When I joined the JCA as a personal trainer with the late Eiffel Gilyana in 2023, I quickly learned that the JCA is a people-first organization. With Eiffel, whose name will forever be a blessing, as my mentor, I gained a greater understanding of this community. He also taught me to be a better leader for our colleagues and partner for our members and visitors. Eiffel inspired me daily, thanked me for being part of the team regularly, and always led with his heart, not his ego.
Soon after I moved to Jacksonville from Massachusetts in 2010, I saw the potential for a Northeastern-style moving, storage, and logistics business. Our success proved me right, but team sports and recreational fitness remained my lifelong passion. I was the captain of my high school varsity basketball, football, and lacrosse teams and played Division I Lacrosse at Quinnipiac University. I know from first-hand experience that playing sports and participating in athletic programming helps children build confidence while they grow up to be well-rounded young adults.
As an athlete, I loved being a part of a team. Eiffel’s partnerships with his clients and employees brought that joy back. I look forward to working with our community as the Sports and Recreation Director using all my heart and no ego. Simply put, I believe that is what recreational sports are all about. I intend to lead our department alongside PE and Sports Coordinator Alex Minardi from Eiffel’s inspired perspective. After all, it is the JCA way.
Parents, please be aware that our youth sports programs at the JCA depend on parent participation as coaches. As a parent, I understand that we cannot do it all but please consider supporting your children as a coach. I filled the roles of coach, assistant coach and spectator in our sports leagues over the years and I always see great potential coaches all around me! If you want to participate in our JCA leagues as a coach, please email me directly for more details, michael.raffol@jcajax.org.
Whether you are interested in our youth classes, leagues, or sports programs for adults at the JCA, Coach Alex and I are excited to help your family start their sports and recreation journey. Do not hesitate to email Alex or me with any questions about sports programs at the JCA. With basketball, youth soccer, taekwondo, flag football, fencing, floor hockey, as well as a variety of clinics and leagues– we have something for everyone this season. Click here to explore what is available and register for your favorite programs today.
