For Immediate Release

Contact: Kalin Hicks
e: khicks@marylandbobcatsfc.com
c: 240-404-8177

 

Release Date:

Nov, 11, 2022

 

Maryland Bobcats FC Officials Advance to New Roles Within Club Leadership.

 

BOYDS, MD - Longtime members of Maryland Bobcats FC staff, Idrissa Sesay, Lori Halpern, Alex Kao, and Kalin Hicks will assume new roles within the club’s front office. The change comes after the departure of former Vice President, Evan Raimist at the conclusion of the 2022 NISA Season. 

 

Idrissa Sesay, widely known as “Sesay”, has been named Vice President after previously serving as Team Manager for the professional team, Head Coach of the 15U boys and player manager for the MBFC reserve team.

 

 “It’s a privilege and honor to be given this opportunity from a club you helped build from the beginning. I’ve always given my all to this club and stood firmly when others couldn't see our vision. I’m grateful to now take on this role  to further develop the organization and strengthen our relationship with our fans and community. Without them, we wouldn’t be in this position. I want to thank  Evan for all of his contributions. He’s been an integral part  in our growth as a club. I couldn’t be happier for him. It's a display of how much this organization has grown, to be able to provide opportunities for players and staff”, said Sesay. 

 

 Sesay has been involved with the organization from its origin. Sesay is one of the four founding fathers of the club alongside Club President, Jide Saba. He has served on a volunteer basis since its time as an amateur club under the name World Class Premier Elite, competing in the Washington Premier League. After first managing operations and playing on the team, Sesay went on to become a full-time coach for the youth club, MBYA Warriors and reserve team, MBFC II, while continuing his duties as Team Manager for the professional team. 

 

“Sesay has been with us since the amateur days and he has done so much. He has been involved in all levels of the club’s operations. He is very deserving of being promoted to Vice President.” said Club President, Jide Saba. 

 

Lori Halpern has been named Director of Operations after volunteering with the youth program since its inception, providing both administrative and operational management duties. Lori was integral in the launch and growth of the youth program and helped the youth academy become a registered non-profit organization. She is a familiar face among the senior team and many have seen her excellent work in photography during matches.

 

“This is quite an honor to be asked to take on the role of Director of Operations, in addition to continuing my current duties with the Academy. I am appreciative and grateful for the faith and trust that the club, the coaches and others have in my ability to help move us forward.”

 

“Lori has been an asset to the club and has been involved with the youth for a long time. There is no better person to assume the role of Director of Operations.”  Said Saba. 

 

Alex Kao has been named President of the Youth Academy and Assistant Coach for the senior team after previously serving as Captain of the Senior team in 2021 and Head coach of both the U18 and U14 youth teams. 

 

“Thank you for the support through the ups and downs and the support shown at our last home game [of the 2022 season] on youth night. Any soccer fan in the DMV should be paying attention because MBFC is coming” said Kao.

 

Kao holds a UEFA B Coaching License and has been involved with the club since its time in the UPSL in 2019 as a player and being a part of the inaugural professional debut before transitioning to full time coach. 

 

“Alex is one of the most dedicated and honest people I’ve ever met. He’s already taken the youth program to a different level since he’s become a partner. There is no one better to lead our younger players to the next level!” Said President Saba. 

 

Kalin Hicks has been named Operations Manager after serving as Game Day Operations Manager this past season. Hicks comes in after first serving as a Communications and Operations Intern with the club in 2021. He has been an integral part in the Match Day experience at Maureen Hendricks Field and will continue to help the club excel in day-to-day operations. 

 

“I am truly honored to have the club instill so much faith in me in the role of Operations Manager. I am excited to bring my vast knowledge and experience to the role as we all continue to grow the club and excel in the soccer world.” said Hicks.

 

“ Kalin has been an exceptional person and has grown with the club and we believe he will be an asset to the club going forward.” said President Saba.   

 

Sesay, Halpern, Kao, and Hicks have all been involved with the club at various levels and bring vast amounts of experience to their new roles. This new team will be key in the advancement of the club and growing the game in the great state of Maryland. 

 

“This is a new era and we are grateful for the past.” said Club President Jide Saba. 
 

About Maryland Bobcats FC

The Maryland Bobcats Football Club was founded in 2009. Based in Montgomery County in Maryland, it is a fully minority-owned club and currently the only United States Soccer Federation-sanctioned professional soccer team (men’s or women’s) in the state of Maryland. MBFC has a "one family" mentality. From the youngest player to the most experienced, youth teams to the First Team, our players support, push and encourage each other to play the right way. Beyond soccer, Maryland Bobcats gives back and supports the local community that inspires, motivates, and cheers them on at home games and on the road.

 

For more information about Maryland Bobcats FC, visit marylandbobcatsfc.com Follow MBFC on Twitter @MDBobcatsFC and on Instagram @mdbobcatsfc.

 

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