by Taylor Cotie

Athletic Department has welcomed back six former athletes, each bringing their experience and knowledge to the programs as assistant coaches. The returning assistant and volunteer assistant coaches include Cristian Del Cid, Amery Skinner, Rosanna Espinosa-Ponce, Ivy Ray, Kilee Kemp, and Max Steele.

Cristian Del Cid
Del Cid returns to Pride athletics as an assistant coach of the men’s soccer program. As an athlete, he was ranked fourth all-time in program history. “It means a lot to me to come back and coach our men’s soccer team,” Del Cid said. “It is an honor and a privilege to be given the opportunity to be a part of a historic program here at GC.”

Head Men’s Soccer Coach Jacob Weinshank commented about the addition of Del Cid to the coaching staff. “I had a strong feeling from the first time that I met Cristian that he would be a great addition to coaching staff at Greensboro College,” Weinshank said. “Cristian was part of the interview during my own hiring process at Greensboro College. It was clear from his questions and engagement that he was someone that cared deeply about this soccer program and had a good foundation of soccer knowledge.

“During his final spring as a student at Greensboro, Cristian assisted me on the field. He thrived in the role, and we made it official, bringing him in as an assistant coach this summer.”

Amery Skinner
The Greensboro College Women’s Soccer team added a new addition to their coaching staff – Amery Skinner, USA South Women’s Soccer Player of the Year. Skinner joins the Pride as a volunteer assistant coach after playing two seasons in 2023 and 2024.
“What excites me most about being a part of the coaching staff this season is the opportunity to contribute to a program where both the players and staff are committed to growth and success,” Skinner said. “I look forward to collaborating with the other coaches, learning from their experience, and adding my own perspective to help the team perform at its highest level. Being part of that process and seeing the development over the course of a season is something I am truly passionate about.”

Women’s Soccer Head Coach Mike Johnston believes Skinner is a valuable addition to the coaching staff. “Amery is an outstanding leader and is well versed in the game,” Johnston said. “In addition, she is a tremendous role model and the kids look up to her in many ways.

“Amery is willing to push our student-athletes to be the best versions of themselves while providing a calming presence for them.”

Rosanna Espinosa-Ponce
Rosanna Espinosa-Ponce joins the GC Women’s Lacrosse coaching staff as an assistant coach. Espinosa-Ponce competed for four years on the women’s lacrosse team and started every game since her freshman year. “I chose to start off my coaching career with GC women’s lacrosse because I have been a part of the team for four years and from my freshman year the team has grown so much,” Espinosa-Ponce said. “Not just in roster numbers but in skill. I wanted to continue to have an impact on this team because it will only keep thriving and become better every season.”

Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach Mallory Zelawski shared the qualities of Espinosa-Ponce that stand out. “Rosanna has been a leader on the team since she was a freshman. She was one of the most experienced players and was always willing to help her teammates learn,” Zelawski said. “She has a passion for the game and is always looking to improve her own skills and then share those learnings with her teammates. She has the lacrosse IQ that allows her to see what the next right move would be.”

Max Steele
Max Steele also joins the Pride as an assistant coach of the football team. In 2024, Steele set the Greensboro College record with 381 tackles. He was a First Team USA South All Conference selection in both 2023 and 2024 and ranked third nationally in tackles.
“It is awesome to still be able to help the team even though I do it off the field,” Steele said, reflecting on his transition from player to coach. “I miss suiting up and hitting someone on the field.”

Football Head Coach Tyler Card spoke about what it means for the program to have an alum like Max Steele return in a coaching role. “We have had several alums that have worked on our staff over my time here at Greensboro College. Coach Torain is an alum as well,” Card said. “Being an alum, you have a certain pride for the program that may not be matched by others. Max has a deep passion for GC and our athletics. Being an alum is special, and you want it to be better than when you were here. Other alumni that have coached here include Zac Ellison, Juwarren Byrd, and Cale Matthews.”

Kilee Kemp
Kilee Kemp returns to the Pride as an assistant coach for the men and women’s swim teams. During Kemp’s athletic career at GC, she ranked top 10 in multiple events and was a three-time Most Valuable Swimmer. “The opportunity to help build the team and provide experiences and resources I wish I had as a swimmer is what excites me most,” Kemp said. “I truly enjoyed my four years swimming here, but I often saw larger teams doing things I wished we could do. Now, I get to help make those opportunities a reality for this team, which is incredibly exciting.

“Having a new head coach over the last few years has brought positive changes and shown just how much potential we have, so I am really looking forward to recruiting …and building our team alongside him.”

Men and Women’s Swim Head Coach Korey McCulley was asked what skills or strengths Kemp brought to the coaching staff. “Kilee brings a wealth of strengths to the coaching staff from her time as a swimmer at GC,” McCulley said. “Her familiarity with the program, institution and current staff put her in a unique position of comfort in her new role as coach.

“Her previous experience as an athlete, and her experience with coaching club and summer league swimming since she has been in college, lend to her preparedness with working as recruiting coordinator and coach for the team.”

Ivy Ray
Ivy Ray also joins the GC Women’s Softball team as a new assistant coach.
“What excites me most about joining the coaching staff this season is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with both fellow coaches and players while sharing my passion for the game.

“Coaching has long been a personal aspiration, and to now fulfill that dream at an institution where I have already contributed to its legacy fills me with immense pride.

“I am honored to be part of the 2025–26 Softball program and look forward to gaining deeper insight into the operations behind the scenes, learning how to navigate difficult conversations, and supporting our athletes in reaching their highest potential – with the ultimate goal of winning a championship,” Ray said.

Softball Head Coach Brianna Strickland highlights the qualities she saw in Ray that make her a valuable addition to the staff. “I saw several qualities in Ivy Ray that make her a valuable addition to our coaching staff,” Strickland said. “First, she brings an incredible work ethic and a genuine passion for developing athletes, both on and off the field. She has a strong knowledge of the game, but more importantly, she knows how to communicate that knowledge in a way players can understand and apply.

“Ivy also has a natural ability to build relationships – she connects quickly with athletes, earns their trust and pushes them to reach their potential. Her positive energy, leadership and commitment to our team culture not only add value in practices and games, but also contributes to the overall growth and success of our program,” Strickland said.