Deanna Newkirk, a second-generation Volusia County native, is the visionary behind the Volusia Sports Center. Working entirely as a volunteer, Deanna generously dedicates her time without receiving a pay check. As a dedicated mother of a tackle/flag football player and a travel baseball mom, she has experienced firsthand the challenges o
Deanna Newkirk, a second-generation Volusia County native, is the visionary behind the Volusia Sports Center. Working entirely as a volunteer, Deanna generously dedicates her time without receiving a pay check. As a dedicated mother of a tackle/flag football player and a travel baseball mom, she has experienced firsthand the challenges of outdoor sports in Florida’s unpredictable weather. Her commitment to providing a comfortable and reliable training environment led to the creation of an indoor, air-conditioned batting cage and practice facility.
Deanna graduated from Seabreeze High School, where she was a member of the National Championship-winning Sunsations Dance Team. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology with a minor in Business Management from Appalachian State University, where she founded the ASU Elite Dance Team. Post-graduation, Deanna continued her passion for dance and cheerleading as an NFL Cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With decades of experience in management, web design, marketing, and event planning, Deanna brings a wealth of expertise to the Volusia Sports Center. She is married, with one son and two French Bulldogs.
Kristian was born in Somers, NY, and has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. He graduated from Somers High School in 2019 and went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Social Sciences from SUNY Westchester Community College. In 2023, he completed his Bachelor’s in Sport Management from SUNY Cortland. With plans to pursue a master's degree i
Kristian was born in Somers, NY, and has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. He graduated from Somers High School in 2019 and went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Social Sciences from SUNY Westchester Community College. In 2023, he completed his Bachelor’s in Sport Management from SUNY Cortland. With plans to pursue a master's degree in the future, his ultimate goal is to work in or around baseball and is on track to becoming a partner/owner of the Volusia Sports Center.
Growing up, Kristian played baseball, basketball, and participated in track and field. He’s a passionate NY Mets, NY Rangers, and Buffalo Bills fan. Since moving to Florida, he enjoys spending time outdoors, especially at the pool and on the beaches! Now at VSC, Kristian brings experience from his roles as Assistant General Manager at Frozen Ropes National Training Center and Event Operations Assistant for Prep Baseball Report. As the Director of Business Development, he's excited to help grow the Volusia Sports Center and make a lasting impact on the community.
Jessica Astacio is the Director of Finance and Business Development at Volusia Sports Center, leveraging over a decade of experience in business operations, coaching, and marketing. A proud graduate of Lyman High School in Longwood, Florida (Class of 2012), Jessica is CPR and BLS certified, with expertise in operations management, sales,
Jessica Astacio is the Director of Finance and Business Development at Volusia Sports Center, leveraging over a decade of experience in business operations, coaching, and marketing. A proud graduate of Lyman High School in Longwood, Florida (Class of 2012), Jessica is CPR and BLS certified, with expertise in operations management, sales, human resources, event planning, creative and technical writing, and digital solutions.
Jessica’s coaching journey spans more than ten years, with leadership roles in renowned cheerleading programs. Her commitment to athlete development and her skills in training and development management have made her a respected figure in the cheerleading community.
At Volusia Sports Center, Jessica has quickly become a vital part of the team. Her proficiency in all aspects of finance and marketing, combined with her innovative approach to business growth, drives the center’s success and enhances its impact in the community.
Bryce Shaffer graduated from Seabreeze High School in 2024, where he played Varsity Baseball as an outfielder. He is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts degree from Daytona State College, with plans to transfer to the University of Central Florida to major in Business Administration and minor in Sports Management.
Bryce has been a ded
Bryce Shaffer graduated from Seabreeze High School in 2024, where he played Varsity Baseball as an outfielder. He is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts degree from Daytona State College, with plans to transfer to the University of Central Florida to major in Business Administration and minor in Sports Management.
Bryce has been a dedicated member of the Volusia Sports Center team since July 2023. Known for his calm demeanor, courteous nature, and eagerness to learn, Bryce is a valued staff member. He also has a twin sister.
Samantha (Sam) von Hein was born in Rhode Island and lived in New Mexico for five years before moving to Florida in the second grade. She graduated from Seabreeze High School in 2024 and is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts degree at Daytona State College, with plans to transfer to the University of Central Florida to major in Finan
Samantha (Sam) von Hein was born in Rhode Island and lived in New Mexico for five years before moving to Florida in the second grade. She graduated from Seabreeze High School in 2024 and is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts degree at Daytona State College, with plans to transfer to the University of Central Florida to major in Finance.
With a passion for financial management, Sam aims to manage the finances of businesses in the future. She brings a wealth of experience from her 14-year journey in travel softball, where she served as varsity captain. Her commitment to fitness continues as she is dedicated to hitting the gym multiple times per week.
Sam comes from a large family, with two sisters and three brothers. At the Volusia Sports Center, she enjoys being around the game she loves, finding fulfillment in staying connected to the sports community.
Kaitlyn Brackett was born in Clermont, Florida, but has called Ormond Beach home since she was young. She is currently a student at Seabreeze High School, Class of 2026, and has her sights set on attending Florida Atlantic University to pursue a nursing degree.
With dreams of becoming either an athletic trainer or a pediatric nurse, Kaitly
Kaitlyn Brackett was born in Clermont, Florida, but has called Ormond Beach home since she was young. She is currently a student at Seabreeze High School, Class of 2026, and has her sights set on attending Florida Atlantic University to pursue a nursing degree.
With dreams of becoming either an athletic trainer or a pediatric nurse, Kaitlyn is passionate about helping others and making a positive impact on their lives.
While she doesn’t currently play any sports, Kaitlyn enjoys soccer as a hobby and loves to shop in her free time. She comes from a large, close-knit family of five siblings, including a twin brother—a fun fact that often surprises people.
Kaitlyn’s favorite part of working at Volusia Sports Center is the friendly and welcoming environment created by her managers and coworkers. She truly values the positive connections she’s built with the VSC team.
Tatum Gibbens was born and raised in Ormond Beach and is currently a FLVS student set to graduate in 2026. An active varsity cheerleader at Deland High School and an all-star competitive cheerleader, Tatum has a passion for cheerleading, which is also one of her favorite hobbies.
In the future, Tatum aspires to become a hair stylist. While
Tatum Gibbens was born and raised in Ormond Beach and is currently a FLVS student set to graduate in 2026. An active varsity cheerleader at Deland High School and an all-star competitive cheerleader, Tatum has a passion for cheerleading, which is also one of her favorite hobbies.
In the future, Tatum aspires to become a hair stylist. While she is still undecided about which college to attend or what major to pursue, her dedication and enthusiasm are clear in all her endeavors. Tatum has three half-siblings—one sister and two brothers. She shares a close bond with her sister Karlie, who also works at the Volusia Sports Center.
Known for her ability to perform a variety of flips, Tatum brings her dynamic energy and skills to the Volusia Sports Center. Her favorite part about working at VSC is meeting new people and being able to offer help when needed.
Lucas Tutunjian graduated from Spruce Creek High School, where he excelled as a pitcher. Currently, he is attending Daytona State College, pursuing a major in Business while continuing to play baseball. Lucas's dedication to both his academic and athletic pursuits demonstrates his commitment to achieving excellence on and off the field.
Dallas Newkirk was born and raised in Ormond Beach, FL. Currently an 8th-grade student, he plays baseball for the Ormond Beach Elite and is set to graduate high school in 2029. Dallas aspires to attend college at the University of Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, LSU, or Georgia, with dreams of either pursuing a career in Major League B
Dallas Newkirk was born and raised in Ormond Beach, FL. Currently an 8th-grade student, he plays baseball for the Ormond Beach Elite and is set to graduate high school in 2029. Dallas aspires to attend college at the University of Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, LSU, or Georgia, with dreams of either pursuing a career in Major League Baseball or engineering.
A dedicated baseball player,
Dallas also enjoys fishing and playing video games in his free time. His love for sports and his passion for seeing young kids develop a similar enthusiasm led him to work at the Volusia Sports Center. Dallas's favorite part of working at VSC is the amazing facility itself.
New Hire!
Karlie Guinther was born and raised in Ormond Beach, Florida. She graduated from Seabreeze High School in 2022, where she was actively involved in cheerleading. She is currently majoring in Psychology at the University of South Florida. After her graduation in Spring 2026, Karlie plans to attend graduate school and aims to travel and sigh
Karlie Guinther was born and raised in Ormond Beach, Florida. She graduated from Seabreeze High School in 2022, where she was actively involved in cheerleading. She is currently majoring in Psychology at the University of South Florida. After her graduation in Spring 2026, Karlie plans to attend graduate school and aims to travel and sightsee before pursuing a career in clinical or forensic psychology.
Karlie is a seasonal staff member at the Volusia Sports Center, working during her holiday breaks and summers when she comes home from college. She enjoys contributing to the welcoming environment and working with motivated and inspiring people.
In her free time, Karlie enjoys spending time with her friends and sorority sisters, going to dinner, studying, and enjoying beach outings. She has a close-knit family, including a younger sister, Tatum, who also works at the Volusia Sports Center and is her best friend despite being four years apart.
Savanah Hayes graduated from Seabreeze High School in 2023, where she was a dedicated Varsity Cheerleader. She is currently pursuing a major in Criminology at Florida State University, with aspirations of one day working for the FBI. With a strong family connection to baseball,
Savanah grew up watching her brothers play, both of whom now
Savanah Hayes graduated from Seabreeze High School in 2023, where she was a dedicated Varsity Cheerleader. She is currently pursuing a major in Criminology at Florida State University, with aspirations of one day working for the FBI. With a strong family connection to baseball,
Savanah grew up watching her brothers play, both of whom now compete for Seabreeze. Known for her attention to detail and eagerness to maintain a clean environment, Savanah is a valuable asset to the Volusia Sports Center team. She contributes her enthusiasm and commitment during her college breaks and over the summer.
To apply, please fill out an application on our "Join the Team" page
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