Michael Raffol joined the JCA in 2023 as a Personal Trainer to work under the late Eiffel Gilyana. Michael says Eiffel’s spirit and success will continue to inspire him as the JCA’s Sports and Recreation Director.

Originally from Massachusetts, Michael relocated to Jacksonville in 2010, to the hometown of his future wife Eshter Yegelwel Raffol, who currently serves as the Coordinator of Volunteering at River Garden Senior Services.

Together, the couple ran a successful moving, storage and logistics business until 2020 when they sold their company to pursue Michael’s lifelong passion – team sports and recreational fitness. Soon after, Michael became certified as a personal trainer.

As captain of his high school varsity basketball, football, and lacrosse teams, Michael understands the importance of exceptional youth sports programming but does not measure success on wins. Michael says his goal is to offer children in our community opportunities through sports to help them build self-confidence and grow into well-rounded young adults.  

A graduate of Quinnipiac University, Michael played Division I lacrosse under scholarship while earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Michael says he looks forward to using his diverse skillset to grow the JCA’s existing athletic programs for children and adults.

When Michael is not at the JCA, he can be found with family and coaching his own children on the field at our JCA’s sports leagues. Michael and Esther have two children, 9-year-old twins Jack and Eliana.