Technical Staff

Mike DePaola’s journey in soccer began like many great stories—with family. As a proud husband and father of three, he first got involved by coaching his kids in local recreational leagues. What started as a way to support his children quickly grew into a true passion for the game. That passion now drives his role as owner of the club, where he’s committed to creating a high-quality, competitive, and development-focused environment for youth players.

Mike believes in building more than just strong athletes—he’s focused on shaping confident, respectful, and well-rounded individuals. As a longtime Naples resident, he is also deeply connected to the community and is committed to using the club as a platform to give back and make a lasting impact.

Off the field, Mike is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience leading and growing businesses. He has built, bought, and sold more than 15 companies and operated over 20, including managing a real estate portfolio of over 1,100 doors. His business background brings strategic vision, leadership, and a growth mindset to the club’s operations, helping to ensure long-term success for players, families, and the entire organization.

Vincenzo Bernardo is a former professional soccer player and the founder and president of Morris Elite Soccer Club, Naples Elite Soccer Club, and Annapolis Select Futbol Club. Born in Morristown, New Jersey, Bernardo began his soccer journey with local youth clubs before moving to Italy at just 16 to join the prestigious S.S.C. Napoli. Over the course of his professional career, he played in Italy, Austria, Guatemala, and the United States, with clubs including SSC Napoli, FC Höchst, Deportivo Guastatoya, Antigua GFC, Miami United, and Miami Fusion. He also represented the U.S. at the U17 and U20 national team levels with 7 appearances and 3 goals.

After retiring from professional play, Bernardo transitioned into coaching and entrepreneurship, launching Morris Elite SC, now competing in USL League Two and USL W League. Under his leadership, Morris Elite has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing soccer clubs on the East Coast, gaining recognition on a national stage for its commitment to player development, community impact, and elite programming. His vision has since expanded with the founding of Naples Elite SC in Florida and Annapolis Select FC in Maryland, further solidifying his influence in youth soccer across the country.

Originally from Peru, I moved to the U.S. in April 2024 and quickly fell in love with Naples, Florida—and with my amazing wife, Jessica. Together, we’re raising our two children, Sebastian and Valentina. Soccer has always been a passion of mine; I grew up playing youth soccer for Club Sporting Cristal in Peru and began coaching 10 years ago, initially with boys’ teams before discovering my true calling in girls’ soccer. Over the past five years, I’ve coached girls’ teams at various age levels, from club to middle school, and this experience has shown me the importance of age-specific training. I’m now dedicated to building the most competitive girls’ soccer program in Collier County, with a strong focus on developing each player individually to help us reach that goal.

Andres was born in Ecuador and move to the US in 1999. Became a coach in 2005 and since then has experience coaching in California, New York, New Jersey, Florida. With his background from South America plus his experience coaching in the US he brings a lot of knowledge and passion to Naples Elite SC

I am an Italian/American dual citizen born in San Jose, Costa Rica. I started playing soccer at 5 years old in New Delhi, India and have been fortunate enough to play the game all over the world, including professionally in Europe. I grew up and graduated high school in Columbia, Maryland before embarking on my professional playing career and coaching career. I have now been coaching for 17+ years and have been a director at nationally ranked clubs for 10 of those years. I have a love and passion for this game that goes beyond words, helping young players achieve their goals and dreams to play at higher levels, and to guide them to be the best versions of themselves both on and off the field is my why and what fuels me to give my best each and every day. My coaching principles are also principles of life, teamwork, discipline, commitment, resilience & perseverance, responsibility & accountability, and hard work & mental toughness. My coaching style is possession based, build from the back, to keep the ball and be confident on the ball, break lines & pressure together and get into the attacking third, creative play 1v1s 2v1s, combination play and the freedom to create chances once in the attacking third. I have been a part of Naples Elite for a little over a year and am looking forward to our continued growth both on and off the field, and to continue helping our youth community through the beautiful game for years to come!

“I’m excited to work with the club to help bring high level tournaments, as well as, working with teams to achieve their goals and create a memorable soccer experience for all players and families.”

Ashton is currently attending Florida Gulf Coast University and comes fresh off the heels of his soccer playing career. He started his career playing at the 3rd ranked national high school soccer team. He then played NPSL for two years and UPSL for another year professionally. Ashton was part of the Illinois State Team for Olympic Developmental Program where he exceled at coaching. He is coming from coaching currently at Naples United Academy and was previously working with Florida West as a SAQ.

Rafed holds a USSF D License and brings a wealth of experience from both playing and coaching soccer. His background includes playing Semi-professionally for three years at Lebanese University, where he won the college league twice, and also played a season with Florida Memorial University in Miami in 2009. He then moved on to coaching and has over 10 years coaching experience with teams, small groups and individuals. He also spent two years as a girls coach with Albion SC Plantation Eagles, now know as Plantation Fac Rush located in Plantation, FL. He will be working with the Girls Teams this upcoming season.

Playing and Coaching Experience:

• Professional soccer player in the first division in Morocco, Middle East, NPSL in the USA, UPSL in the USA
• Coached with Naples United FC and Azzurri Storm