Meet Our Newest Team Members

Faith Sykes | Guest Experience Coordinator

Faith Sykes was born and raised in the Richmond, VA, area. After graduating high school, she attended Bowie State University as a full-time student-athlete. As she progressed through college, she tapped into her love for merging sports with her local community. As the president of her campus's SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Community), she organized Operation Easter -- an event focused on providing the athletes on campus an opportunity to give back by creating Easter baskets for children in a women's shelter.

Over the past few years, Sykes has navigated her way into the sports management field. She started as an intern at L.C Bird High School as the Assistant Athletic Director, has worked at her local YMCA, and is now a part of the UTurn family. Sykes is excited to grow with UTurn as we make renovations and add new programs for our members to enjoy.

Sykes enjoys spoiling her dog Paris, binge-watching The Office, and working out when she's not at work. Her favorite quote comes from none other than Lebron James: "You can’t be afraid to fail. It’s the only way you succeed. You’re not gonna succeed all the time, and I know that.”

Starr Mallory Woods | Social Media + Marketing Intern

Starr Mallory Woods is a 2020 graduate of Radford University. During her time at Radford, she worked to receive a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. Recently, we welcomed her into the UTurn family as a Social Media and Marketing intern.

Starr's dream job is to work for the Pittsburgh Steelers as a Social Media and Public Relations Rep. To this day, she will tell you that she came out of came out of her mother's stomach wearing black and yellow -- a true fan since day one!

Starr is a creative, outgoing, and enthusiastic person who loves the Lord and his people; and, in her own words, "I can't wait to continue my journey in life through this colorful world we call home."

Kasey Carpenter Ogden | Sports Coordinator

Kasey Carpenter Ogden comes to us from the great state of Virginia. A wife and mother of two boys, Kasey actually describes herself as "boring," but, here at UTurn, we know her as just the opposite.

Coach Kasey has played an integral role with Old Dominion Volleyball Academy, most recently serving as ODVA's Middle School League Director. She also coaches high school girls volleyball at Atlee High School.

In her free time, Kasey enjoys sports, movies, Harry Potter, and all things superhero-related. She also loves a good nap, a murder documentary with her husband, and, of course, a good book. In fact, one of her favorite quotes comes from the book, LEAD...for God's Sake, as she believes "that the two things that most impact our lives are the people we spend our time with and the things we read” (Gongwer, 2010). We are certainly looking forward to seeing more of Kasey here at UTurn, both on and off the court.

Laura Marcuson | Associate Director of Athletic Programming

Laura Marcuson was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and is a familiar face, not only at the UTurn facility, but in Richmond's volleyball community, as well. A graduate of Mills Godwin High School, Laura, though humble when asked about her accolades, graduated as a Volleyball Hall of Fame athlete and continued her success as a collegiate athlete at Radford University.

Aside from her on-the-court success, Laura has excelled on the sidelines, as well. As the Head Coach of ODVA's 16 Girls National Team, Laura has strengthened the UTurn team with years of experience and leadership. In addition to her time coaching at ODVA, Laura also serves as the Head Coach for Girl's Varsity Volleyball Team at Deep Run High School, earning Coach of the Year honors in 2016.

When she is away from the court, she loves reading, trivia, pickleball, Star Wars, and quoting movies; and, to quote the great Han Solo, Laura tells us to “never tell me the odds!”

Interested in joining our dynamic team who work to make a difference in the Greater Richmond community through encouraging fellowship, inspiring leadership, and spreading hope? Check out our open roles and apply today!