Sporting Staff

Christina Unkel, J.D., M.B.A. is a distinguished attorney, entrepreneur, and sports analyst with nearly two decades of experience at the highest echelons of soccer, law, and business. A former NCAA athlete and FIFA referee, Christina blends her extensive expertise in sports, law, and leadership to deliver impactful insights on the global stage. Christina specializes in Football Law and has advised on high-stakes officiating and legal matters, earning a reputation as an authority in her field.
 
Christina is a globally recognized, sought-after broadcaster, partnering with premier networks such as ESPN, CBS Sports, Apple TV, ITV, and Fox Sports. She has delivered expert analysis for the world’s most prestigious events, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Championships, and CONCACAF competitions. Known for seamlessly integrating officiating, legal expertise, and sports strategy, Christina is a trusted authority on the global sports stage and a leading voice in soccer media.
 
A graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University and Stetson University’s dual J.D. and M.B.A. programs, Christina has received numerous accolades, including Sarasota’s Women of Influence and Palm Beach Atlantic’s Top 50 Alumni. She has consistently been named a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch Honoree and Super Lawyers: Rising Stars, solidifying her position as a top-rated attorney in the nation as a litigator and sports law attorney. As the founder of SPARQ Consulting Group, Christina bridges the worlds of sports, business, and law, advising clients ranging from federations to athletes and coaches.
 
Christina’s influence extends beyond the courtroom and broadcast studio. She serves on the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, the Advisory Board for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four, and the Advisory Committee for the Tampa Bay Chapter of Women in Sports and Events (WISE). A member of the International Women’s Forum (IWF), she champions the advancement of women in leadership worldwide.
 
Christina’s multifaceted career reflects unparalleled expertise and innovation. Whether shaping policy, delivering strategic insights, or mentoring future leaders, she is a driving force in the evolution of soccer, law, and leadership on a global scale.

Schilte-Brown has led USF to six American Athletic Conference championships, including five straight seasons with a championship from 2017-2021. In 2020, she led the team as it won both the regular season and tournament championships in the same season for the first time. She also led the Bulls to four BIG EAST Championship appearances and has only missed two postseason conference tournaments in 15 seasons.

She led USF to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2010, followed by seven more in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Under her leadership, the Bulls have advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament four times, in 2010, 2017, 2018 and 2020 and advanced to the third round for the first time in program history in 2019. USF’s 2018 NCAA postseason run resulted in the largest margin of victory and most goals in the NCAA Tournament for the Bulls when they beat UAlbany in the first round, 5-1, at Corbett Stadium. The Bulls continued a string of dominance in the American Athletic Conference in 2021, winning the regular season championship for the team’s sixth title in the last five years.
Schilte-Brown continued her success at the helm of the USF program in 2019 and the COVID-impacted 2020 seasons, leading the team to conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances in both seasons. USF posted a record season in 2019, advancing to the third-round of the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history and earning its highest final ranking at No. 12 in the TDS rankings. In 2020, the team battled a postponement of the season to capture the regular season and tournament championship in the same year for the first time.

Both 2017 and 2018 were record years for the Bulls, both with championships including a tournament championship in 2017 and a regular season title in 2018. USF posted a program-best AAC record of 7-1-1 during the regular season, and topped that with an 8-1-0 record in 2018.

Erich Leite, named Assistant Coach for Tampa Bay Sun FC in December 2023, brings a wealth of coaching experience. Over the past four years, he played a vital role in the success of the University of South Florida Women’s Soccer program, achieving three AAC Regular Season Championships and one AAC Conference Tournament Championship.

Leite also served as Director of Soccer at Lakeland United FC, leading the team to three UPSL Premier Division Florida West Conference trophies and a Florida State Championship in the last three years.

His coaching qualifications include an NSCAA Futsal Diploma and an NSCAA Goalkeeping Diploma, with ongoing pursuit of the USSF National C License. Academically, Leite holds a degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Administration in Higher Education, focused on the Athletic Department. His blend of coaching expertise and educational background positions him as a valuable asset in soccer.

Samantha is an experienced sports professional who has spent her entire career working in soccer and supporting the growth of the game in the Tampa Bay area. Samantha will lead the build out and execution of the club’s sporting and player operations strategies.

Samantha was previously with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL Championship, where she oversaw the buildout of the Rowdies Youth Development Department while supporting the team’s sporting operations and community engagement efforts.

Samantha is an active volunteer for U.S. Youth Soccer’s TOPSoccer programs and is a member of WISE Tampa Bay. Samantha earned an MBA from Piedmont University in 2019 and a BS in Finance and Management in 2018. While at Piedmont, she was a member of the women’s soccer program and helped lead the Lions to three conference championships.
Samantha is a Tampa native and excited to help bring women’s professional soccer to the area.

With Larissa’s extensive experience in team and game day operations, she’ll bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to ensure smooth operations and exceptional experiences the team. Her expertise will be instrumental in optimizing the sporting department’s performance and ensuring that everything runs seamlessly.

Larissa previously worked at Orlando City/Orlando Pride, also yearly being invited to be part of the international pre-season tournament, FC Series. In these two organizations she led the teams logistically from training sessions to activations and game days. Her ability to connect with teams in the Premier League and Brazilian League underscored her extensive network and credibility. With a heavy international experience, Larissa will undoubtedly help the Tampa Bay Sun FC operate at an elite standard.

Growing up in Brazil, Larissa quickly understood the power of sports in people’s life and in the community. Playing football her whole life, she was able to receive a scholarship and move to the U.S. Almost 10 years here, she was able to pursue her bachelor’s degree at Warner University and her M.B.A and Master’s Sports Business Degree at the University of Central Florida. Larissa is excited to be part of the Sun’s first season and to bring the first professional women’s team to Tampa Bay. See you on the pitch!

Courtney joins the Tampa Bay Sun FC as their Equipment Manager. A native from Ponte Vedra, Florida, Courtney was a very active child in her early years. Playing a multitude of sports and eventually falling into the path of collegiate soccer.

Courtney attended Saint Leo University where she played on their women’s soccer team for two years. She was a part of the 2016 team that won the Sunshine State conference regular season and tournament. After her time with the soccer program, she began an Equipment Management apprenticeship for Saint Leo Softball and was an integral part of the Intramural Program throughout her final years.

Before graduating Saint Leo University in 2019 with a BA in Sport Business, Courtney began an Equipment Internship with Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride. Upon graduation and conclusion of the internship, Courtney was hired as the Assistant Equipment Manager with the Orlando Pride ahead of the 2020 season.

Leading into the 2023 season, Courtney was promoted to Head Equipment Manager for the Orlando Pride. During her time with the Pride, she was capped at 90 matches in competitive play.
Courtney plans to bring her previous professional working experience to the Tampa Bay Sun and help grow a new developing league as well as continue to raise expectations in women’s soccer.