Meet the Raleigh Fireballs Coaching Staff
Meet Coach Jesse
Dedicated to improving educational and athletic opportunities for everyone to enjoy the wellness benefits of holistic training for mind and body. With a vision for building something meaningful, Jesse brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience. He writes the training plans, tests them on himself and brings the positive energy to every practice.
Jesse competed in Track and Cross-Country at Villanova and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he served as a team captain. He still loves to compete, earning a top 500 Overall (top 50 Masters) finish at the Boston Marathon and a victory in the Open race at the Brooks South XC Regional in 2025.
During five seasons as a high school track coach, Jesse helped the student-athletes earn 22 Georgia State Championship Track Meet Top-10 finishes and coached two State Champions. From Bowling to Sport Law & Ethics to University Orientation for Student-Athletes, he has taught it all! Jesse credits the same skills that make him effective as a teacher as the keys to his coaching success. “No one cares what you know until they know you care!”
His daughter, Athena, and wife, Georgia, inspire him to make our community healthier and happier!
Meet Coach Teresa
Coach Teresa brings passion, positivity, and purpose to every practice, specializing in building confidence, motivation, and a genuine love for the sport — all while making sure athletes are having fun along the way.
A proud Raleigh native, Teresa ran track at Millbrook High School before continuing her athletic career as a scholarship athlete at NC State University, where she focused exclusively on the pole vault. After college, she volunteered as a coach at Panther Creek High School, an experience that ignited her lifelong dream of becoming a running coach. Teresa is also grateful to serve as the Head Coach for the Cross Country team at Magellan Charter School.
As a mom of four, Teresa understands the importance of encouragement, balance and community. She’s supported by her incredibly enthusiastic husband, Chris — whose voice you’ll always hear cheering on the Fireballs! Teresa believes running should never feel lonely and is committed to supporting each athlete, always as their biggest cheerleader — every step of the way!
As Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said after winning Super Bowl LIX, “You can’t be great without the greatness of others.” That quote captures Teresa's coaching philosophy: we rise together.
Meet Coach Erin
“Running and Funning”
With over 29 years of running experience, coach Erin Taylor brings a lifetime of passion, dedication, and competitive excellence to the Raleigh Fireballs. Erin’s journey began humbly during her freshman year of high school. What started as a way to get in shape for soccer quickly transformed into a lifelong love. After just one week of cross country practice, she never looked back. Soccer’s loss was running’s gain.
By her senior year, Erin had become one of the top runners in Virginia, earning a coveted spot at the 1999 Foot Locker Cross Country Championships and securing a Division I scholarship to NC State University, where she competed at the collegiate level.
Post-college, Erin continued to train with fellow adult runners and made running a cornerstone of her everyday life. She has completed 11 marathons (PR of 2:47:31) and remains a competitive elite masters runner in the Raleigh area, showing no signs of slowing down.
In addition to her personal accomplishments, Erin is deeply invested in the next generation of runners. She is excited to coach the Fireballs, where her two sons, Cameron (12) and Jack (9), will be athletes. Her husband Kent—her biggest cheerleader—can often be found on the sidelines supporting the whole crew.
Erin’s approach to coaching and running is all heart: equal parts grit and joy. Her motto, “running and funning,” reflects her belief that progress and play can go hand in hand. Erin is committed to training, racing, and enjoying the sport for as long as her legs will carry her—and inspiring others to do the same.
Fireballs Student Coaches
Meet Coach Sam Morgan
Sam has competed in cross country and track for the past six years and has spent the last two years serving as a student coach. He is excited to return to the Raleigh Fireballs for his second season, where he enjoys helping young athletes grow both on and off the course.
A senior at NC State University majoring in Writing and Rhetoric, Sam brings coaching experience from Coastal Christian High School, Without Limits Cross Country Camp, and the Raleigh Fireballs. SafeSport certified, Sam is passionate about encouraging athletes, fostering confidence, and creating a positive, safe environment where every runner can reach their full potential and develop a lifelong love for the sport.
When he's not running or coaching, you can find Sam playing the piano, studying in the library, or lifting in the gym.
Meet Braden Calabro
Braden is a junior at Heritage Leadership Academy who has been involved in track and cross country for four years. He has been student coaching with the Raleigh Fireballs for going on a year now and has also gained additional coaching experience with Magellan Charter School. He is excited to continue sharing his love of running with young athletes.
Braden is passionate about creating a positive and encouraging environment where athletes can build confidence, have fun, and work toward their full potential. He enjoys helping young runners grow both on and off the track and is excited to be part of their development and success.
When he’s not running or coaching, Braden enjoys playing disc golf on local courses or spending time fishing at the beach.
What Sets Us Apart
People-First Approach
Everything we do is built around understanding your needs and helping you succeed—because when you thrive, so do we.
Long-Term Relationships
We’re not just here for the now. We love creating lasting relationships with our athletes and growing with them over time.
Proven Process, Flexible Execution
We bring structure where it counts and adaptability where it matters. Our methods are clear, and responsive.