Manny Pollard is a passionate and driven leader dedicated to expanding access to elite diving opportunities. With years of experience coaching at the collegiate and elite levels, he has witnessed firsthand the challenges athletes face in pursuing high-performance training. As President of Team F1RST, he is committed to breaking down financial and logistical barriers so talented divers can reach their full potential.

Manny’s leadership is rooted in his coaching philosophy—blending technical precision, mental resilience, and holistic support to ensure long-term success. He is particularly focused on innovation in training methodologies and empowering underrepresented athletes in competitive diving. Through Team F1RST, he strives to create a lasting impact by fostering an inclusive, high-performance environment where all divers have the opportunity to excel.

Josh Koppel brings a lifelong passion for diving and a deep understanding of the sport’s demands to his role as Secretary of Team F1RST. Growing up as a competitive diver, he experienced firsthand the dedication and resources required to excel. Now, he is committed to ensuring that future generations of athletes have access to the training and support they need to succeed.

As Secretary, Josh plays a key role in maintaining the organization’s structure, keeping accurate records, and facilitating communication between the board, donors, and athletes. His organizational skills and attention to detail help Team F1RST run efficiently, allowing the nonprofit to focus on its mission of breaking financial barriers for divers. Through his leadership, Josh strives to create opportunities that empower athletes to reach their full potential.

Jesse Taylor brings extensive experience in financial management and strategic planning to his role as Treasurer of Team F1RST. With a background in accounting, he understands the importance of strong financial oversight in ensuring the long-term success of the organization. His expertise helps secure funding and manage resources effectively, allowing divers to access the training and support they need.

As Treasurer, Jesse plays a key role in maintaining financial transparency, budgeting responsibly, and ensuring compliance with nonprofit regulations. His meticulous approach to financial planning helps Team F1RST operate efficiently, keeping the focus on its mission of breaking financial barriers for elite divers. Through his leadership, Jesse is committed to building a sustainable future for the athletes Team F1RST serves.

Diane Maiese has been a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion in diving for over three decades. As the first—and still only—Black female to win an NCAA Championship and a four-time All-American, she excelled in a sport with historically limited diversity. She later became the first Black female NCAA Division I diving coach, earning five Atlantic 10 Diving Coach of the Year titles and coaching LaSalle’s first NCAA qualifier.

A pioneer beyond coaching, Diane became the first Black female World Aquatics-certified judge from the U.S. in 2021 and now serves as the USA’s female representative on the Pan Am Aquatics Executive Board. Passionate about expanding access to diving, she travels nationally to advocate for inclusion and educate on the sport’s barriers in underserved communities. Diane also serves as Chair of USA Diving’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.

Teresa “Quinn” Quinn brings over 25 years of experience in education and entrepreneurship to her role with Team F1RST. As Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Texas State University, she champions accessible opportunities for students and communities to engage in small business creation and innovation. Her leadership has helped develop award-winning programs and guide students to success in national pitch competitions.

Quinn’s background includes roles as professor, program director, and curriculum developer, with a focus on entrepreneurial education and student engagement. She co-authored multiple textbooks and supported the launch of student-run businesses. Her dedication to empowering the next generation of innovators aligns with Team F1RST’s mission to break down barriers and build a strong foundation for athletes' success in and beyond sport.