STAFF
First Eleven’s dedicated team of advisors is composed of experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds, including former college and professional athletes, admissions experts, and financial aid counselors. With a shared passion for helping student-athletes navigate the complex college recruitment process, they bring unique expertise and a genuine commitment to each individual’s journey.
The First Eleven staff goes beyond typical advisory services by fostering personal connections with each athlete and family, offering tailored support that covers academics, athletic training, financial planning, and college application guidance. Through strong networks and a comprehensive understanding of college recruitment, the team has consistently opened doors to top college programs across NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and Junior College levels.
Their impact is transformative, helping student-athletes find their best college fit while also instilling values of discipline, resilience, and responsibility. First Eleven advisors empower student-athletes not only to reach their athletic and academic goals but also to grow personally, making a lasting difference in their lives.
Andy Ramirez
Andy Ramirez joins the First Eleven Advisory Board after spending the last two decades in roles centered on higher education, specifically the college admissions landscape. Andy spent the first half of his career as an Assistant Dean of Admission at Princeton University and Associate Dean of Admission at Bowdoin College, reading and evaluating thousands of domestic and international applications, understanding student profiles and transcripts, and identifying how student athletes can distinguish themselves and successfully navigate the athletic recruitment process at the division 3 and 1 levels.
Andy has relied heavily on this experience throughout the second half of his career as Director of College Counseling at independent schools in the New York City Metro Area. On the high school side, in addition to managing the College Office and advising students, Andy has been involved in several key strategic initiatives as a member of the senior administration team, ranging from curricular development to targeted enrollment growth and retention. Andy’s robust network and understanding of the NCAA landscape across division 1,2,3 institutions will serve First Eleven well in our efforts to advise, prepare, and support student athletes in the college athletic recruitment and athletic process.
Andy is a graduate of Williams College where he earned a BA in English and is currently in the School Leadership master’s program at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.
Dr. Ariel Botta
Dr. Ariel Botta is a renowned practitioner, teacher, and advocate for mindfulness and mental health. With a diverse skill set as a psychotherapist, researcher, and Teaching Associate at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Botta brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the fields of mental health, mindfulness, and group therapy. She is also a certified yoga instructor and Reiki master, blending holistic and evidence-based approaches to healing and well-being.
Dr. Botta began her career in 1999 at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she continues to support children, adolescents, and families. Since 2005, she has taught evidence-based mindfulness to youth and families in clinical settings. Her passion for mindfulness extends to broader audiences, including the general public, healthcare workers, and elite youth soccer players in her role as Director of The Edge at Valeo Futbol Club.
A dedicated researcher, Dr. Botta’s work focuses on reducing stress and burnout in hospital-based healthcare workers through single-day mindfulness training programs. She is a published author on mindfulness and group therapy and a sought-after lecturer at graduate schools across Boston.
Throughout her career, Dr. Botta has built and managed two highly successful group therapy programs: one in the Department of Psychiatry and another in the Gender Multispecialty Service for transgender and gender-diverse youth. She is currently developing a third program in the Division of Addiction Medicine. Her expertise in group dynamics and program development has made her a valued consultant for organizations and agencies looking to establish or enhance their own group programs.
Whether teaching mindfulness, conducting groundbreaking research, or empowering individuals through therapy, Dr. Botta is deeply committed to fostering resilience, growth, and connection in every aspect of her work.
Dr. Stanley Duperval
Dr. Stanley Duperval brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role at First Eleven. As the Dean of Students for Grades 5-8 at the Albert F. Argenziano School, he has been committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers students to thrive both academically and personally. With a strong emphasis on student well-being and engagement, Dr. Duperval works closely with educators, families, and the broader school community to address each student’s unique strengths and needs.
A proud Boston native, Dr. Duperval is an alumnus of Boston College High School and Boston College, where he earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Education. His extensive background in educational leadership and student-centered practices enables him to effectively guide students through their formative middle school years.
Dr. Duperval’s dedication to student success extends beyond the classroom. During his tenure with Boston Public Schools, he launched the first-ever soccer program at MLK Middle School, creating a space for students to grow athletically and personally. Before his work in education, he served as an outpatient counselor for Riverside Community, focusing on fostering opportunities for student success outside of traditional academic settings.
Passionate about creating positive, growth-oriented experiences, Dr. Duperval believes every student has the potential to achieve greatness. His approach, rooted in respect, empathy, and resilience, continues to make a meaningful impact on the students and communities he serves.
Junior Desrosiers
Junior Desrosiers joins the First Eleven team with a wealth of experience spanning higher education, business, and financial strategy. Currently serving as the Strategic Initiatives Manager at the Learning and Development Lab at MIT, Junior has built a distinguished career rooted in empowering individuals and fostering growth.
As a former soccer student-athlete at Boston College, Junior excelled both on and off the field. He served as a Big East National Spokesperson, championing the integration of academics and athletics to inspire student-athletes to achieve their fullest potential. His academic credentials include a master’s degree in Higher Education with a focus on student development and career placement, highlighting his passion for guiding students and professionals on their paths to success.
Junior’s professional journey has taken him through diverse industries, including marketing, business development, hedge fund management, and commercial banking. He has also worked closely with professional athletes, advising them on prudent investment strategies. At MIT, Junior now applies his strategic expertise to design impactful learning initiatives that drive talent development and career advancement, particularly for leaders in Fortune 100 companies.
A dedicated advocate for lifelong learning and a strategic thinker, Junior is committed to developing programs that unlock potential and create pathways for success. His addition to First Eleven brings not only his impressive expertise but also his unwavering dedication to helping others excel on and off the field.
Franklin Mathieu
Franklin Mathieu is an accomplished professional joining the First Eleven team, bringing a wealth of experience in educational innovation, strategic partnerships, and talent development. Currently serving as the Director of Partnerships at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Franklin specializes in leveraging AI innovation, upskilling, and educational strategies to design transformative learning experiences. His work emphasizes agile transformation and equipping individuals and organizations for future success through high-impact programs.
A proud graduate of Williams College, Franklin’s leadership journey began at the Governor’s Academy, where he excelled both academically and athletically as a basketball player. His passion for performance and development has been a driving force throughout his career, which includes over 15 years of success in medical and pharmaceutical sales. During this time, Franklin mentored numerous student-athletes, guiding them in career transitions, skill-building, and achieving financial independence.
Franklin’s expertise extends beyond academics and athletics—he is a skilled problem-solver dedicated to unlocking the potential of individuals and teams. His commitment to empowering others and fostering personal and professional growth aligns seamlessly with First Eleven’s mission to support elite high school and club soccer players in their college preparation and placement journey.
Emelio Williams
Emelio Williams brings a unique blend of global sports leadership and business acumen to First Eleven Advisory. As the President and Founder of Valeo Futbol Group, Emelio leads a groundbreaking nonprofit organization based in Boston that is dedicated to nurturing youth sports talent worldwide. Under his leadership, Valeo supports over 2,000 young athletes through elite training facilities, innovative youth programs, and residential academies in Jamaica, Kenya, and the United States. The organization also oversees professional teams in the U.S., Portugal, and Ireland. Committed to providing access and opportunity, Valeo has guided hundreds of athletes into collegiate soccer programs, with many advancing to professional careers.
In addition to his achievements in sports, Emelio has an extensive background in the technology sector, having held executive positions at various startups and mid-sized enterprises. His expertise in scaling businesses, coupled with his proficiency in marketing, business development, and strategic growth, has been instrumental in driving success across industries.
At First Eleven, Emelio leverages his deep experience in youth development and strategic planning to help student-athletes achieve their collegiate goals, ensuring they are prepared for both academic and athletic success. His leadership and vision continue to inspire and empower the next generation of talent.
Coach Tiago Oliveira
Coach Tiago Oliveira is a seasoned and highly qualified football coach with extensive international experience spanning Brazil, the USA, and Europe. His rich and diverse background has provided him with a unique perspective on player development, blending a deep understanding of different playing styles, cultures, and coaching methodologies.
Tiago has earned UEFA C, B, and A licenses from Argentina, showcasing his commitment to excellence in coaching education. He is currently pursuing his prestigious PRO license, placing him among an elite group of coaches worldwide who have achieved the same certification level as renowned leaders like Mauricio Pochettino, the current head coach of the U.S. National Team.
In addition to his impressive credentials, Coach Tiago brings a wealth of practical experience, having worked with players at all levels—from grassroots to elite academies and professional teams. His passion lies in mentoring young athletes, guiding them to maximize their potential both on and off the field.
At First Eleven, Coach Tiago leverages his global expertise, strategic approach, and unwavering dedication to help student-athletes navigate the complexities of college placement, professional development, and personal growth. He is a trusted advisor, inspiring the next generation of soccer talent to achieve their dreams.
Aaron Bernardez
Aaron Bernardez is a highly experienced Financial Aid Counselor at the College of the Holy Cross, where he has built a distinguished career helping students and families navigate the intricacies of college affordability. With a deep understanding of financial aid processes, Aaron leads the Financial Aid Office’s outreach and awareness initiatives, ensuring that families are well-informed and empowered to access critical financial resources. His expertise includes managing applications for federal, state, institutional, and private aid, with a focus on simplifying complex forms such as the FAFSA and CSS Profile to optimize eligibility and support.
Aaron’s commitment to student success extends beyond financial guidance. As a dedicated advocate, he takes a hands-on approach to educating families about the financial aid landscape, breaking down barriers to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds. His passion for making college accessible and affordable has earned him recognition as a trusted resource among students, families, and colleagues alike.
A graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, Aaron holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Education. During his time at Holy Cross, he was a standout student-athlete, competing on the men’s soccer team. This unique blend of academic, athletic, and professional experience allows Aaron to connect deeply with student-athletes, providing tailored advice and support that considers the demands and opportunities of collegiate athletics.
As an Advisor at First Eleven, Aaron leverages his extensive background to guide aspiring collegiate athletes and their families, blending his expertise in financial aid with a personal understanding of the student-athlete journey. His dedication to fostering opportunity and equity in education makes him an invaluable member of the First Eleven team.
Rajay Maragh
Rajay Maragh is a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of Maine School of Law and an integral part of the First Eleven team. Known for his charismatic leadership and commitment to excellence, Rajay combines a strong foundation in behavioral science with a unique ability to connect with individuals, fostering success in legal, corporate, and athletic arenas.
A dedicated transactional law student, Rajay has competed in high-level moot court competitions focusing on Civil Rights and Privacy Law, representing his institution in Washington, D.C., and Helsinki, Finland. As President of the Student Bar Association (SBA) and a Student Affairs Fellow, he spearheads student engagement initiatives, supports international student integration, and drives leadership development. He is also a key contributor to the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) and the Maine Law Cabinet.
Rajay extends his leadership beyond the legal field as Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner for the Caribbean Premier Showcase (CPS), a premier organization operating across Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Under his guidance, CPS has hosted successful showcases in Ireland, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Grenada, facilitating college placements for student-athletes from the U.S., Mexico, Germany, Jamaica, and Canada.
Rajay’s innovative vision, dedication to community impact, and expertise in both legal and sports sectors make him a vital asset to the First Eleven team, driving transformative results for student-athletes and stakeholders alike.
Tony Doellefeld
Tony Doellefeld brings a wealth of experience and passion to First Eleven as an advisor and a key figure in providing Placement Services to its players. A former professional soccer player who competed both in the USA and Europe, Tony’s journey in the sport also includes being an accomplished NCAA Division I college soccer alumnus. His firsthand experience of how collegiate soccer can transform lives fueled his drive to help others achieve similar success.
In 2020, Tony founded Prospect2Player, a pioneering platform dedicated to guiding aspiring student-athletes toward life-changing opportunities in college soccer. Under his leadership, Prospect2Player has placed over 320 players into college soccer programs across NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and Junior College levels. The organization has also developed a robust network of relationships with more than 950 college coaches, cementing its reputation as a trusted partner in the recruiting process.
Tony’s approach at Prospect2Player and now at First Eleven is holistic and athlete-centered. He and his team invest deeply in understanding each student-athlete’s unique aspirations in soccer, academics, and personal growth. By prioritizing individual fit, they ensure players are matched with programs that align with their goals both on the field and in the classroom.
Tony’s expertise, dedication, and proven track record in navigating the complexities of college recruitment make him an invaluable asset to First Eleven and the athletes it serves. His commitment to empowering young players to succeed at the highest levels resonates with First Eleven’s mission of providing unmatched guidance and opportunities to student-athletes.