to call just one play!”
KYLE JOYCE
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
With Marietta since 2025.
Coach Joyce comes with over a decade of coaching experience where he has built a reputation for leading strong, resilient defensive units. Prior to Marietta, he taught and coached at his alma mater, Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando, Florida from 2015 until 2017 and then at Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida from 2017 until 2025.
KYLE JOYCE | Defensive Coordinator
Coach Joyce comes with over a decade of coaching experience where he has built a reputation for leading strong, resilient defensive units. Prior to Marietta, Coach Joyce taught and coached at his alma mater, Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando, Florida from 2015 until 2017 and then at Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida from 2017 until 2025.
His current coaching responsibilities are in addition to teaching the Heavy Equipment Operations classes within Marietta High School’s CTI department.
Coach Joyce graduated from The University of the South, Sewanee in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, specifically Ecology and Biodiversity. While there, he was a linebacker for the Tigers’ football team. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Carrie, since 2017 and is a devoted father to their four children: Roma, Gino, Vita, and Nina. Besides spending time with his friends and family, he also loves watching old movies, fishing, and traveling.
CHRIS JAMISON
OFFENSIVE LINE / RUN GAME COORDINATOR
With Marietta since 2025.
Coach Jamison brings over nine years of coaching experience to the program, as well as a deep passion for the game. Known for his relentless energy and attention to detail, he takes special pride in molding tough, disciplined offensive linemen who set the tone for the entire team.
CHRIS JAMISON | Offensive Line / Run Game Coordinator
Coach Jamison brings over nine years of coaching experience to the program, as well as a deep passion for the game. Known for his relentless energy and attention to detail, he takes special pride in molding tough, disciplined offensive linemen who set the tone for the entire team.
Originally from Columbus, Georgia and a proud alumnus of Carver High School, he is excited to be back in his home state! As a 2008 graduate of Troy University with a bachelor’s degree in Sport and Fitness Management, Coach Jamison was a four-year starter for the Trojans’ football team, playing two seasons at guard and two at left tackle. He earned All- Conference honors twice and was voted a permanent team captain by his teammates.
Before joining Marietta’s faculty/staff, he taught and coached at Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida for eight years, where he helped guide the football program to two state championship appearances, one Final Four berth, and four district titles. In addition to coaching, Coach Jamison teaches weightlifting and team sports within Marietta High School’s physical education department, mentoring students to excel academically, athletically, and personally.
He currently lives in Marietta with his beautiful wife, Dr. Terranesha Jamison, and their three children – Cory, Kaiden, and Arya. He enjoys reading, boxing, MMA, and spending quality time with his family.
DANE HOLIHAN
SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR / DEFENSIVE BACKS
With Marietta since 2025.
Coach Holihan brings more than two decades of coaching experience to Marietta. His background includes every position on the field, has served as both an offensive and defensive coordinator, and has developed a strong expertise with defensive backs, which is now his primary focus.
DANE HOLIHAN | Special Teams / Defensive Backs
Coach Holihan brings more than two decades of coaching experience to the Blue Devils’ football program. His coaching background includes every position on the field, has served as both an offensive and defensive coordinator, and has developed a strong expertise in working with defensive backs, which is now his primary focus.
Before making the move to Georgia, Coach Holihan spent five years teaching and coaching at Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida. From 2014-2019, he did the same at Mosley High School in Panama City, Florida. From 2010-2014, he was at Jefferson County High School in Monticello, Florida, where he was on the football coaching staff that won the 2011 FHSAA State Championship!
Coach Holihan is originally from Tallahassee, Florida and is a 2002 graduate of Lawton Chiles High School. In 2007, he graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and then again in 2010 with a master’s degree in Physical Education/Sports Management. In 2014, he graduated with another master’s degree, this time in Educational Leadership, from St. Leo University.
In addition to coaching, Coach Holihan teaches Special Education at Marietta High School. He knows that the level of trust and comfortability he is able to build with his students is unlike anything that can be experienced outside of an ESE department. He never takes that for granted.
Most importantly though, Coach Holihan is a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Anna, are the proud parents of three daughters, twins Elisabeth and Hailey, and Lyla, who all keep life exciting and full of joy. In the very little free time he gets these days, Coach Holihan can usually be found on a golf course, talking very passionately about FSU football, and/or planning history-related field trips for his family to attend with him.
DERRICK TINSLEY
OFFENSIVE BACKS
With Marietta since 2013.
Coach Tinsley brings more than 17 years of coaching experience and a deep commitment to passion, discipline, and leadership, both on and off the field. As a Marietta High School alumnus (Class of 2001), Coach Tinsley carries the program’s tradition with him through every game.
DERRICK TINSLEY | Offensive Backs
Coach Tinsley brings more than 17 years of coaching experience and a deep commitment to passion, discipline, and leadership, both on and off the field.
As a Marietta High School alumnus (Class of 2001), Coach Tinsley carries the program’s tradition with him through every game. From 2001-2004, Coach Tinsley attended the University of Tennessee, where he played as a running back, wide receiver, and special teams player for the Volunteers. His dedication and work ethic propelled him to sign as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons. He then moved on to play for the NFL’s European league before retiring from the pros.
In 2009, Coach Tinsley started his coaching career at North Cobb Christian School and then at Atlanta Sports Academy Prep, guiding both programs to notable success. He came back home to MHS in 2013 and hasn’t looked back!
Beyond the gridiron, Coach Tinsley also serves as a special education paraprofessional at Marietta High School and helps coach the track and field team.
He lives in Kennesaw with his wife, Ashlee, and their twins, Izabelle and Isaiah. He enjoys attending college football games, spending time with his family, and supporting all Marietta City School athletics.
LABRONE MITCHELL
QUARTERBACKS / CO-OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
With Marietta since 2004.
With over 20 years with the Marietta Blue Devils, Coach LaBrone Mitchell stands as a pillar of consistency, wisdom, and heart within the program. His journey began at the University of Georgia, where he earned his degree in Sports Leadership and carved out a legacy as a three-year letterman for the Bulldogs, commanding the field as both quarterback and wide receiver with poise and passion.
LABRONE MITCHELL | Quarterbacks / Co-Offensive Coordinator
With over 20 years with the Marietta Blue Devils, Coach LaBrone Mitchell stands as a pillar of consistency, wisdom, and heart within the program. His journey began at the University of Georgia, where he earned his degree in Sports Leadership and carved out a legacy as a three-year letterman for the Bulldogs, commanding the field as both quarterback and wide receiver with poise and passion.
Coach Mitchell’s influence stretches far beyond Friday nights. As a dedicated PE teacher at Marietta Middle School, he nurtures young minds and bodies, instilling the same values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance that define his coaching style. His calm demeanor and strategic brilliance have helped shape generations of Blue Devil athletes, earning him the respect of players, parents, and peers alike.
Away from the playbook, Coach Mitchell finds his greatest joy in the company of his family. He lives in Paulding County with his wife Sandra and their three children, LaBrone II, Lea, and Laikyn, where weekends are often spent casting lines on quiet waters or soaking up the sun along the coast. Whether on the field or at the beach, Coach Mitchell leads with heart, humility, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
JOSH VANDERGRIFT
DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS / SPECIAL TEAMS
With Marietta since 2025.
Coach Josh Vandergrift brings over two decades of experience in public education and a passion for shaping young lives through sports and history. He assists with special teams, tight ends, and halfbacks, while also teaching World History to 10th graders. In the spring, he’ll lend his talents to Marietta’s baseball program, continuing a lifelong commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
JOSH VANDERGRIFT | Director of Operations / Special Teams
Coach Josh Vandergrift brings over two decades of experience in public education and a passion for shaping young lives through sports and history. He assists with special teams, tight ends, and halfbacks, while also teaching World History to 10th graders. In the spring, he’ll lend his talents to Marietta’s baseball program, continuing a lifelong commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
Before arriving in Marietta, Coach Vandergrift served as Athletic Director at Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida, where he also held leadership roles with the Florida Athletic Coaches Association and the FHSAA. His career began in Panama City, Florida, where he taught and coached at Merritt Brown Middle School, Bay High School, and Mosley High School—earning accolades such as MVP Magazine’s Coach of the Year and the “Top 40 Under 40” honor from the National High School Athletic Coaches Association. In 2019, he was named Section 1 Athletic Director of the Year by the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, and most recently, Orange County Public Schools’ Athletic Director of the Year in 2025.
Coach Vandergrift holds a B.A. in Social Science Education from Central Methodist University, where he played collegiate football, and a Master’s in Sports Management from Florida State University. He is also a Certified Athletic Administrator through the NIAAA. Coach Vandergrift is most proud of the relationships he builds with athletes and with the families who support them.
Coach Vandergrift brings heart, humor, and high standards to every role he plays. Married to Jessica Meyer, he enjoys traveling, boating, and convincing her that sports banquets count as date nights! His guiding philosophy is simple yet profound: “Although I love winning, I will never overlook the importance of consistently teaching and encouraging the values of sportsmanship, compassion, and respect. It is so much bigger than sports.”
MYRON TOLES
DEFENSIVE LINE
With Marietta since 2022.
As an MHS graduate who played for the late Coach James “Friday” Richards, Coach Toles brings passion, discipline, and motivation to the team both on and off the field. A 2004 graduate of The United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, he earned his degree in Systems Engineering, where he also played college football from 2000 to 2002. Before returning to Marietta, he spent 10 years as an Army Officer with tours of duty in South Korea, Iraq, and Kuwait.
MYRON TOLES | Defensive Line
A 1999 Marietta High School graduate who played for the late Coach James “Friday” Richards, Coach Toles brings passion, discipline, and motivation to the team both on and off the field. A 2004 graduate of The United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, Coach Toles earned his degree in Systems Engineering, where he also played college football from 2000 to 2002.
Before returning to Marietta, he spent 10 years as an Army Officer that completed tours of duty in South Korea, Iraq, and Kuwait. Once he returned to Marietta in 2022, he coached both the defensive and offensive line for the Freshman team, along with serving as a head coach and defensive coordinator for the Freshman team the previous two seasons.
In addition to coaching, Coach Toles serves as a Geometry teacher at Marietta High School, and is humbled, blessed, and honored to serve as one of the many mentors for the student body, helping them find ways to succeed in the classroom and in life.
Coach Toles lives in Marietta among his close family and friends. His greatest blessing and joy in life is being a father and a grandfather. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, especially his youngest child Seana. He loves watching mostly any sporting events and movies and participating in fun family events like bowling and live band concerts.
JOSH WEAVER
LINEBACKERS
With Marietta since 2025.
Coach Weaver is entering his sixteenth year of coaching. However, he is actually returning to Marietta after having started his coaching career on Marietta’s freshman football staff back in 2010. As a proud 2006 graduate of Marietta High School, Coach Weaver participated in the football, baseball, and track and field programs for the Blue Devils.
JOSH WEAVER | Linebackers
Coach Weaver is entering his sixteenth year of coaching. However, he is actually returning to Marietta after having started his coaching career on Marietta’s freshman football staff back in 2010.
As a proud 2006 graduate of Marietta High School, Coach Weaver participated in the football, baseball, and track and field programs for the Blue Devils. Coach Weaver was a member of the football team that won back-to-back region championships (2004 and 2005) as well as the 2006 state championship track and field team. After graduation, Coach Weaver attended the University of Memphis on a football scholarship. While at Memphis, Coach Weaver earned his bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Computer Science and Sports/Leisure Studies. In 2019, Coach Weaver completed the teaching certification program via Moreland University. In 2022, he earned a master’s degree in Athletic Administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Prior to Marietta, Coach Weaver spent four years at Woodstock High School as a defensive coach and Special Teams Coordinator. There he helped lead the Wolverines to their first playoff berth in 6 years. Prior to Woodstock, he coached at North Springs High School as a defensive line coach, Special Teams Coordinator, and Defensive Coordinator. During that time, he helped lead them to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2016 and 2017 while also coaching multiple All-State performers.
Prior to North Springs, Coach Weaver spent two years at Lithia Springs High School as Special Teams Coordinator and defensive line coach. Prior to Lithia Springs, Coach Weaver spent one year as a defensive graduate assistant, while also assisting special teams, at the University of West Georgia. During that time, Coach Weaver helped produce two All-American special teams performers, multiple All-Gulf South Conference defensive players, and the Freshmen Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Coach Weaver has also coached track and field for sixteen years, eleven as a head coach. Throughout his track and field coaching career, he has produced four individual state champions, multiple All-Americans, multiple Region Champions, and 20+ athletes moving on to compete at the collegiate level. Coach Weaver also coaches track and field for the Blue Devils.
Aside from his coaching role, Coach Weaver also teaches Environmental Science at Marietta High School and takes great pride in building a safe classroom environment through positive relationships with his students. Coach Weaver lives in Marietta with his wife, Janelle, and their son Elijah. When he’s not on the field, he enjoys reading and playing with his son.
TOM GUCKIAN
SPECIALISTS
With Marietta since 2025.
With championship rings and a heart rooted in Blue Devil pride, Tom Guckian returns to Marietta bringing not just credentials, but a calling. A high school State Champion and proud member of Auburn University’s SEC and National Championship team, Tom knows the weight of pressure and the thrill of victory. He’s lived the moments others dream of, and now he’s here to shape them.
TOM GUCKIAN | Specialists
With championship rings and a heart rooted in Blue Devil pride, Tom Guckian returns to Marietta bringing not just credentials, but a calling. A high school State Champion and proud member of Auburn University’s SEC and National Championship team, Tom knows the weight of pressure and the thrill of victory. He’s lived the moments others dream of, and now he’s here to shape them.
As the steward of Marietta’s special teams, Tom works hand-in-hand with snappers, holders, punters, and placekickers – guiding them with precision, poise, and purpose. His approach is meticulous, his mindset relentless, and his belief in the power of preparation unwavering. Under his watch, every kick carries intention, and every snap echoes discipline.
But Tom’s legacy stretches far beyond the gridiron. He and his wife, Tracie, have been devoted volunteers and champions of Marietta City Schools for years. Their daughters, Kristen (Class of 2011) and Kylie (Class of 2013), both cheerleading captains, embodied the family’s spirit of leadership and love for the Blue Devils. Though their girls have graduated, the Guckians remain deeply woven into the fabric of Marietta, loyal, passionate, and forever proud.
Tom Guckian doesn’t just coach football. He cultivates character, honors tradition, and inspires excellence. His return is more than a homecoming – it’s a recommitment to the values that make Marietta great.
EJ DUNSTON
DEFENSIVE RUN GAME COORDINATOR
With Marietta since 2025.
Coach Dunston has over 10 years of coaching experience. A native of Eatonville, Florida, he coaches his players the way he played the game, with high energy and passion. As a 2014 graduate of the University of Central Florida, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science while serving as a four-year starting defensive tackle for UCF’s football program.
EJ DUNSTON | Defensive Run Game Coordinator
Coach Dunston has over 10 years of coaching experience. A native of Eatonville, Florida, he coaches his players the way he played the game, with high energy and passion. As a 2014 graduate of the University of Central Florida, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science while serving as a four-year starting defensive tackle for UCF’s football program. (Go Knights!)
Prior to joining Marietta’s football program, Coach Dunston coached at his alma mater, Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida. There he helped guide the team to six double-digit winning seasons, several playoff runs, and two state championship appearances. His impact extends beyond the scoreboard though by helping student-athletes reach the collegiate level and being intentional about maintaining relationships with them well beyond their playing days.
In addition to coaching football, Coach Dunston serves as a teacher within Marietta Middle School’s physical education department, where he takes pride in helping prepare his students for success both academically and in life. Coach Dunston and his wife, Simone, currently live in Marietta with their two children, Jordan, and Dylan. He enjoys spending time with his family, shooting pool, and running his professional personal security company.
NICK HOUSTOULAKIS
CORNERBACKS
With Marietta since 2025.
Coach Chris Houstoulakis returns to the Blue Devils football program, bringing seasoned leadership and a deep-rooted passion for Marietta athletics. He’s back on the gridiron assisting with the secondary, ready to mentor the next generation of Blue Devil defenders. A fixture at Marietta High School, Coach H is the Head Coach of the Boys & Girls Track & Field teams.
NICK HOUSTOULAKIS | Cornerbacks
Coach Chris Houstoulakis returns to the Blue Devils football program, bringing seasoned leadership and a deep-rooted passion for Marietta athletics. He’s back on the gridiron assisting with the secondary, ready to mentor the next generation of Blue Devil defenders.
A fixture at Marietta High School, Coach H is the Head Coach of the Boys & Girls Track & Field teams. Under his guidance, both squads captured region titles last spring, and the girls team soared to win the 2025 GHSA State Championship. His commitment to expanding opportunities for student-athletes also led to the launch of the girls flag football program, which quickly rose to prominence with multiple Final Four appearances and a state runner-up finish in 2021.
Beyond football and track, Coach H has coached boys basketball, including a Sweet 16 run in 2009, and previously led programs in football, basketball, and track at Livonia Franklin High School in Michigan, his alma mater. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education & Health from Eastern Michigan University (2004) and a master’s degree from the American College of Education. Coach H also serves as a Physical Education teacher and Assistant Athletic Director at MHS, where his influence stretches far beyond the sidelines.
He resides in Woodstock with his wife Lynsly, the Graduation Coach at Marietta High School. Together, they’re raising two daughters – Nikolette, and Ellyanna, who are proud students in Marietta City Schools.
MARK WOOLARD
STATS / PUBLIC RELATIONS
With Marietta since 1997.
Mark Woolard has served 29 years (313 straight games, home and away} as team statistician and analyst, supporting four different head coaches beginning with Coach Friday Richards in 1997. Mark has also served as team statistician for the Lady Blue Devils flag football program, including their successful runs to the championship game in 2021 and semi-final game in 2022.
MARK WOOLARD | Stats | Public Relations
Mark Woolard has served 29 years (313 straight games, home and away} as team statistician and analyst, supporting four different head coaches beginning with Coach Friday Richards in 1997. Mark has also served as team statistician for the Lady Blue Devils flag football program, including their successful runs to the championship game in 2021 and semi-final game in 2022.
Mark has been honored with the Blue Devil’s 12th Man Award (2006, 2011, 2016), Cobb County Touchdown Club Volunteer of the Year Award (2005, 2006, 2013), has served as an officer with the Marietta Touchdown Club, and continues as an editorial contributor to the annual football program.
He wrote, designed, and published the Season of Greatness that chronicles the Blue Devils 2019 state championship season, with all proceeds donated to the Touchdown Club, supporting their mission of developing and promoting the Blue Devil football program. Through the years Mark has mentored many Marietta student-athletes, helping them achieve their potential as students and as young men, most being the first in their families to attend college. Mark is an honors graduate of the University of Tennessee and has mentored Vol student-athletes over the years.
Marietta High School has been an integral part of Mark’s life. His wife, Debbie, joined the MHS faculty in 1997 as a mathematics teacher and led the International Baccalaureate program as its director beginning in 2003. Their children are all proud Blue Devil graduates: Meredith (c/o 2000), Sarah (c/o 2002), and Evan (c/o 2007). Evan was a varsity football player 2003-2006 and a member of two region championship teams.
Mark will be inducted into the Marietta Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2025.
BRIAN GRUNDMEYER
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COORDINATOR
With Marietta since 1998.
For nearly three decades, Coach Brian Grundmeyer has been the heartbeat of the Marietta Blue Devils’ strength and conditioning program. He continues to shape champions from the inside out, instilling discipline, drive, and determination in every athlete who walks through the weight room doors. His presence is more than motivational; it’s transformational.
BRIAN GRUNDMEYER | Strength & Conditioning Coordinator
For nearly three decades, Coach Brian Grundmeyer has been the heartbeat of the Marietta Blue Devils’ strength and conditioning program. He continues to shape champions from the inside out, instilling discipline, drive, and determination in every athlete who walks through the weight room doors. His presence is more than motivational; it’s transformational.
A proud graduate of Ball State University, Coach Grundmeyer holds degrees in Exercise Physiology and Physical Education, and has dedicated his career to helping young people discover their full potential – physically, mentally, and emotionally. As a veteran educator in Marietta High School’s physical education department, he’s known not only for his expertise, but for his unwavering belief in the power of perseverance.
Coach Grundmeyer’s coaching style is a masterclass in consistency and creativity. He brings unmatched energy to every session, crafting programs that challenge and inspire. His athletes don’t just lift weights, they lift expectations, character, and confidence. Under his guidance, the weight room becomes a sanctuary of growth, grit, and greatness.
At home in Marietta, Coach Grundmeyer shares life with his wife, Shannon, and their two children, Evan and Lauren. His legacy is etched into the very fabric of Blue Devil football, not just in records or routines, but in the countless lives he’s strengthened with his wisdom, warmth, and unwavering commitment.
SPORTS MEDICINE STAFF
SPORTS MEDICINE STAFF
JEFF HOPP, LAT, ATC
HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER
With Marietta since 2002.
Jeff Hopp has been the Blue Devils’ Head Athletic Trainer since 2002. Along with caring for the MCS athletes, he also supervises the student athletic trainer program, giving MHS students the opportunity to get hands on sports medicine experience.
JEFF HOPP, LAT, ATC | Head Athletic Trainer
Jeff Hopp has been the Blue Devils’ Head Athletic Trainer since 2002. Along with caring for the MCS athletes, he also supervises the student athletic trainer program, giving MHS students the opportunity to get hands on sports medicine experience.
Prior to joining the Blue Devils medical staff he spent almost 7 years providing outreach athletic training coverage to several Cobb and Cherokee county schools for Resurgens Orthopaedics. He was the Head Athletic Trainer for the Barcelona Dragons of NFL Europe from 1995 to 1997 after working with the Minnesota Vikings in 1994 as an Assistant Athletic Trainer. Along with his full-time duties, he was part of the medical staff for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and served as the medical coordinator for the 2007 US National Paralympic Track and Field Championships.
He has traveled with numerous US National Team Handball teams to various international tournaments including the World Championships in Besancon, France in 2001. In 2008, he ventured into the world of small business ownership with the inception of Sports Performance and Athletic Training Services, LLC. He has served as president, vice president, treasurer, and secondary schools’ representative for the Georgia Athletic Trainers Association. He is currently serving as the vice president for the Southeast Athletic Trainers Association, PR Chairman for the Georgia Athletic Trainers Association, and is a member of the Injury Prevention Research Center at Emory Traumatic Brain Injury Task Force.
He was a founding member and later chairman of the Georgia Concussion Coalition and was instrumental in passing the GA Return to Play Act in 2013. As a member of the GHSA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee he has helped develop the GHSA heat guidelines, the GHSA pitch count rules for baseball, and many other policies. Jeff serves as a clinical instructor for Life University’s graduate athletic training program and is on the advisory board for St. Augustine’s graduate athletic training program. In 2016, he was awarded the Athletic Trainer Service Award by the National Athletic Trainers Association. He was named the 2020 Jerry Rhea Athletic Trainer of the Year award by the Georgia Athletic Trainers Association. He received the 21-22 MCS Superintendent’s Award for MHS. In 2024, he was appointed to the Georgia Board of Athletic Trainers by Gov. Brian Kemp.
He is a graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato (BS – Athletic Training) , is certified by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification, a nationally registered emergency medical technician (EMT), and is licensed to practice as an athletic trainer and EMT in the state of GA. A native of Minnesota, he lives in Dallas, GA with his wife Julie, and their 3 dogs, Bella, Copper, and Penny.
ALLI BIRD, MS, LAT, ATC
ATHLETIC TRAINER + HEALTHCARE TEACHER
With Marietta since 2022.
Alli Bird joined Marietta City Schools Sports Medicine staff in July of 2022. Along with being an athletic trainer, Alli also teaches the Health Science Pathway in the CTAE department at Marietta High School.
ALLI BIRD | Athletic Trainer + Healthcare Teacher
Alli Bird joined Marietta City Schools Sports Medicine staff in July of 2022. Along with being an athletic trainer, Alli also teaches the Health Science Pathway in the CTAE department at Marietta High School.
Prior to joining the Marietta medical staff Alli provided medical care to three different high schools ranging from 1-A to 7-A programs. The most recent being a 4 year stay at North Myrtle Beach High School, where she worked 2 years as a full-time athletic trainer before transitioning into the classroom full-time while continuing her athletic trainer duties part-time. She previously worked as the head athletic trainer for Green Sea Floyds Middle and High School for 3 years before transitioning to NMBHS.
She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Slippery Rock University in 2013. As an athletic training student at SRU she worked with Slippery Rock’s men’s soccer team, men’s and women’s track and field team, women’s basketball team, and Slippery Rock High School. While attending SRU, Alli was a member of the women’s soccer team her first 2 years of attendance before focusing solely on her studies.
In the spring of 2018 Alli received her Masters degree with a concentration in Advanced Athletic Training from the University of South Florida. Alli is certified with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification, is licensed to practice as an athletic trainer in the state of Georgia and recently passed the NREMT exam to become a nationally registered emergency medical technician (EMT). Alli is licensed to practice as an emergency medical technician in the state of Georgia. A native of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, in the Pocono Mountains. She currently resides in Powder Springs, GA with her two dogs, Gracie Lou and Oakley Mae.
DEVAN DOWDELL, MS, LAT, ATC
ATHLETIC TRAINER + HEALTHCARE TEACHER
With Marietta since 2025.
Devan Dowdell is a dedicated and dynamic Certified Athletic Trainer proudly serving Marietta Middle Grades and Marietta High School.
DEVAN DOWEL | Athletic Trainer + Healthcare Teacher
Devan Dowdell is a dedicated and dynamic Certified Athletic Trainer proudly serving Marietta Middle Grades and Marietta High School. With experience across collegiate, clinical, and outreach settings, she brings a well-rounded, athlete-first approach to care that prioritizes both performance and long-term well-being.
Since earning her certification in 2022, Devan has worked with a wide range of populations, she has a strong passion for concussion management and return-to-play protocols, and she is credentialed as both an ImPACT Trained Athletic Trainer (ITAT) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) provider. Devan is known for her calm, confident care and her ability to create trust and open communication with student-athletes, families, coaches, and medical professionals alike.
She earned her Master of Science in Athletic Training from Eastern Kentucky University (2022) and holds dual bachelor’s degrees in African and African American Studies and Health & Human Performance from Berea College (2020).
As a committed professional, Devan is actively involved in several organizations that promote excellence and equity in athletic training. She is a proud member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association (SEATA), and Georgia Athletic Trainers’ Association (GATA). She also serves on the NATA Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee (EDAC), where she advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of sports medicine.
Beyond her credentials and professional accomplishments, Devan’s work is deeply personal. A proud product of Marietta City Schools, she is honored to serve the very community that helped shape her. Devan attended Marietta Charter School, Marietta Sixth Grade Academy, Marietta Middle School, and Marietta High School—graduating in 2016 as a member of the first class to walk across the stage at the newly renovated Northcutt Stadium. While at MHS, she was a multi-sport athlete, playing softball, competing on the track & field team, and staying active in clubs and extra-curriculars like FCCLA, FCA, theatre, and Dual Enrollment.
That Marietta pride runs deep—though there’s a little friendly rivalry at home. Her mom, a McEachern alum, still reps her own version of MHS. Who’s the real MHS? That depends on who you ask—but Devan stands proudly with Marietta.
When she’s not on the sidelines or in the Athletic Training Clinic, Devan enjoys relaxing with her adorable Maltipoo, Heaven, diving into a good book, working out, or binge-watching true crime documentaries.
ACADEMIC TEAM STAFF
ACADEMIC TEAM STAFF
LYNSLY HOUSTOULAKIS
FOOTBALL ACADEMIC ADVISOR
With Marietta since 2025.
Bio coming soon…
BRENDA ESPONOZA
LEAD COUNSELOR
With Marietta since 2025.
Bio coming soon…
CLAIRE DODD
MARIETTA FUTURE CENTER
With Marietta since 2025.
Bio coming soon…