Meet The Coaches

Girls Varsity Coach
Thomas Buresi
Thomas is a seasoned coach with 10 years of experience and a deep passion for player development. A France native who grew up playing soccer and skiing, he's been part of the Marietta community for 23 years. Thomas is married with a 21-year-old daughter playing soccer at UNG and a 16-year-old son who plays for Marietta soccer and plays club soccer for Concorde Platinum ECNL. A lifelong PSG supporter since attending his first match at Parc des Princes in 1982, Thomas brings European soccer expertise to the program. Beyond coaching, he's also a certified soccer referee. He's particularly excited about this season's group of talented players.

Girls Varsity Assistant Coach
Davin Ellenberger
Coach E brings 18 years of multi-sport coaching experience and a global perspective, having grown up in West Africa with international worker parents. He's been coaching soccer for 18 years and currently coaches at SSA; this is his first year coaching Marietta soccer. Married to Aubrey for 5 years, he has two young daughters—Flora (20 months) and Lottie (4 months). Beyond soccer, he's coached volleyball, basketball, flag football, and golf. Coach E is passionate about positively influencing young people and fostering growth both on and off the field. He plays soccer, works out, and drums in his spare time. A Chelsea FC supporter, he's thrilled to be part of the Marietta family.

Boys Varsity Head Coach
Robert Holman
Robert is a highly experienced coach with 26 years of high school coaching across football (22 years), soccer (20 years), and baseball (2 years). A Marietta native, he's been at MHS for 6 years and brings deep appreciation for the school's rich traditions and history. Married to Pamela Holman (ELA coordinator for Marietta City Schools), Robert has four sons (ages 27, 25, 20, and 18), two of whom graduated from MHS, plus three dogs. He's competitive and passionate about developing young men through sports. Robert enjoys fishing, watching sports, spending time with family, and reading. A Manchester City fan, he's optimistic about this season's highly skilled returning players.

Boys Varsity Assistant Coach
Sam Dietrich
Sam is a veteran coach with an impressive 22 years of soccer coaching experience, plus additional coaching across multiple sports for his children. Originally from Illinois, he's been at Marietta for 3 years. Sam has been married to his high school sweetheart, Laura, for 22 years and they have 11-year-old twins, Wesley and Maxine, plus their 1-year-old dog, Hank. An avid golfer, Sam is passionate about teaching, building relationships, and fostering player growth. He appreciates Marietta's family-like dynamic created by its elementary-to-high school pipeline and is excited to see how the team adapts after losing key seniors.

Boys Varsity Assistant Coach
Brandon Land
Brandon is a 14-year soccer coaching veteran and true Marietta community member—he grew up here and now lives and works in the same community. Married to Deanna for 12 years, he has three children: Everett (6), Cora (4), and Arden (8 months). Brandon's been at Marietta for 13.5 years and was deeply influenced by his own coaches growing up, which motivates his coaching philosophy today. He's excited to build on last year's success with a strong core of returners and promising newcomers. When not coaching, Brandon enjoys watching and playing sports, plus fishing. He supports Arsenal FC and Atlanta United.

JV Boys Head Coach
Troy Duke
Troy is a 19-year coaching veteran transitioning from football to soccer, now in his 5th year of soccer coaching. Originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, he's been at Marietta for 10 years. Married to T'Aira for 2 years, Troy has a 7-year-old daughter, Hannah, and a 1-year-old son, Troy. He's passionate about helping young athletes reach their full potential and loves witnessing their growth throughout the season. At the JV level, Troy is focused on blending returners with newcomers to create lasting team bonds and memories. He's an Atlanta United fan and enjoys traveling in his downtime.

JV Girls Head Coach
Cate McCollum
Cate is an energetic first-year high school coach bringing diverse international experience to Marietta. A Statesboro, GA native and Berry College alumna (soccer player), she's married to a fourth-generation MHS graduate and football player. This is her second year at Marietta, where she works as a Middle School Counselor and previously served as Program Coordinator for Marietta Mentoring for Leadership. Cate has coached soccer camps, ID clinics, and coached abroad in Uganda, plus worked with Soccer in the Streets in Atlanta. A Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in teenage girls and high-achieving athletes, she's passionate about building connections through sport and developing future leaders. Her favorite team is the U.S. Women's National Team.

Marietta Middle School Girls Co-Head Coach
Mandy Scott
Mandy is a lifelong Marietta native and passionate soccer advocate with 10 years of coaching experience (primarily soccer, plus Crossfit). She was born in Marietta and recently bought a home in the city, embodying her deep connection to the community. An active athlete herself, Mandy loves soccer, CrossFit, hiking, and running. She has two dogs, Ellie and Troop, and enjoys being an aunt to her three nephews. Now in her 3rd year coaching soccer at Marietta, Mandy is dedicated to building relationships and developing young athletes into confident, resilient leaders. She's particularly excited to continue her partnership with fellow coach Dora and watch their program grow together. Her favorite teams include FC Barcelona, Atlanta United, and the Spain National Team.

Marietta Middle School Girls Co-Head Coach
Dora Blanco
Dora is a passionate soccer advocate and educator who has been coaching soccer for 5 years. A Dalton, GA native who's called Marietta home for 13 years, she works at Marietta Middle School and has been part of Marietta City Schools for 9 years. Married to Josh for 21 years, she has two children—Caleb (MHS graduate) and Emma (current freshman)—plus their beloved Goldendoodle, Teddy. An active athlete herself, Dora plays on a women's soccer team and is a Cristiano Ronaldo fan. When not on the field, she enjoys running, Pilates, reading, and beach time. She's committed to mentoring young girls and fostering confidence, teamwork, and leadership both on and off the field.

Marietta Middle School Boys Head Coach
Gerrod Scott
Gerrod is a 10-year coaching veteran with experience across soccer, flag football, and softball. Originally from North Carolina, he's been at Marietta for 1 year. A U.S. Army veteran and combat soldier, Gerrod earned his doctorate from the University of Miami and brings discipline and mentorship to his coaching. He's passionate about sports and youth development and is excited to build relationships with his players while pursuing an undefeated season. Gerrod is a Carolina Panthers fan and supports Charlotte FC. He's committed to getting to know his players and making a positive impact..


