We are excited to announce that Melissa O’Connor has been named Tournament Director of the 14th Annual Fusion FC Labor Day Tournament. Not only has Melissa and her family been long time club supporters, Melissa also has extensive experiences and background that we know will help make the Labor Day Tournament another great success.
Melissa has been a club volunteer for many years: team manager/parent since 1992; volunteer club registrar (two seasons – 2002 & 2003); registration volunteer since 1999; and assistant with many other volunteer tasks, such as working with uniforms, tryouts, age group coordination, closing ceremonies and site director for last year’s Labor Day. In addition to other community volunteer roles with her church and children’s schools, Melissa has an extensive human resources & management background (approximately 26 years in all) including 4 years with Intermedia Communications, 12 years with GTE Data Services and 10 years with the CIA. Her current HR role is as an HR consultant with Success 4 Kids and Families, Inc. & Healthy Start (an area non-profit organization).
. . . but in the O’Connor household, Fusion FC activities are a family affair.
Dennis O’Connor, Melissa’s husband, is a long timer! He started with New Tampa Soccer Association back in the early 90’s as a recreational and competitive coach through 2007 (sometimes multiple teams at the same time). Dennis later became a Board Member - VP Comets (1998 thru 2001) and then as President (2003 thru 2007). Also, Dennis is a High School referee and in his “spare time” works with Verizon Data.
Kyle McLeish, Melissa’s oldest, is 23. Kyle grew up as a player with NTSA starting in 1992 and for the last few years has been a coach and an integral part of the club staff for the recreational program as well as supporting other club activities. You’ll also see Kyle as an active referee.
Melissa’s daughter, Erin, is 17. Not only has Erin been a player on an NTSA now Fusion team, this year Erin assists Kyle with coaching in the Rec Academy, U6 & U7, and has been a registration volunteer for many years. She was also an assistant site director at Benito for the 2009 Labor Day Tournament.
Joey, the youngest, is 14. Joey also plays on a Fusion FC TARSA team and is a very active referee. He also volunteers as an assistant to recreation coaches & helps with registration each year.
Please join us in our excitement to have Melissa O’Connor head such an important and all encompassing fundraising event for the Fusion FC. Thanks, Melissa!
