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.

Kiernan has spent the majority of her career in the sports and publishing business with roots in the golf industry as a professional athlete. She graduated from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem NC where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Some of the major companies where she learned the trade are Time Inc, Hearst Communications, the LPGA Tour and Foundation and most recently USA Lacrosse.

As a daughter of an FBI agent and teacher she was born in Tokyo, Japan and has spent many years living in various cities like Hong Kong, San Francisco, Baltimore and ultimately found her way back to the great state of Florida. Tampa has been her home for the last seven years where she and her husband have raised two sporty children who have recently graduated from local high schools (Jesuit and Academy of the Holy Names). She looks forward to adding to the amazing sports atmosphere of Tampa by being an integral part of the success of the city’s first women’s professional soccer team!

Desiree is an experienced sports professional having worked in the nonprofit, major league and minor league baseball, and collegiate settings. Bringing her skills of business operations to the table, she will focus on corporate partnerships and fan experience, ensuring everyone finds they place with the Sun experience.

Desiree, a native of Watkins Glen, NY, has education from Virginia Wesleyan University and Old Dominion University. She is a former collegiate cheerleader and coach and a lover of all sports. She is a certified swim instructor thanks to the Tampa YMCA and is an active member of WISE Tampa Bay. She enjoys walks with her husky (Denver), taking the boat out for a sunset cruise, and going to concerts at the Amphitheater. Desiree is married to her best friend, Zac, who she met in baseball, and has an amazing son Harrison who she is excited to see grow his love of sports too.

As an advocate for women in sports, Desiree is honored to be sharing in the excitement and passion for professional women’s sports in Tampa Bay. See you on the pitch!

Tampa Bay Sun FC welcomes Tiffany Hubert, a seasoned communications and branding leader bringing over a decade of experience in the sports and entertainment industry. With a vision for connecting brands with consumers, she began her career in commercial casting, sourcing on-air talent and scripted personalities for renowned clients such as NIKE, Carl’s Jr. and American Express.

Upon returning to the Sunshine State, Hubert would leave an indelible mark with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During her tenure she authored messaging for team ownership, curated community/player initiatives and spearheaded a nationally-recognized social justice program. Following the team’s Super Bowl 55 victory, Hubert took her talent world-wide as the Publicist for the iconic Harlem Globetrotters. While there, Hubert developed an extensive Player Ambassador Program and secured prominent placements for the team on acclaimed national platforms such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, and Master Chef Jr.

With a steadfast commitment to amplifying the voices of players both on and off the field, she is poised to elevate the team’s presence and foster deep-rooted connections with fans. As Tiffany Hubert steps into her role, she brings with her a diverse wealth of experience, a dynamic vision, and an unwavering determination to cultivate team affinity and drive the growth of the beautiful game in her beloved backyard.

Laura is an accomplished sports professional who has spent the vast majority of her career in sales and business development. Laura will lead the creation and implementation of the club’s ticketing strategies and operations. 

Laura previously worked at WorkInSports.com, where she led the company’s educational sales pillar, which involved partnering with colleges across the U.S. and Canada to assist sport business students trying to break into the industry.

Laura earned all of her degrees at the University of South Florida in Tampa. She received her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications while working at USF Athletics as the university’s mascot, Rocky D. Bull, for four years. She then went on to complete her MBA in Sport Business and her MS in Sport & Entertainment Management with the Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management program while working at USF Athletics as an Event Management GA and at the Vinik Sports Group as a Sales Fellow.

Laura is a ‘military brat’ who has lived in many places across the globe, but has called Tampa home for over 15 years and can’t wait to make history in Champa Bay!