Compete Sports network
Meet the team
Team Member Since 2006
Sports: Baseball, Rugby, Soccer, Adaptive Martial Arts
Eric Carlyle, SDLT
CEO | Sports Advocate
Eric Carlyle founded Compete Sports Network in 2006 with a simple belief: when organizations work together, the entire sports industry grows stronger. Today, he leads Compete as one of the nation's leading business communities, connecting sports organizations, destinations, corporate partners, and nonprofit leaders to create measurable economic impact and long-term business growth.
Prior to founding Compete, Eric held executive leadership positions in banking, finance, aviation, and real estate, including serving as Accounting Vice President of American International Airways, the cargo airline founded by NHRA Hall of Famer Connie Kalitta. He also held leadership roles with Bank of America and Cirrus Realty Group. Eric earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Western International University and is pursuing an MBA at Butler University.
Eric believes the strongest sports communities are built through collaboration, innovation, and opportunities for everyone to compete through
Sports For All™.
Trayer Martinez, SDLT
Vice President | Sports Advocate
For Trayer Martinez, great partnerships begin with trust. As Vice President, he leads Compete's sports operations while helping destinations, event organizers, corporate partners, and sports organizations build relationships that generate measurable economic impact.
Trayer regularly represents Compete through site visits, FAM tours, conferences, and industry events, helping partners identify opportunities and deliver successful events. Known for his collaborative approach and commitment to service, he enjoys working alongside organizations to help them achieve long-term success.
A lifelong athlete, Trayer believes every community benefits when more people have opportunities to participate in sports through Sports For All™.
Team Member Since 2019
Sports: Basketball, Football, Golf, Flag Football
Team Member Since
2026
Sports: Baseball, Pickleball, Golf
Blake Rowlett
Director of Partnerships | Sports Advocate
Blake Rowlett is passionate about helping organizations grow through meaningful partnerships. As Director of Partnerships, he focuses on driving membership growth, developing strategic relationships, and creating new opportunities throughout the sports industry.
Before joining Compete, Blake built one of Tennessee's premier baseball training facilitiesand later led a high-performing Arizona sales team to 170 percent of its annual quota during his first full year of leadership. A former Division I and professional baseball player, he brings the same discipline, teamwork, and competitive spirit to every relationship he builds.
Blake earned a Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies from East Tennessee State University, where he played NCAA Division I baseball before continuing his career professionally. He believes strong partnerships drive economic impact, strengthen communities, and advance Sports For All™.
Mike Pereznegron
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER | Sports Advocate
Mike Pereznegron believes the strongest business relationships begin long before the first agreement is signed. As Business Development Manager, he helps sports organizations, destinations, and industry partners identify new opportunities that strengthen their organizations and the business of sports.
Mike combines years of collegiate coaching experience with a relationship-first approach to business development. He has helped mentor student-athletes who advanced to professional baseball and has built lasting relationships with professionals from around the world through his work at Pebble Beach Resorts.
Mike earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management and a Master of Education from the University of Antelope Valley, where he also coached and played NAIA baseball. He is dedicated to helping sports organizations achieve their goals by providing exceptional service and building lasting relationships while furthering
Sports For All™.
Team Member Since 2026
Sports: Baseball, Golf
Team Member Since
2024
Sports:
Powerlifting, Soccer
Carlos ARenas, sdlt
Marketing Manager | Sports Advocate
Carlos Arenas believes every great organization has a story worth sharing. He leads Compete Sports Network's marketing strategy, brand development, digital communications, website experience, and social media presence, helping position the organization as a national leader in the business of sports.
With expertise in multimedia communications, branding, and digital strategy, Carlos develops marketing initiatives that increase visibility, strengthen member engagement, and support business growth. He earned a bachelor's degree in Audiovisual and Multimedia Communication from Universidad de La Sabana and also holds a diploma in Audience Monetization and Branding.
Carlos believes great marketing inspires people to connect, engage, and advance
Sports For All™.
David “Dirk” Smith, SDLT
Managing Editor | Sports Advocate
David "Dirk" Smith believes research is most valuable when it creates better experiences through sport. As Managing Editor and Associate Education Director, he combines expertise in sport science, psychology, coaching, and research to strengthen Compete's educational initiatives.
A decorated athlete with multiple national swimming championships and sixteen Gay Games medals, Dirk brings both academic insight and practical experience to the organization. He earned both his master's degree and Ph.D. from the German Sport University Cologne.
Dirk is committed to helping organizations apply research, education, and innovation to advance
Sports For All™.
Contributor Since 2015
Sports: Swimming
Team Member Since 2006
Sports: Swimming
Connie WARDMAN, M.a, SDLT
Executive Editor | Education Director Emerita | Sports Advocate
Connie Wardman has spent her career helping others learn, grow, and lead. As Executive Editor and Education Director Emerita, she brings decades of experience in publishing, adult education, leadership development, and professional learning.
Her background includes higher education, corporate consulting, curriculum development, and instructional design. Connie earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a minor in Business, from Chatham University and a Master of Arts in Adult and Community Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Connie believes education has its greatest impact when it inspires people to lead with purpose and help others succeed through Sports For All™.
