Phil Harrison joins Velocity following his roles as executive director at YMCA Camp Reed in Spokane and Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest, where both organizations achieved significant milestones under his leadership. The YMCA celebrated its 100th anniversary, while Ronald McDonald House Charities marked its 35th year of supporting families during medical crises. Phil is still actively engaged within the community, volunteering with Leadership Spokane and the Rotary Club.

Before her role as Director of Operations and Player Administrations for USL Spokane, Emma Hayes built her career while working in nonprofit operations and mission development. Within her current position Emma keeps in mind the organization’s vision and establishes processes, procedures, and organizational structures to pave the road for success. 

Thomas Hughes joins USL Spokane in early 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience from the finance industry, particularly in areas critical to sports management such as budgeting, financial planning, and investment strategy. He attended Arizona State University and Gonzaga University and has worked closely with numerous local businesses. As Director of Finance, Thomas oversees the club’s entire financial health, ensuring that the team’s fiscal resources are used effectively to achieve both short-term performance and long-term growth. His role is crucial in managing player and staff payrolls, partnering with sponsorship deals, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. His strategic acumen and meticulous attention to detail have been instrumental in steering the club through the complex financial landscapes of professional sports.

As USL Spokane’s Designated Safeguarding Officer, Molly Schemmel plays a crucial role in cultivating a nurturing and secure environment for all members of the USL Spokane community. Her previous experience includes work in clinical laboratory science and cancer research, along with extensive volunteer involvement that has provided her with valuable insights into fostering a healthy organization. This involvement also stems from her dedicated service with organizations such as the YMCA, Camp Reed, Camp Goodtimes, and Gonzaga Prep.

Growing up in St. Cloud, MN Grayson Sanderson has been around soccer since the age of three. From that point on, he went to organize youth tryouts, coach at the youth and men’s recreational level, and serve as a referee. Grayson came to Spokane to get his degree in Sports Management and Business from Gonzaga University, and now is in charge of Player Operations for USL Spokane.

Originally from California, Talar Sarkissian joins USL Spokane after graduating from Gonzaga University with a degree in Business Administration-Marketing & Entrepreneurship. With seven years of experience as a freelance graphic designer, she has always harbored a passion for design and storytelling within athletics. A graduate from Freestyle Academy and with previous experience working for Gonzaga Athletics, Gonzaga Student Media, and youth sports coach with Homenetmen she has now taken on creative design and content creation at USL Spokane.

Before taking the role Vice President of Partnerships, Tate Kelly was a star-athlete on the Gonzaga Men’s Track and Cross Country team, breaking multiple school records. He has also worked with high-powered collegiate athletics at the University of Oregon and Gonzaga. After serving as Director of Partnership Sales for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, Tate decided to come back to Spokane where he is now in charge of bringing regional business leaders to professional soccer in Spokane.

Mac Graff’s journey to become USL Spokane’s Manager of Partnership Fulfillment began with five years of experience as student and graduate manager to the Gonzaga men’s basketball team. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management followed by a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, both from GU, Mac transitioned to Pullman where he took a job as Associate of Business Development at Washington State Sports Properties.

Cory Howerton joined USL Spokane in August of 2023 and is responsible for all ticket and guest service strategy and execution. Prior to moving to Spokane, Howerton spent 27 years with various professional sports organizations in leadership positions, guiding premium sales, sponsorship, ticketing, game presentation and marketing programs with teams in the NBA, NHL, minor league baseball and arena football. Howerton has been active in raising money for Autism Awareness, and the American Cancer Society.  He spends his free time watching soccer, camping, kayaking and traveling.

Dalton O’Brien is a customer-first ticket salesman with 5 years in the sports industry.  Previously, Dalton has been a part of the launch of multiple sports teams. Dalton comes to us from the XFL by way of the Seattle Sea Dragons, where he was involved in season ticket sales, group sales and premium seating. Previously, Dalton did Ticket Operations with Climate Pledge Arena reopening in Seattle. This included implementing an all-digital ticketing system for the Seattle Kraken, Seattle University basketball and many top performing musical acts. Growing up in Renton, Washington and graduating from the University of Arizona, Dalton has been around sports for the entirety of his life.