top of page
2025 Year 1 Funny Coaches Group Photo

About Us

EXCELERATION ELITE Track Club was founded on October 7, 2024, in the Murrieta Valley Southern California region. The origins of the organization are rooted in providing a developmentally competitive track and field environment for youth in the local area. The strength of any youth organization is its volunteers, and we strive to create a collaborative relationship with our community, volunteers, and supporting entities in the Murrieta Valley area. The founding members and partners of EXCELERATION ELITE Track Club have a wide-variety of youth, high-school, collegiate and professional sports experience, and the foundation of our collective experience is embedded in the gateway sport of track and field!

Our Mission

At EXCELERATION ELITE Track Club, it is our mission to mentor, inspire and empower young athletes to reach their full potential in the sport of track and field. Our philosophy and approach to development will be conducted with compassion, fairness, and firmness. We aim to provide an exceptional and positive coaching and team environment with a commitment to personal growth and true athletic EXCELLENCE!

​

At EXCELERATION ELITE our goal include:

  • Athletic Development: Provide top-quality training programs to develop athletes' speed, strength, endurance, and technique across all track and field events.

  • Character Development: Foster strong character traits such as discipline, integrity, perseverance, resilience, respect, and TEAMWORK.

  • Community Involvement: Contribute positively to the community by providing a positive sports environment rooted in volunteerism.

  • Competitive Success: Pursuit of EXCELLENCE and competition at local and national events, emphasizing personal performances that push athletes to their limits.

 

At EXCELERATION ELITE we value:

  • Dedication: Commitment to training, hard work, and continuous improvement.

  • Respect: Respect for coaches, teammates, opponents, and officials.

  • Integrity: Honesty, fairness, and doing what you’re supposed to be doing when no one is looking.

  • Sportsmanship: pride with your team in victory but also displaying graciousness in defeat.

  • Teamwork: Cooperation, support, and encouragement among team members.

  • Positive Attitude: A positive mindset and a willingness to learn and grow during practice, competition and within everything you represent.

Officers

CEO_President_Coach Nnamdi Ohaeri (Smiling)

Dr. Nnamdi G. Ohaeri, Sr., ABPP
President | CEO | Board Member | Coach

Nnamdi Ohaeri, Sr. is an Active-Duty Commander in the U.S. Navy and a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist. He holds a Doctorate and Master’s Degree from the University of La Verne and a Bachelor’s Degree from Colorado State University. A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Nnamdi’s passion for youth sports began in San Bernardino with the Westside Crusaders and Funn Squad, and later led him to play college football at UCLA and Colorado State. After his playing days, he coached his younger brother, four sons, and their friends in football, basketball, baseball, and track. His coaching philosophy is to Educate, Demonstrate, and Motivate with a firm, compassionate, and fair approach.

Favorite saying: 
“Be dynamic, be great!"

Vice President_COO_Coach Devon Ohaeri (Smiling)

Devon O. Ohaeri, MSHSA
Vice President | COO | Coach
 

Devon Ohaeri is a Healthcare Administrator specializing in provider network engagement. She holds a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and a Master’s in Health Services Administration from California State University, San Bernardino. Devon has leadership experience in youth sports, including basketball, baseball, track, baton, cheer, and dance. A dedicated wife and mother of four sons, she actively supports their sports endeavors. Her organizational skills and passion for youth sports make her an invaluable asset.

Favorite Saying:
"Do better today than you did yesterday."

Secretary_Coach Emilia Perdue (Smiling)

Emilia Perdue, M.Ed.
Secretary | Coach

Emilia is a former athlete with a lifelong passion for health and fitness. She holds a Bachelor’s in Communications and a Master’s in Education with a focus on Behavior. Credentialed in Special Education and certified in Group Fitness, Personal Training, and youth sports coaching. Emilia also promotes wellness to her four sons. As a small business owner, she offers organizational expertise, a positive attitude, and energy. She believes in overcoming challenges through the power of the mind.

Favorite Saying:
“Change your attitude, change your life.”

Treasurer Leticia Sims (Headshot Smiling

Leticia Luna-Sims, MA
Treasurer
 

Leticia Luna-Sims is an administrator at Mt. San Jacinto College, serving as Director of Title V, Latinx & Hispanic Initiatives. She holds a Bachelor's in Sociology from California State University, San Marcos, and a Master's in Educational Counseling from the University of San Diego. With experience in counseling, teaching, and coordinating services, Leticia brings strong organizational skills and a passion for youth sports to this non-profit. A loving wife and mother of three active children, she understands and supports the benefits of youth sports and the community it builds.

Favorite Saying:
"Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Coaches

Coach Kenny Okoro (Headshot Smiling

Chibuikem "Kenny" Okoro, PA
Sprints | Long Jump Coach

 

Kenny Okoro, a former NCAA football cornerback and NFL athlete, graduated from Wake Forest University and played for the San Diego Chargers and Washington Commanders. Originally from Greensboro, NC, with Nigerian roots, Kenny is a physician assistant and a dedicated family man with a passion for youth development. He brings extensive expertise and attention to detail to youth sports.

Favorite Saying:
"Care about what you do and the people you surround yourself with."

Coach Chris Morel Smiling

Chris Morel, M.Ed.
Sprints Coach | Board Member

Chris Morel, an Assistant Principal in Temecula Valley, has nearly 20 years of experience in education. He holds a Bachelor’s in History and a Master’s in Educational Technology. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Chris has coached youth flag football, basketball, high school football, and track, with a deep passion for track and field as the ultimate sport for building grit and showcasing human potential.

Chris lives in Murrieta with his wife of 21 years and their three children.


Favorite Saying:
"Whether it be in your job or on a field of play… 'find your why' [so you can help] young people find and live in their purpose."

Coach Andre Maxie

Andre Maxie, LMFT
Field Events Coach

Coach Andre brings a wealth of experience coaching various sports across multiple age groups. A U.S. Army combat veteran and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, he integrates leadership, resilience, and a focus on personal growth into his coaching. His philosophy emphasizes peak performance, integrity, and kindness, fostering not only skilled athletes but also well-rounded individuals. Passionate about giving back, Andre cherishes seeing athletes grow both in sport and character.


Favorite Saying:
“Progress over Perfection.”

Coach Bobby Williams (Headshot Smiling)

Bobby Ray Williams
Sprint | Multi-Event Coach

With 27 years of experience coaching youth and high school athletes in San Diego and Riverside County, I am a dedicated Sprint and Multi Coach. I hold certifications from the AAF/LA-84 Foundation (Intermediate and Advanced) and USATF Level One. My expertise spans developing runners of all levels, from beginners to experienced athletes. Currently, I work as a Planner for Qualcomm Inc. in research and development in San Diego.



Favorite saying:

"Good things come to those who stay on their toes."

Matt Reina

Matt Reina
Distance Coach

Matthew Reina, a dedicated community servant and seasoned youth sports coach, excels as a Distance Coach. His extensive background spans football, basketball, soccer, track and field, along with personal experience in cross country and distance running. Matthew is deeply committed to helping athletes achieve their highest potential.



Favorite saying:

"Try your best to be the best," reflects his unwavering belief in the importance of dedication and perseverance."

Coach Braxton Photo

Braxton Smith
High jump Coach

Braxton Smith is a former collegiate athlete with extensive competitive and coaching experience in track and field. As a multi-sport athlete, Smith participated in cross-country, track, and basketball at the high school land collegiate levels, and later played semi-professional baskeball. With over five years of youth coaching experience, Coach Smith is commited to developing athletes by emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and personal growth.

​

Favorite Quote: "Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses."

Coach Ware Photo

Jared Ware
Sprints | Hurdles | Multi-event coach

Coach Jared Ware is a dedicated Track & Field coach with a proven record of developing elite sprinters and hurdlers. With degrees in Exercise Science and Educational Leadership, he blends biomechanics, strength training, and motivational leadership to elevate both the physical and mental performance of his athletes. A USA Track & Field Level 1 Certified Coach with collegiate experience at Fullerton College and Riverside City College, he is known for inspiring discipline, resilience, and confidence. His coaching philosophy centers on technical precision, individualized training, and personal growth, believing that greatness is built through effort, focus, and faith in the process.


Coaching Statement:

"I have one and only ambition in life-to be the best. What else is there?"

Generated Image December 31, 2025 - 6_07PM.jpeg

Tiffany Pesonen
Distance Coach

 

Coach Tiffany Pesonen is a former track and field athlete who broke Carlsbad High school's 100m hurdle record. She also earned the prestigious title of Orange Empire Champion in the 100m hurdles while attending Saddleback Community College. Tiffany went on to earn a

B.A in psychology and a Master's degree in technology from University of Minesota's College of Science and Engineering. Now as a devoted wife, mother, and Respiratory Therapist,

She is now a distance runner and has competed in over 20 5k and Marathon races in the last two years.

Tiffany's commitment to fitness remains unwavering.

​

Favorite saying: “Set goals. Reach goals. Make new goals. REPEAT.”

image.png

Steven A. Shaughnessy, bba
Field Events Coach
 

With 17 years of Marine Corps service and 7 years of coaching experience across high school football, youth football, girls flag football, and middle school wrestling, Steven Shaughnessy is committed to building confident, resilient athletes. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Campbell University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Sports Management with a concentration in Coaching Theory and Strategy. As a new track coach, Steven seeks to broaden his coaching skills and contribute to the all-around development of young athletes through fundamentals, discipline, and character-focused mentorship.

​

Favorite saying:

“Don’t let your fears stand in the way of your dreams.” 

image0.png

Tim davidson
Sprints Coach
 

Timothy Davidson is a former collegiate football player who competed for four years of college football, bringing passion, discipline, and grit to every level of the game. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, spending four years coaching college football, including time at New Mexico Prep, where he poured into athletes both on and off the field.

 

In addition to the collegiate level, Timothy has extensive youth sports coaching experience, focusing on building fundamentals, confidence, character, and leadership in young athletes—teaching lessons that extend far beyond the field.

​

1000024880.jpg

Paul Shaver
Distance/Endurance Coach

Coach Paul Shaver brings a deep foundation of athletic and leadership experience shaped by both competition and service. He is currently in his 16th year of active duty in the United States Marine Corps, where discipline, resilience, and performance under pressure are daily standards.

​

A lifelong multi-sport athlete, he has competed in football, wrestling, rugby, and martial arts, and has coached youth football, basketball, and wrestling. He is also an accomplished endurance athlete and triathlete, recently selected to the All-Marine Triathlon Team to compete at the Armed Forces National Championship.

His coaching philosophy centers on consistency, mental toughness, and growth through adversity.

Favorite Quote: “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

Kandace Love.png

Kandace Love
Hurdles Coach

Coach Kandace is a former D1 dual-sport athlete and record-holder in the 4x4 relay at Cal State Fullerton. Following a three-year professional soccer career, she has dedicated herself to youth development. Specializing in fundamentals and athletic discipline, her mission is to ensure every student-athlete grows in confidence while mastering the sport.

​

Favorite Quote: “It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish.”

​

Headshot (Coach Pea) .JPG

Pierre Peacock
Sprints coach

Pierre “Coach Pea” Peacock is an Active Duty U.S. Navy Command Master Chief with over two decades of leadership experience. He holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Leadership from the University of Charleston and has coached at every level of youth sports. He brings exceptional skills in mental resilience, team dynamics, and performance optimization to the competitive sports environment.

​

Favorite Saying: “People won’t care about how much you know, until they know how much you care!”

Sabrina Philips 2.jpg

Sabrina Phillips
Multi-Coach (8u)

Coach Sabrina is a collegiate-level athlete and a fitness industry veteran with 15 years of coaching experience. From volleyball to football, she has mentored athletes in building physical confidence and mental toughness. At our track club, she focuses on teamwork, discipline, and the foundation of lifelong health.

​

Favorite Quote: “Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can't.” — Jerry Rice

Arlana Aylward.png

Arlana Aylward
Multi-Coach (8u)

Coach Arlana has two decades of coaching expertise paired with a background in sports science. With degrees in Health and Nutrition and a certification in Pilates biomechanics, she specializes in structured training that maximizes speed while prioritizing injury prevention. She focuses on developing "the whole competitor" through strength and resilience.

​

Favorite Quote: "If you can't fly, then run; if you can't run, then walk; if you can't walk, then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward." — Martin Luther King, Jr.

Board Members

Jessica_Anderson.png

Jessica Anderson, RN
Entrepreneur | Chairperson of the Board
 

Jessica Anderson, a registered nurse with a Bachelor’s from the University of Maryland, is also the owner of CCCVERSE, LLC, an e-commerce business. Passionate about health, wellness, and community sports, she brings extensive experience in patient care and health advocacy to the Board. A devoted wife and mother, Jessica is committed to promoting an inclusive environment that supports growth and well-being for all.

Favorite Saying:
"Live, love, and laugh."

Vice Chair of Board_Coach Richard Sims

Richard F. Sims, Jr. Major (Ret.), USMC
Vice Chairperson of the Board | Coach

 

Richard Sims is a 20-year USMC veteran with a passion for coaching and mentoring. Volunteering with the Young Marine Program in Corpus Christi, TX to coaching his kids in soccer, basketball, and football, coaching has allowed him to teach life skills of leadership, and teamwork and build confidence and character in athletes. He currently serves his community as a first responder and is a board member of many other youth foundations. He's driven by the belief that mentorship builds trust, accountability, and the foundation for future success.

​

Favorite Saying: "It takes a village."

Board Member Ijeoma Odu (Smiling)

Ijeoma Odu, MBA
Board Member
 

Ijeoma is a healthcare executive with nearly 30 years of experience, currently serving as Vice President at a biologics company. She holds a BA from UCLA and an MBA from Pepperdine University.

A former student-athlete, she is passionate about youth sports, supporting local programs with her husband and promoting access for children in her community. Ijeoma lives locally with her family and enjoys watching her kids excel in sports.

Favorite saying:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure..."
— Marianne Williamson

bottom of page