About Us

About Us

The vision for N-LITE started in 1998 with our co-founder David Allway during his tenure as a collegiate soccer athlete and researcher with Indiana University and Michigan State University at the Youth Sport Institute. His journey and research led him to creating an algorithm that helped identify Olympic athletes and professional athletes prior to them ever achieving Worldwide accolades. Then he took a detour by selling the intellectual property to and became an advisor to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Now, after more than a decade of refinement the algorithm is back available for commercial use, patent pending, and being applied to sports.

With the support of friend, colleague, and U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Pope the N-LITE platform is ready to serve the greater good of the game.

Together with their expanded business and software development teams, N-LITE will deliver a comprehensive solution to support the needs of everyone who loves and is a part of the soccer industry to elevate their game to the next level.

Bios

Eddie Pope

Eddie Pope, a distinguished figure in American soccer, boasts a storied career as both a player and a leader in the sport. He was born in High Point, NC and attended Southwest Guilford High School. He played college soccer for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1992-1995 and was drafted second overall by D.C. United. In just his second year, Pope was named Major League Soccer Defender of the Year. Widely considered one of the best defenders in American history, Eddie Pope was a four-time MLS Best XI winner, part of the “Top 25 MLS Players of All Time,” and was selected to the MLS All-Time Best XI. Pope retired from MLS play as a 3-time MLS Cup Champion, Open Cup Champion, a CONCACAF Champion, and an InterAmerican Cup Champion. Pope also represented the U.S. Men’s National Team from 1996-2006, appearing in 82 games and appearing in three FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002 & 2006) and was also named one of the “Top 25 Players of All Time” for the USMNT.

Following his on-field retirement, Eddie Pope served as the director of player relations for the MLS Player Union from 2008-2015 and helped negotiate two collective bargaining agreements on behalf of the MLS player pool. From 2015 through 2022, he became the Director of the North American Soccer Division at Octagon Sports and Entertainment. Octagon Sports is one of the premier sporting agencies in the world, representing some of the world’s biggest talent, such as Stephen Curry, Gabriel Jesus, Michael Phelps, and Simone Biles.

In 2022, Pope’s journey came full circle as he was appointed as the Chief Sporting Officer of the newly founded MLS Next Pro club, Carolina Core FC. Based in his hometown of High Point, North Carolina, Pope’s appointment reflects his enduring commitment to the growth and development of soccer at both the local and national levels.

Lindsay Tarpley

Lindsay Tarpley is one of the best female soccer players to successfully move up the ranks within US Soccer, capturing two Olympic Gold Medals (2004 and 2008 Olympic Games) and making 125 international appearances while scoring 32 goals for the US Women’s National Soccer Team. Today, Lindsay is a well-respected international keynote speaker that uses her trajectory through the “beautiful game” to candidly talk to audiences about embracing the journey and not simply focusing on the destination.

Lindsay is also an entrepreneur, co-founding Hustle Beauty which helps bridge the gap between beauty and fitness. Always near the soccer pitch, Lindsay and her husband run the World Champion Soccer Academy, providing youth players with a holistic approach to development.

Lindsay’s love of soccer and the contributions she’s made has garnered her ambassador roles with the FIFA Legends Program and as an athlete representative for the International Olympic Committee.

The Kalamazoo, MI native has achieved success at every level. Tarpley started in US Soccer’s youth program at the age of 14 and quickly rose to the top. She played on the U-16 National Team which lead her to captain the U-19 Team that played in the first ever FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship in 2002. She scored the golden goal in extra time against Canada to win the first-ever FIFA Youth World Cup in front of 50,000 people. Shortly thereafter, Lindsay was called in to the full U.S. Women’s National Team, playing her first game in January 2003, then scoring 2 goals against Sweden in January 2004.

Tarpley attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She quickly made her mark earning Freshman of the Year honors and leading her team to the 2003 NCAA National Champion, while being named the National Player of the Year. 

At the age of 19, she was a catalyst on the Gold Medal winning USA team at the 2004 Athens Olympics, scoring the first goal in the goal medal match. She won her second gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics playing a critical role in the team’s success. She made history by earning her 100th CAP (International Appearance) on July 16, 2008 against Brazil in the last game before the 2008 Olympics, the 23rd player in USWNT history to reach this feat. She also played in the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, in which the United States finished third. Unfortunately, Tarpley’s career ended early when she suffered a career-ending knee injury in the send-off game to the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. A devastating blow to a legendary career, Tarpley continues to find new ways to make an impact.

BJ Snow

BJ Snow stands as a distinguished figure in the world of women’s soccer, recognized for his strategic brilliance and unparalleled dedication to the development of players at every level. With an illustrious career that spans almost two decades, Snow’s contributions have been pivotal in shaping the landscape of women’s soccer in the United States At the heart of his accomplishments are his roles serving on the coaching staff for the United States Women’s National Team’s triumphs at two FIFA World Cup Championships in 2015 and 2019.  

During his time at US Soccer, Snow served in numerous roles including the first-ever Head of Talent Identification and Development for the US Women’s National Team. In this critical role, Snow was responsible for identifying and creating talent benchmarks, creating analytic models to evaluate player performance, building scouting networks, and facilitating the development of US Soccer’s next generation of top players.  During this time, Snow also served as the Head Coach of the US Under-23 Women’s National Team where he was responsible for creating a steady supply of Women’s National Team players that were prepared for the requirements of our WNT and the current international game.  During his time as the U23 Head Coach, the team went undefeated in all international competitions. Before his tenure as the U23 Head Coach, Snow served as the Head Coach for the US Under-17 Women’s National Team where he led the team to multiple international tournament championships and orchestrated a three-and-a-half-year unbeaten streak in all competitions.

Before his impactful contributions to the national teams, Snow demonstrated his coaching acumen at UCLA, where he served in various capacities, culminating in his role as head coach. During his tenure at UCLA, the Women’s Soccer team reached the NCAA College Cup four times and clinched four PAC 12 Championship titles, solidifying its status as a powerhouse in college soccer. Snow’s tenure was marked by unparalleled recruiting success, consistently securing some of the nation’s top-ranked classes and players, many of whom would go on to professional and international stardom. 

BJ Snow’s exceptional journey in women’s soccer is complemented by his own accomplished playing career, which laid the foundation for his coaching philosophy and success. As a standout player at NCAA powerhouse Indiana University, Snow was an integral part of a golden era for the Hoosiers. His collegiate career is adorned with remarkable achievements, including being a part of two NCAA Championship-winning teams, Four Big Ten Championship Titles, and Three NCAA Final Fours. 

Today, BJ is the CEO of Snow Tarpley Strategies, a strategic advisory firm with domain expertise in talent optimization for large-scale growth companies and sports organizations.  In addition, Snow and his wife, Lindsay Tarpley, also co-founded the World Champion Soccer Academy providing youth soccer players with a holistic approach to development.

Snow’s career is marked by his commitment to excellence, innovation, and the development of players and teams that compete at the highest levels. His legacy in women’s soccer is not just in the titles and championships won but in the countless players whose careers he has shaped and the positive impact he has had on the sport.

Dave Allway

Dave Allway is a seasoned executive advisor, mentor, coach and facilitator with over two decades of experience applying systems thinking to analyze human performance and identify innovative solutions to drive increased efficiency and optimize cultural responsiveness within organizations. As a third generation process improvement expert, David specializes in transformation through strategic alignment.

Dave’s approach to human performance process improvement and optimization came naturally growing up as an athlete in the home of one of the first American experts in the Toyota Production System. As he progressed through his academic and athletic careers, he began to blend the concepts of industrial engineering and exercise science on an intuitive basis. When his playing career ended after a brief stint pursuing the professional ranks, he returned to school to begin his pursuits in earnest.

Whether coaching elite athletes, working on warehouse/factory floors, walking the halls of congress, speaking in mega-conference halls, or facilitating small groups of senior officials, Dave is always honing his ability to understand how people affect processes and how human behavior and performance can be optimized. He has managed teams of over 200 people and mentored individuals from child-prodigy to professional athlete.

Andrew Bosin

Andrew Bosin is a seasoned attorney with nearly 30 years of experience practicing law in New Jersey. Specializing in complex commercial, business, employment cases, and SaaS law, Bosin has established himself as a prominent figure in the legal field.

As the owner of Nationwide Technology Law Firm, Bosin has provided legal counsel to over 150 SaaS, technology, software, cloud, and app startups and companies. His expertise extends to negotiating and closing complex SaaS enterprise agreements and deals, with a track record of successfully completing over 30 such transactions.

Bosin’s legal acumen is particularly evident in his work with early-stage startups, where he has counseled clients in negotiating seed and angel rounds, including SAFEs, promissory and convertible debt notes. Additionally, he has provided invaluable legal advice on VC term sheets and investments, guiding clients through funding rounds up to Series A.

In addition to his advisory role, Bosin has hands-on experience in the startup world. He played a pivotal role as General Counsel in building, launching, and scaling a SaaS startup company (Delaware C Corp) alongside partners. His involvement extended beyond legal matters to include participation in capital raises, marketing, and sales processes, demonstrating his multifaceted approach to business development.

Bosin’s expertise in fundraising is underscored by his success in securing $800,000 in funding for a SaaS startup. 

Bosin’s legal prowess extends beyond the realm of startups. He has also represented established entities such as Citibank, serving as local counsel in high-stakes litigation. Notably, he assisted Paul Weiss Rifkind in obtaining a $500 million verdict against Parmalat in Superior Court, Bergen County, New Jersey, showcasing his ability to navigate complex legal challenges with precision and skill.

Rick Mercer

Rick has 30 years of experience in sports and entertainment marketing, business development, investment capital, acquisitions, brand marketing and networking. He has raised millions of dollars for startups and established businesses.  His experiences include executive positions at Octagon, Jack Nicklaus’ Golden Bear International, Omnicom (Radiate Group), SFX Sports, Lydian Trust, Ripken Baseball, and Luminas. Rick graduated from the University of Virginia where he was Captain of the baseball team.

Eric Court

Eric Court is a seasoned financial professional with a diverse background in both private equity and credit, investment banking, and financial consulting. Currently serving as Managing Partner at EY (Ernst & Young) since 2023, Mr. Court brings a wealth of expertise to his role.

Prior EY, Mr. Court held the position of Principal at Alignment Credit from 2018 to 2023, where he served on its Investment Committee, responsible for firm strategy, origination and portfolio management.

From 2015 to 2018, Mr. Court served as Vice President at Trivergence, a private equity firm specializing in the travel, business and consumer services, digital media, and technology sectors. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in identifying investment opportunities and driving growth initiatives for its portfolio companies.

Mr. Court’s career includes notable roles such as Vice President at Charterhouse Equity Partners from 2013 to 2014, where he focused on leveraged buyout investments in the middle market. His responsibilities encompassed sourcing, executing, overseeing, and exiting investments across various sectors, including business services, consumer products and services, and healthcare services.

Before his tenure at Charterhouse Equity Partners, Mr. Court served as an Associate at Atlantic Street Capital from 2010 to 2013. In this role, he played a key role in evaluating, executing, and monitoring special situation transactions across a diverse range of industries.

Mr. Court commenced his career in finance as an Investment Banking Analyst at Jefferies from 2007 to 2010, where he gained valuable experience in the Leveraged Finance Group.

Mr. Court holds an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and a B.S. in Finance and Accounting from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University, underscoring his strong academic foundation in finance and business. With his extensive experience and academic credentials, Mr. Court continues to make significant contributions to the financial industry.

Jessica Riddle

Jessica Riddle has established herself as a key figure in the convergence of strategic insight and technological advancement over more than a decade at the forefront of educational and marketing innovation. Her leadership roles at Southeast Professional Education Group, FAKTR, and Elysium Creative Collective have been pivotal in pioneering solutions tailored to the sports medicine and human performance industries.

Jessica excels in deploying digital systems that transform marketing efforts, simplifying complex processes to enhance operational efficiency and impact. These platforms are not just tools; they’re transformative solutions that revolutionize how organizations manage their operations.

A seasoned strategist and advocate for lifelong learning, Jessica’s work effectively combines content with technology, creating engaging educational experiences. Her collaboration with national and international associations across sports and health disciplines highlights her adeptness at leveraging marketing technologies to elevate educational standards.

Jessica’s journey began in marketing and communications, where she made significant contributions across various sectors. As the Director of Marketing and Communications for one of the Southeast’s leading Chambers of Commerce, she developed a deep understanding of strategic communication. Her experience expanded through roles in traditional and digital marketing as a Business Advisor for Showcase Marketing Agency and Business Black Box Magazine, where she sharpened her skills for today’s digital challenges.

In her current initiatives, Jessica is dedicated to transforming the landscape of sports club management and organization through innovative digital solutions. Her goal is to revolutionize the way sports clubs and organizations strategize, operate, and succeed, enhancing their overall branding, messaging, and business development strategies, including effective use of marketing and social media.

Seth Kaelin

Seth Kaelin stands as an innovator in the healthcare sector, with a distinguished career characterized by pioneering contributions to alternative healthcare. As the co-founder of N-LITE, he has been instrumental in identifying how to structure the development process to capitalize on data collection and reporting to optimize human performance.

With a robust entrepreneurial background, Seth has founded and led a consultancy firm in alternative healthcare, guiding it to achieve multimillion-dollar revenues annually for more than ten years. His strategic insight and business acumen have been pivotal to the firm’s success.

In the tech domain, Seth has co-created a state-of-the-art healthcare application, set to debut with a vast collection of resources in rehabilitation, fitness, meditation, and nutrition. This initiative reflects his commitment to integrating technology with patient care, enhancing the quality and accessibility of wellness services.

Expanding his business portfolio, Seth has recently inaugurated a multi-million dollar Day Spa and Wellness Center, embodying his holistic vision of self-care. This center offers a wide range of services, from relaxation and beauty treatments to comprehensive wellness programs, catering to a diverse clientele. Under his leadership, the center exemplifies the synergy of luxury, health, and innovation, further establishing Seth’s legacy as a luminary in wellness and personal care.

Seth Kaelin’s career is a testament to his unwavering pursuit of excellence, innovation, and the advancement of individual well-being.

Randall May

With 43 years of extensive playing and coaching experience, Randall May has established himself as a revered figure in the world of soccer. His journey in the sport spans across various levels, from youth coaching to collegiate leadership, showcasing a lifelong commitment to excellence and player development.

May’s coaching career is highlighted by 22 years of head and assisting coaching experience at the collegiate level, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping the skills and character of young athletes. Additionally, he brings 21 years of youth coaching experience at the US Region I Olympic Development Program, high school, and club levels, further solidifying his reputation as a distinguished mentor and coach.

Throughout his tenure, May has held significant roles in prominent organizations, serving as a Technical Board Member and Age Group Head Coach at Loudoun Soccer. He has also contributed to the development of young minds as a teacher and coach at Loudoun County Public Schools in Ashburn, Virginia, where he taught 9th grade and Advanced PE Health and Physical Education, chaired the department, and served as the Head Varsity Boys Soccer Coach.

Prior to his roles in Virginia, May served as a Teacher at Fairfax County Public Schools and the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Cornell University, where he honed his coaching skills and made lasting contributions to the soccer community.

May’s educational background includes a Master of Science (MS) in Secondary Education and Teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he also served as a Graduate Assistant and Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health and Physical Education/Recreation from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, where he distinguished himself as a varsity athlete and co-captain of the 1977 NCAA Division III National Champions team.

Throughout his career, Randall May has exemplified dedication, passion, and expertise in the realm of soccer coaching and education. His impact on the sport and the lives of countless players is a testament to his enduring legacy and commitment to excellence.

Dan Court

Dan Court is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with a remarkable track record of success. His journey is marked by numerous achievements, including the co-founding, growth, and successful sale of three businesses, with two acquisitions by multi-billion-dollar companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange and one by a NASDAQ company. Notably, one of his ventures was recognized as the 36th fastest-growing privately held company in the United States by Inc. magazine.

Currently, he is CEO & Co-founder of N-LITE Performance Inc. and has played a pivotal role in the development of N-LITE, a cutting-edge Next Level ID Tracking Engine for sports organizations, addressing the burgeoning Athletic Performance and Sports Data Analytics segment. 

In addition, Dan serves as a Co-founder and Senior Advisor of PIF Digital Inc., a global company dedicated to helping healthcare practitioners expand their practice’s profitably. In his capacity as the Co-founder of FITHub.health, an online platform for natural healthcare practitioners, Dan has facilitated the creation of a turn-key virtual wellness and rehabilitation platform. This innovative solution enables practitioners to nurture patients and foster online communities improving results.

Prior to his current ventures, Dan held various influential roles. He co-founded LIT, Inc., a highly successful professional services and project management firm, and served as President and Co-founder at OPUS Resources Inc., an IT staffing company, and Legal Support Personnel, Inc., the largest provider of paralegal temporary personnel in New York City during his tenure.

Throughout his career, Dan Court has demonstrated a keen ability to identify opportunities, drive growth, and deliver results across diverse industries. His contributions to the advancements in sports analytics, use of state-of-the art technology in the legal industry and innovations in virtual wellness platforms underscore his status as a visionary leader in entrepreneurship and business development.

Sydney Staples

Sydney Staples is a multifaceted professional with a background deeply rooted in soccer and journalism. A former Division I soccer player at Lehigh University, Sydney pursued a major in Journalism and minors in Business, Marketing, and Graphic Design. Building upon her undergraduate education, she obtained a master’s degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications, specializing in the Sports Media and Communications track.

Throughout her career, Sydney has made significant strides in sports journalism and marketing communications. She currently works as a sports reporter for D210SPORTS, covering the MLS’ FC Dallas, and is a host for Sports Dissected, a company touring the country’s facilities and showcasing how they have an influence on their respective collegiate and professional teams. She has served as a soccer analyst for ACC Network, providing insightful commentary both in-game and in-studio. Additionally, Sydney worked as a beat reporter for Sports Illustrated’s Syracuse Orange on FanNation, covering the sports ranging from soccer, to basketball, to football.

Sydney’s professional journey also includes valuable internships in sports journalism and marketing communications. Notably, she interned as an NFL Training Camp reporter for the Green Bay Packers, gaining firsthand experience in covering professional sports. Moreover, Sydney was part of FOX Sports University’s winning team, contributing to the creation of a marketing campaign for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

She also has marketing communications experiences in her former roles as an Intern at PBS39 and 91.3 WLVR, as well as Flo. Marketing, where Sydney demonstrated her versatility and expertise in branding and digital marketing. She played a pivotal role in developing social media content, constructing email newsletters, and assisting in the creation of branded marketing materials for various clients.

Sydney’s passion for soccer extends beyond her professional endeavors. As a former player under the guidance of David Allway and Randall May, she honed her skills on the field and developed a deep appreciation for the game.

Overall, Sydney Staples embodies the intersection of sports and journalism, leveraging her expertise to make meaningful contributions to both fields. Her dedication, talent, and diverse skill set position her as a formidable force in the world of sports media and marketing.

Colin Shutler

Colin Shutler pursued his academic journey at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. He completed his Master of Education in educational psychology with a focus on social foundations in August 2021, following his Bachelor of Arts in psychology in May 2020.

Colin embarked on a diverse professional path, starting with his tenure as a Professional Athlete. From 2022 to the present, he has been an integral part of the Orange County Soccer Club in Irvine, CA, showcasing his athletic prowess. Prior to this, in 2021, he contributed his skills to the North Texas Soccer Club and FC Dallas in Frisco, TX.

Apart from his athletic endeavors, Colin displayed his managerial acumen as a Golf Pro Shop Manager at The Trails of Frisco Golf Club in Frisco, TX, and later at Tustin Ranch Golf Club in Tustin, CA, from 2021 to 2023. In these roles, he efficiently managed the pro shop operations, facilitated sales, and provided excellent customer service.

His passion for sports extended beyond playing and managing to coaching and counseling. Colin served as a Camp Counselor and Coach at the Virginia Soccer Camp of Champions in Charlottesville, VA, from 2017 to 2019, nurturing young talents in soccer. Additionally, he worked as a Trainer at Division 1-on-1 Trainers, where he provided personalized coaching to aspiring soccer goalkeepers. Also, he currently coaches young players and goalkeepers in his free time in Irvine, CA.

Colin’s professional journey also includes experiences in business and officiating. He served as a Business Intern at TechLaw Holdings Inc. in Chantilly, VA, providing valuable office support. Furthermore, he honed his leadership and organizational skills as a Referee at the Loudoun Youth Soccer Association and as a Teaching Assistant at the National League of Junior Cotillions.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Colin actively engaged in volunteer activities. He dedicated his time to tutoring through the Day In The Life Community Service Learning program and contributed to various initiatives, including the National Honor Society and Loudoun Soccer Goalkeeping Academy.

Colin’s achievements reflect his excellence both on and off the field. As a Division I Collegiate Soccer player, he earned numerous athletic accolades, including United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Men’s First Team All-America and All-ACC Men’s Soccer First Team honors. His academic achievements are equally commendable, earning recognition on the Men’s Soccer ACC Academic Team and ACC Academic Honor Roll.

His talents were recognized internationally as well, representing the U.S. Under-19 Men’s National Soccer Team at the Steven Volitic Tournament in Subotic, Serbia. Moreover, Colin attained the prestigious Eagle Rank in the Boy Scouts, demonstrating his commitment to personal growth and leadership.

Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Colin remains deeply involved in sports and community activities. He continues to nurture his passion for golf and soccer, maintaining active involvement in the University of Virginia Men’s Varsity Soccer Team and the Loudoun Soccer Club Travel Team. His leadership qualities were evident as the captain of both teams.

Throughout his journey, Colin has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to excellence, both as an athlete and as a well-rounded individual committed to making a positive impact in his community.