Led by Educators. Built for Student-Athletes.
We've walked the walk — now we lead the way.
Our team includes former D1 athletes, elite coaches, counselors, educators, and mental performance experts who know what it takes to succeed. We've built this platform based on experience, science, and a deep desire to empower the next generation to lead, compete, and thrive.
Meet our founders, coaches, and counselors
Combined expertise in sports, tech, and mental performance
Meet Our Team of Performance Mentors, Academic Strategists, and Life Builders.
The Student-Athlete Success Coaches at AthletIQ Connect form a dynamic leadership team with over 100 years of combined experience dedicated to the growth and success of student-athletes. These expert educators, mentors, teachers, and coaches bring a unique blend of academic leadership, athletic development, and real-world experience to every interaction. Their collective backgrounds span K–12 and higher education, competitive sports programs, curriculum and instruction, college readiness, mental performance, and career planning. With a deep understanding of the pressures student-athletes face on and off the field, our student-athlete success coaches are uniquely equipped to guide them through academic, athletic, and life transitions—empowering each student to perform with purpose, stay eligible, and build a future beyond the game.
Nathan Roman
Student-Athlete Success Coach
Nathan Roman, M.S., is a highly experienced Student-Athlete Success Coach at AthletIQ Connect, bringing a rare blend of sport psychology, academic advising, and leadership development to the students and families he serves. He holds a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Psychology from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UCLA, with a career spanning mental skills training, athletic administration, teaching, and federally funded academic programs.
Nathan has coached hundreds of students in mental performance, executive functioning, academic planning, college admissions, and career development, while also serving as an Athletic Director, PE Coach, lecturer, and academic advisor at the secondary and university levels. With deep expertise in non-cognitive skill development, student support systems, and evidence-based performance strategies, Nathan is known for helping student-athletes build confidence, resilience, and clarity—equipping them to perform at a high level in school, sport, and life, fully aligned with AthletIQ Connect’s BUILT D1FF3R3NT mission.
At AthletIQ Connect, Nathan brings a calm, research-driven approach to helping student-athletes understand how mindset, behavior, and structure directly influence performance. He works closely with students and families to translate psychological principles into practical daily habits—supporting goal setting, stress management, decision-making, and long-term planning. Nathan’s ability to connect mental skills with real-world academic and athletic demands allows student-athletes to move from uncertainty to confidence, building the self-awareness and discipline needed to thrive under pressure and sustain success over time.
Eddie Samaniego
Student-Athlete Success Coach
Eddie Samaniego is a dedicated Student-Athlete Success Coach at AthletIQ Connect with over a decade of experience in education, specializing in mathematics, computer science, instructional technology, and student-centered learning. He holds a Master of Education from Loyola Marymount University, along with a California Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential, and brings a strong background in data-informed instruction, curriculum design, and innovative teaching strategies.
Having served as a Math and Computer Science teacher at both Notre Dame High School and Cristo Rey San Diego High School, and currently as an Instructional Technology Specialist at Point Loma Nazarene University, Eddie is known for his ability to connect complex concepts to real-world applications. His strengths in relationship-building, problem-solving, and adapting instruction to diverse learning styles allow him to effectively support student-athletes in developing academic confidence, technical skills, and critical thinking—fully aligned with AthletIQ Connect’s mission to prepare students for success in school, sport, and life.
At AthletIQ Connect, Eddie works closely with student-athletes and families to help bridge the gap between academic performance and long-term opportunity. He emphasizes structure, consistency, and intentional learning habits, helping students build the study systems, time-management skills, and problem-solving mindset required to thrive in rigorous academic environments. Eddie’s approach reinforces the belief that confidence in the classroom directly supports confidence in competition—ensuring student-athletes are equipped with the tools, discipline, and clarity needed to perform at a high level in school, sport, and life.
Dr. Gina Marie
Student-Athlete Success Coach
Dr. Marie brings over two decades of experience in education, student development, and instructional design to her role as a Student-Athlete Success Coach at AthletIQ Connect. With a powerful background spanning TK–16 education, vocational training, and career-technical education, Dr. Marie specializes in helping student-athletes thrive both on and off the field.
Known for her multidisciplinary approach, Dr. Marie has developed student-centered remote learning programs across more than 30 learning platforms and has led large-scale initiatives in curriculum design, grant-funded career readiness, and outcome-driven intervention systems. She has secured over $400,000 in competitive grant funding, created statewide work-based learning programs, and collaborated with institutions such as USC, WorkSource Centers, and the Department of Public Social Services.
As a former Honors Coordinator and academic specialist, Dr. Marie has worked extensively to align academic programs with NCAA and NAIA eligibility requirements, ensuring that student-athletes remain on track for recruitment, transfer, and long-term success. She brings deep expertise in building academic pathways that support both competitive athletic participation and academic excellence.
Dr. Marie holds a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from California State University, Long Beach, and certifications in administrative services, vocational education, and AI-integrated instruction. Her coaching style is data-informed, student-first, and future-focused—equipping student-athletes with the mindset, strategy, and support to perform under pressure, stay eligible, and build pathways toward lasting success.
Mariechu Reyes
Student-Athlete Success Coach
Mariechu Reyes brings over 20 years of clinical, educational, and mentorship experience to AthletIQ Connect, with deep expertise in human development, nervous system regulation, and performance under pressure.
She currently serves as a Neonatal Therapist at Sunrise Children’s Hospital, home to the largest NICU in the state of Nevada, where she evaluates and treats preterm and full-term infants, mentors therapists, trains nurses, and supports families during critical, high-pressure moments.
Mariechu has also been a foundational member of Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center since its opening in 2008, where she pioneered NICU therapy services, helped elevate the unit from Level II to Level III accreditation, and continues to collaborate weekly with multidisciplinary medical teams. She has mentored occupational, physical, and speech therapists, as well as nursing staff, helping build systems that support infants, families, and clinicians.
A licensed Occupational Therapist with a minor in Psychology, Mariechu is a Certified Neonatal Therapist, Neonatal Touch & Massage Certified, and former Certified Lactation Counselor. Her work focuses on neuroprotection, regulation, feeding systems, positioning, and emotional safety—principles that translate directly to helping student-athletes build confidence, resilience, and consistency.
Beyond the hospital setting, Mariechu has extensive experience in education and mentorship, including work within Clark County School District, teaching high school students about career pathways, supervising clinical students, and leading professional trainings. She understands that performance is built through structure, routines, and trust.
At AthletIQ Connect, Mariechu helps student-athletes and families develop the mindset, habits, and daily systems needed to perform in sport, school, and life. Her approach aligns seamlessly with the BUILT D1FF3R3NT mindset—disciplined, intentional, and focused on developing the whole person.
Mariechu’s mission is simple:
to help young people feel supported, capable, and prepared—so they can perform with confidence when it matters most.
Don Loperena
Student-Athlete Success Coach
Don Loperena brings over 25 years of coaching, mentorship, and leadership experience within LAUSD to his role as a Student-Athlete Success Coach at AthletIQ Connect. Throughout his career, Don has been committed to developing student-athletes through discipline, accountability, and a deep understanding of the game of basketball, while helping young people build the habits and mindset required for success beyond the court.
Known for building competitive programs grounded in strong culture, consistent standards, and personal responsibility, Don understands that winning starts with preparation, character, and daily choices. His approach emphasizes not only athletic development, but also academic focus, leadership growth, and life readiness, ensuring student-athletes are prepared for the demands they will face at the next level and beyond.
Don’s impact extends far beyond game strategy. He has spent decades mentoring young athletes as they navigate the realities of school, sport, and personal development, helping them learn how to manage pressure, set goals, and take ownership of their growth. His long-standing presence within LAUSD has given him a deep understanding of the challenges student-athletes and families face—and how to guide them through those challenges with clarity and consistency.
As a Student-Athlete Success Coach at AthletIQ Connect, Don integrates his coaching experience with the platform’s systems-based approach to mindset, habits, and structure. He works closely with student-athletes to reinforce the importance of daily routines, accountability, and standards, while supporting parents and educators in creating aligned environments that help young people thrive.
Don’s mission aligns seamlessly with AthletIQ Connect’s purpose: to develop confident, disciplined, and resilient student-athletes who are prepared not just for competition, but for life. Through mentorship, structure, and steady leadership, Don helps student-athletes build a foundation for long-term success in school, sport, and beyond.
Sameer Shurpalekar
Student-Athlete Success Coach
Sameer Shurpalekar serves as a Student-Athlete Success Coach at AthletIQ Connect, bringing over 30 years of experience in the high-tech industry and a deep passion for mentoring the next generation. Known for blending technical expertise with strategic leadership, Sameer helps student-athletes bridge the gap between academic planning, career alignment, and long-term success.
As a parent who has personally navigated the college journey with both of his children, he understands the critical role that clear decision-making, structured planning, and long-view thinking play in student-athlete success. His calm, thoughtful coaching style helps student-athletes and their families confidently align NCAA/NAIA academic eligibility with real-world career pathways—ensuring that their hard work on the field translates into opportunities off it.
Sameer’s ability to connect education with industry expectations makes him a valuable guide for
Having served as a Math and Computer Science teacher at both Notre Dame High School and Cristo Rey San Diego High School, and currently as an Instructional Technology Specialist at Point Loma Nazarene University, Eddie is known for his ability to connect complex concepts to real-world applications. His strengths in relationship-building, problem-solving, and adapting instruction to diverse learning styles allow him to effectively support student-athletes in developing academic confidence, technical skills, and critical thinking—fully aligned with AthletIQ Connect’s mission to prepare students for success in school, sport, and life.
Tamara
Student-Athlete Success Coach
Dr. Tamara brings over two decades of experience in education, student development, and instructional design to her role as a Student-Athlete Success Coach at AthletIQ Connect. With a powerful background spanning TK–16 education, vocational training, and career-technical education, Dr. Ogilvie specializes in helping student-athletes thrive both on and off the field.
Known for her multidisciplinary approach, Dr. Tamara has developed student-centered remote learning programs across more than 30 learning platforms and has led large-scale initiatives in curriculum design, grant-funded career readiness, and outcome-driven intervention systems. She has secured over $400,000 in competitive grant funding, created statewide work-based learning programs, and collaborated with institutions such as USC, WorkSource Centers, and the Department of Public Social Services.
As a former Honors Coordinator and academic specialist, Dr. Tamara has worked extensively to align academic programs with NCAA and NAIA eligibility requirements, ensuring that student-athletes remain on track for recruitment, transfer, and long-term success. She brings deep expertise in building academic pathways that support both competitive athletic participation and academic excellence.
Dr. Tamara holds a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from California State University, Long Beach, and certifications in administrative services, vocational education, and AI-integrated instruction. Her coaching style is data-informed, student-first, and future-focused—equipping student-athletes with the mindset, strategy, and support to perform under pressure, stay eligible, and build pathways toward lasting success.
Scott Hamilton
Student-Athlete Success Coach
Scott Hamilton brings more than 37 years of experience in education and coaching to his role as a Student-Athlete Success Coach at AthletIQ Connect, with over three decades dedicated to teaching mathematics at Notre Dame High School. A proud graduate of California State University, Northridge (CSUN), Scott has spent his career helping students build confidence, discipline, and clarity—both academically and athletically.
Scott joined the Notre Dame community in the late 1980s, first as a coach and then as an educator, quickly becoming known for his ability to connect with students and challenge them to reach higher standards. In addition to his long-standing role in the classroom, Scott served as a varsity boys basketball head coach, leading programs with an emphasis on teamwork, accountability, and character. His coaching journey included a successful tenure at Servite High School, before returning to Notre Dame, where he has continued to invest deeply in students for more than two decades.
As a mathematics educator, Scott has taught a wide range of courses and currently specializes in Honors Algebra 1 and Honors Algebra 2, where precision, consistency, and problem-solving are non-negotiable. His classroom philosophy mirrors his approach to athletics: preparation matters, habits matter, and confidence is built through effort and repetition. Students under Scott’s guidance learn how to think critically, manage pressure, and take ownership of their learning—skills that translate directly to success on the court and beyond.
At AthletIQ Connect, Scott works with student-athletes and families to reinforce the connection between academic discipline and athletic performance. He helps students understand that the same focus required to master complex math concepts is the same focus required to compete at a high level in sport and life. His calm presence, high standards, and genuine commitment to student growth align seamlessly with the BUILT D1FF3R3NT mindset.
Scott’s passion for students remains unwavering. Whether in the classroom, supporting teams from the stands, or mentoring young athletes through important transitions, he exemplifies what it means to be a lifelong educator—one who believes that when students are supported, challenged, and held to high standards, they are capable of far more than they imagine..
Meet Our Advisory Board Who is Built on Experience, Driven by Purpose.
The AthletIQ Connect Advisory Board is a distinguished group of educators, coaches, administrators, and industry leaders who collectively bring nearly 200 years of combined experience across education, athletics, leadership, and high-tech industries. This board represents decades of firsthand work in classrooms, school districts, competitive sports programs, and real-world professional environments—guiding students, families, and organizations through the decisions that shape long-term success. Their backgrounds span K–12 and higher education leadership, college readiness, curriculum and instruction, student-athlete development, and career pathway alignment, providing AthletIQ Connect with deep, practical insight at every level of a student’s journey.
Scott Littlefield
Board Member
Scott Littlefield is a seasoned education leader with over 28 years of experience dedicated to student achievement, instructional excellence, and school leadership. He spent 18 years as an administrator in the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he led schools and teams through curriculum development, instructional improvement, and student-centered reform. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (Biology), a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Education Specialist (EdS) in School Administration, equipping him with both deep classroom expertise and strategic leadership vision.
Known for his calm, principled leadership style and commitment to building systems that help students and educators thrive, Scott brings a results-driven, people-first approach aligned with AthletIQ Connect’s mission of developing students to succeed academically, athletically, and in life.
At AthletIQ Connect, Scott serves as a trusted advisor and leader focused on helping student-athletes, educators, and families create clarity, structure, and alignment across academics, athletics, and personal development. He applies his extensive experience in systems design, instructional leadership, and school culture to support environments where expectations are clear, accountability is consistent, and growth is intentional.
Scott’s work reinforces the belief that long-term success is built through strong leadership, thoughtful planning, and daily habits—ensuring students are prepared to perform with confidence in school, sport, and life.
Dr. Evelyn Rivero
Board Member
Dr. Evelyn Cuaresma Rivero, MD is a highly respected Family Medicine physician with more than five decades of clinical experience serving communities in Los Angeles, California. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree in 1972 from Southwestern University College of Medicine, bringing 50+ years of medical practice and profound expertise in comprehensive patient care, preventative health, and longitudinal wellness.
Dr. Rivero’s long-standing career includes building and leading Fountain Medical Clinic, where she served as owner and primary physician for 30+ years, offering compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals and families alike. Her specialties in family medicine, general practice, weight management, and preventive health have made her a trusted health care provider across generations.
A multilingual clinician fluent in English, Spanish, and Tagalog, Dr. Rivero has served a diverse patient population throughout her career, strengthening access to quality health care and supporting lifelong wellness in underserved communities. She is fully licensed to practice medicine in California, reflecting a deep commitment to excellence and ethical care.
As a member of the AthletIQ Connect Board of Advisors, Dr. Rivero lends her clinical insight, systems perspective, and dedication to whole-person health—reinforcing the importance of physical well-being as a foundation for mental performance, resilience, and long-term success in school, sport, and life.
Pompey Nagra
Board Member
Pompey Nagra brings over 30 years of experience in the high-tech industry, offering deep expertise in leadership, strategic thinking, and real-world career insight. As both a seasoned professional and a parent who has successfully guided his own children through the college journey, Pompey understands the intersection of education, preparation, and long-term planning.
His perspective bridges industry expectations with academic pathways, helping students and families connect classroom learning to future opportunities. Pompey’s practical, forward-thinking approach and commitment to mentorship strongly align with AthletIQ Connect’s mission to prepare students not just for college, but for meaningful, sustainable success beyond it.
In his role with AthletIQ Connect, Pompey serves as a strategic mentor and advisor, helping student-athletes and families think beyond short-term outcomes and focus on building transferable skills, professional habits, and decision-making frameworks that endure.
Drawing from decades in high-tech leadership, he provides real-world context around innovation, adaptability, and workforce readiness—guiding students to understand how discipline, curiosity, and intentional planning translate into long-term career success. Pompey’s steady guidance reinforces AthletIQ Connect’s commitment to developing confident, future-ready leaders who are prepared to thrive in college, career, and life.
Regina Libatique
Board Member
Regina Libatique is a dedicated education professional and trusted advisor whose career centers on supporting diverse learners, strengthening student behavior systems, and creating inclusive pathways for student success. With more than a decade of experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings within the Clark County School District, Regina brings deep expertise in special education, behavioral intervention, and data-informed instruction—making her a valuable advisor to AthletIQ Connect’s mission.
Regina holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education from National University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. Her advanced training includes hands-on certification in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and autism-focused interventions, along with current CPR and AED certification. This academic and clinical foundation equips her to support students with complex learning, behavioral, and emotional needs while maintaining safe, structured, and supportive environments.
Throughout her career, Regina has served as a Behavior Interventionist, Resource English Teacher, and Title I Specialized Teacher Assistant III, working extensively with students on the autism spectrum, students with learning disabilities, and students requiring intensive behavioral and academic support.
Her experience spans schools such as Las Vegas High School, Keller Duane Middle School, JT McWilliams Elementary School, and multiple Extended School Year (ESY) programs across the district. Regina is highly skilled in managing challenging behaviors, collecting and analyzing student data, implementing ABA strategies, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure student progress.
As an Advisor Board Member for AthletIQ Connect, Regina provides critical insight into student behavior systems, neurodiversity, academic accommodations, and individualized support structures. Her work reinforces AthletIQ Connect’s commitment to serving student-athletes and families with empathy, structure, and evidence-based strategies—ensuring every student, regardless of learning profile, has the tools, confidence, and support needed to succeed in school, sport, and life.
Trey Pictum
Board Member
John (Trey) J. Pictum is a highly respected attorney and strategic advisor whose legal expertise spans construction law, employment law, and sports law—bringing a critical perspective to AthletIQ Connect’s mission of protecting, empowering, and preparing student-athletes and their families. With a sharp analytical mind and a results-driven approach, Trey helps individuals and organizations navigate complex legal challenges with clarity, precision, and confidence.
Trey earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, cum laude, from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, followed by his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV. His academic excellence laid the foundation for a practice defined by thoughtful strategy, strong advocacy, and practical problem-solving. He further refined his litigation and appellate skills through prestigious externships with the Honorable Abbi Silver of the Nevada Supreme Court, the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office.
In his professional practice at Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC, Trey represents construction industry clients in matters involving contracts, licensing, risk management, construction defects, mechanics’ liens, and payment disputes—often resolving issues before they escalate into costly litigation.
He also brings deep experience defending employers in claims under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as arbitrating labor matters tied to collective bargaining agreements.
Of particular relevance to AthletIQ Connect, Trey is deeply engaged in sports and athlete representation, advising athletes and entertainers on brand protection, endorsement agreements, contract negotiations, and collegiate collective (NIL-related) matters. His guidance allows athletes to stay focused on performance while ensuring their legal, financial, and personal interests are protected—both now and for the future.
As an Advisor Board Member for AthletIQ Connect, Trey provides essential legal insight at the intersection of athletics, education, and opportunity. His work reinforces the platform’s commitment to helping student-athletes and families make informed decisions, avoid preventable pitfalls, and build long-term success with confidence and integrity—on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.
What unites this advisory board is a shared commitment to doing what’s right for students—not trends, shortcuts, or one-size-fits-all solutions. Each advisor brings a proven track record of building systems, setting standards, and mentoring young people to thrive academically, athletically, and personally. Their collective wisdom ensures that AthletIQ Connect is grounded in experience, driven by integrity, and guided by strategies that have worked in real schools, real programs, and real careers. For families, students, and partners, this advisory board provides confidence that AthletIQ Connect is led by trusted experts who understand the path—and know how to help others navigate it successfully.