Florida Nation Staff
Florida Nation’s staff is a championship-tested team of coaches, trainers, and mentors who build complete players. Skills, IQ, and character. With proven success across top circuits and a culture of fundamentals, film-driven teaching, and individualized attention, we turn reps into results. If you want real development and real opportunities, this is where you sign up and get to work.
I’m Carlyle “Slim” Lewis, Head Assistant Coach at Miami Country Day, with 16+ years of experience in girls’ basketball. My teams have won 10 state High School titles, 2 National Championships, and a Nike TOC title. As Florida Nation’s Founder and Basketball Director, I prioritize hands-on youth development, empowering young players to achieve their dreams on and off the court, and paving the way for future collegiate and pro athletes.
Malena Benitez is the Head Coach of Gulliver Prep Girls Varsity and also leads player development for grades K–8 at Gulliver Prep. She is the founder of Basketball for Girls (BFG) and serves as the South Miami Director for Florida Nation. Her leadership and dedication to growing the game make her an incredible addition to the Florida Nation family.
Greg Farias
Director of High School Basketball
Coach Greg Farias brings over 20 years of coaching experience and a championship legacy to Florida Nation. As head coach at Plantation American Heritage, he built one of Florida’s most dominant programs, leading the Patriots to six FHSAA state championships in seven years. Known for his discipline, defensive schemes, and ability to maximize player development, Farias has earned statewide recognition and multiple Coach of the Year honors.
Now with Florida Nation, Coach Farias is committed to bringing that same championship culture to the next generation of athletes, preparing them for success on and off the court.
Lauren Carmona
Youth Coach
Coach Lauren Carmona began her basketball journey at Archbishop McCarthy High School and went on to play at Santa Fe College, where she earned Academic All-American honors, a Conference Championship, and Second Team All-Conference recognition. She later transferred to Bethel University in Tennessee, helping her team reach the NAIA Sweet Sixteen before graduating. In 2024, Carmona joined the Miami Suns coaching staff, bringing passion, energy, and a focus on player development to the program.
Olivera Aloiso
High School Coach
Coach Olivera Aloisio brings passion, discipline, and a player-first approach to her role as coach with Florida Nation Basketball and assistant with American Heritage girls’ basketball program in Plantation, Florida. Known for her attention to detail and relentless energy on the court, Coach Olivera has quickly become a trusted mentor and motivator for young athletes aspiring to reach the next level.
Gabriella Gassant
Youth Coach
Gabriella Gassant, a former North Miami High School standout and team captain, brings her playing and coaching experience to the Miami Suns Youth Program. With a background in Sport Management and coaching at both North Miami Senior and Escambia High, she focuses on developing athletes through discipline, communication, and team growth.
Mariah Reynolds
Youth Coach
Coach Mariah Reynolds, known to players as “Coach Rih,” brings passion and experience to Florida Nation as a former Broward College and FAMU women’s basketball player. She focuses on the defensive end, with an emphasis on rebounding, energy, and effort, while inspiring athletes to compete with toughness and heart.
Alicia DeVaughn
High School Coach
Alicia DeVaughn is assistant coach for Inlet Grove Lady Hurricanes and co-founder of the South Florida Lady Hurricanes. A Broward County native, she brings elite credentials including a Florida state championship, McDonald’s All-American honors, and a Final Four appearance during her NCAA Division I career. Alicia played professionally overseas for 10 years, winning multiple international championships. Known for her passion and energy, she uses her global basketball perspective and winning mentality to develop and elevate young athletes across South Florida.
Ariana Jackson
High School Coach
Ariana Jackson is head coach of Inlet Grove High School Lady Hurricanes and co-founder of the South Florida Lady Hurricanes. A Palm Beach County native who scored over 1,000 points in high school, she went on to play and later coach at the NCAA Division I level. Known for her commitment to player development, accountability, and team culture, Coach AJ focuses on building complete athletes with the confidence, skill, and mindset to compete at the next level. She continues to be a driving force in the growth of girls’ basketball across South Florida.
Tony Hill
High School Coach
Coach Tony Hill has over 25 years of experience coaching girls basketball at the high school level as both a head and assistant coach. State championship & final four appearances as an assistant. He has worked with three McDonald’s All-Americans and three WNBA players. His strong suit is developing players on the youth level.
Michelle Berry
Strength & Conditioning
Michelle Berry is a former collegiate and professional basketball player who competed at Virginia Tech and TCU before playing professionally in Paris, France. She trained with TCU Strength & Conditioning and now brings elite-level discipline and athlete-focused training to help clients get stronger, move better, and perform with confidence.
Lorne Emmanuel
Performance & Recovery
Lorne Emmanuel is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach and Licensed Massage Therapist with experience in collegiate athletics and tactical units. He has supported athletes at Thomas University and Fort Lauderdale University and worked with Miami-Dade SWAT and Florida DOC C.E.R.T., delivering performance, recovery, and resilience training.
