Compete Sports network
Meet the team
Team Member Since 2006
Eric Carlyle, SDLT
CEO | Sports Advocate
Eric Carlyle is the CEO of Compete Sports Network, a national business community that connects sports organizations, destinations, corporate, and community partners to drive measurable economic impact. Under his leadership, Compete helps generate millions in economic impact annually, while facilitating meaningful business relationships across the sports industry.
Eric is the architect of Compete’s Sports For All™ mission, which focuses on expanding access to sports while creating new business opportunities for organizations, events, and destinations. His work centers on helping partners grow participation, increase revenue, and build sustainable sports programs.
Throughout his career, Eric has worked with leading organizations including the National Retired Basketball Players Association (NBRPA), the National Football League (NFL), and the United States Tennis Association (USTA), supporting initiatives that strengthen the business of sports.
Prior to founding Compete Sports Network, Eric held leadership roles as CEO of Cirrus Realty Group, Inc., Foreign Exchange Cash Manager at Bank of America, and Accounting Vice President at American International Airways, an international airline founded by NHRA Hall of Fame inductee Connie Kalitta.
Eric holds a Bachelor of Science in Business degree from Western International University and is currently pursuing an MBA at Butler University.
Trayer Martinez, SDLT
Vice President of Sports | Sports Advocate
As Vice President of Sports at Compete Sports Network, Trayer Martinez leads sports and service operations, driving strategic partnerships that support sports tourism growth and deliver measurable economic impact. He works closely with destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and corporate partners to connect opportunities, strengthen relationships, and bring events to life.
Trayer regularly represents Compete through site visits, FAM tours, and industry conferences, building relationships that create real ROI.
A dedicated athlete, Trayer competes in the Phoenix Gay Flag Football League as an ally, including its travel team, reflecting his commitment to expanding access to sports and building welcoming environments the further Sports For All™.
Known for his relationship-driven approach and strong execution, Trayer brings energy and credibility to every partnership. He is also a devoted father, carrying his competitive spirit into both his personal and professional life.
Team Member Since 2019
Team Member Since 2026
Dominique Norman, M.A., SDLT
Membership Coordinator | Sports Advocate
As Compete’s Membership Coordinator, Dominique Norman plays a key front-facing role supporting both customer service and sales, with a focus on sports planner development, member engagement, and event planning and production.
With a strong background in sports and operations, she brings experience from the Cactus League Association, a spring training league for Major League Baseball, as well as coaching with Victory Gymnastics. She is passionate about supporting organizers and helping deliver high-quality event experiences that strengthen the sports community.
Dominique holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Arts from Arizona State University.
Carlos ARenas, sdlt
Marketing MANAGER | Sports Advocate
Carlos plays a key role at Compete Sports Network as the company’s Marketing Manager, managing brand identity, website development, and social media strategy while also supporting the sales team. With a passion for sports and diversity, he brings creativity and strategic insight to the organization’s marketing efforts.
Carlos earned his Bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual and Multimedia Communication at Universidad de La Sabana in Chía, Colombia, and has a diploma in Audience Monetization and Branding from the same university.
Team Member Since 2024
Team Member Since 2006
Connie WARDMAN, M.a, SDLT
Executive Editor | Education Director Emerita | Sports Advocate
Connie Wardman, SDLT, serves as Executive Editor of Compete Sports Network, bringing decades of experience in media, adult education, and advocacy. As a leader in diversity and inclusion initiatives, she has been instrumental in shaping educational programs that drive meaningful change within the sports industry.
Her extensive background in higher education and corporate consulting includes serving as an education consultant for Alcoa and leading instructional development programs. Connie holds a B.A. in English with a business minor from Chatham University and an M.A. in Adult and Community Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, underscoring her lifelong dedication to professional growth and learning.
David “Dirk” Smith, SDLT
Managing Editor | Sports Advocate
David "Dirk" Smith, SDLT, is the Managing Editor and Associate Education Director at Compete Sports Network, blending expertise in sport/exercise science and psychology with a passion for advocacy.
A decorated athlete, Dirk has earned three national swimming championships and 16 Gay Games medals. His expertise spans coaching, sport psychology, and research, and he actively organizes workshops and delivers lectures on diversity and inclusion in sports.
Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the German Sports University in Cologne, where he also earned his master’s degree, Dirk's career extends across multiple disciplines—including coaching, sports science, filmmaking, and writing—all aimed at promoting inclusivity and empowerment in the global sports community.
