The Team Behind the Team: 2025 USL2 Staff

Mike Azira - Head Coach

Head coach Mike Azira is set to return to Brilla. Having played for Brilla before continuing his career professionally in the MLS and USL Championship, Azira brings professional experience that few others can and an understanding of the type of club Brilla is. His role is to foster both soccer development and character growth among his players, emphasizing the importance of faith and community involvement in his coaching philosophy.

Humberto Pelaez - Assistant Coach

Humberto Pelaez has been a coach with Brilla since 2019. Pelaez has been around the Jackson/Metro area for many years and has a background in coaching club and college soccer in the area. For his first year as first assistant coach, his role will include assisting Azira in planning and conducting sessions and analyzing team performance. Additionally, he will work closely with players on personal development on and off the pitch.

Garret Wise - Goalkeeper Coach

Garret Wise is from Madison, Mississippi, and has been involved with Brilla in the past. Now finished with his collegiate career, Wise’s role will be to work closely with the goalkeepers for Brilla and bring his experience to training in preparation for games.

Justin Roberts - Director of Player Recruitment

The former Brilla player Justin Roberts has been the main communicator with potential recruits for the team. His role includes identifying and evaluating talent to build a competitive roster. With his extensive coaching experience and connections, he scouts emerging players and collaborates with coaching staff to find players that best fit the tactical needs of the team as well as the characters needed to create a strong team.

Zach Mills - Mental Performance Coach

Zach Mills is the head coach at Southwest Community College. His role with the team will include working with the players to strengthen their mindset, focus, and confidence, helping them to perform at their best during a strenuous season.

Michael Brown - Director of Sports Science & Performance

Michael Brown will oversee the team’s sports science and performance program through a strategic partnership with the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). His role includes managing player fitness, recovery, injury prevention, and performance data analysis, ensuring athletes are physically prepared for the demands of the USL2 season.