It was the 61st minute into the game when Paradise’s forward finished off a well-placed pullback cross from another teammate, sending it into the net—the crowd erupted! Sarasota’s Paradise would play on and deliver a commanding 3–0 win over the division leaders. It was this kind of in-sync teamwork you'd expect from a club with multiple seasons under their belt. But this Paradise squad only came together at the end of April.

That performance wasn’t just a fluke, it was a reflection of talent, chemistry, and a shared hunger to rise. How well a team works together is key to being successful on the field. “I believe the biggest factor is trust,” says head coach Mirko Dakovic. “Trust in the player, the players and coaches, and trust in the process."

Sarasota Paradise, a club still in its early chapters, is already writing a compelling story on the field as it prepares for its professional debut in USL League One in 2026. And at the center of this summer’s squad are five standout players, each bringing their own story, style, and drive to the team.

Leadership From Hometown Sarasota

For a club rooted in community, local players offer a direct connection to the city’s soccer scene.

Andres Freire

Born and raised in Sarasota, striker Andres Freire brings local pride and collegiate experience from USF and Stetson to the pitch. Now in his second season with Paradise, Freire embraces the responsibility of representing his hometown.

As someone who’s grown through the ranks, he offers this advice to young players looking to improve their game. “My biggest advice would be to consult with professionals like strength coaches to get your body stronger. Do lots of research to improve. Same goes with your diet because if you're eating right, you're already halfway there. A good plan helps to avoid injuries and to perform to the best of your ability.”

Felipe Rojas

Felipe Rojas, who has lived in Sarasota since he was five, is a team veteran now in his third season with Sarasota Paradise. He’s not only the player who scored the club’s first-ever goal, but also the one who captained the squad to a division championship in 2024. His versatility as both a winger and fullback makes him a crucial piece of this season’s team and a clear voice in the locker room.

When asked how he stays motivated when training gets tough, Rojas’s answer reveals a quiet mentality behind his intensity. “I take a few deep breaths—four-second inhale, four-second hold, and four-second exhale,” he says. “I try to get back to the present, say some positive affirmations, and get back to business.”

College Skills From Abroad

While Paradise is proud of its local roots, it’s also a destination for rising stars from across the country and beyond. This season, new players bring energy, college-level agility, and a shared drive to prove they belong in the club’s professional future.

Jeffrey White

Building his career at Wake Forest University and Tampa Bay United, Jeffrey White brings skill and creativity to Paradise’s midfield and front line, helping drive the team’s attack. His commitment to the game’s fundamentals shows in how he trains, especially when it comes to footwork. “I like to juggle for about 5–10 minutes and then do some ball mastery skills for 20–30 minutes,” White says. “I also like to work with both feet.”

It’s the discipline and hours of repetition that give White his edge and Paradise the range of options to move in tight games.

Lukas Kamrath

Lukas Kamrath anchors the defense with NCAA experience from High Point University and the University of Notre Dame. His composure shows up not just in how he plays, but in how he handles pressure, especially on game day. “I listen to music and chat with my teammates to take off the stress,” he says. “I try not to overthink the game.”

That balanced mindset has made Kamrath an asset on the field, where split-second decisions and steady leadership can turn defense into attack.

Owen Barnett

Born in Northern Ireland and trained by the Wellington Phoenix Academy in New Zealand , Owen Barnett is an attacking midfielder with a solid understanding of the game’s complexity. Currently competing at the college level at Hofstra University, he’s also fine-tuned his playing with West Virginia United and South Carolina United Bantams. 

Asked what part of soccer he finds most strategic, Barnett’s answer underscores his intellectual approach. “I love that there's no 'right' way to play the game,” he says. “Whether it's beating teams with or without the ball, I love that teams can play completely different styles and get results.”

For a club seeking dynamic, adaptable players to build its future around, Barnett is exactly the kind of profile that fits the Paradise model.

The Right Foundation

These five players aren’t just chasing wins, they’re helping define what Sarasota Paradise stands for. A cohesive team fuels morale and to walk lockstep towards a common goal. It’s also what brings a proud community together. “All five bring leadership to the group in their own way and lead by example on the field,” says Coach Dakovic. “As a coaching staff, we are very approachable. We converse with the players during the practice sessions and game play, which contributes to the general mood of the group.” 

As the season progresses, the opportunity to continue with Sarasota Paradise at the next level is front-of-mind for many on the roster. The team heads to the pros for the 2026 season. “​​This is a big motivation for players,” Coach Dakovic says, “who are not returning to school or who are going into their senior year, to earn a USL League 1 contract with Paradise." With local support and rising talent on the team, Sarasota Paradise is laying the groundwork for a club with a formidable future.