Meet The Trainers
Coach Erik "Coach E" Nowell
Head Trainer - Founder of FST
Location: DMV Metro (Alexandria, VA)
Coach E is a dedicated Sport Performance Trainer from Charlotte, NC, with a passion for helping athletes reach their full potential. With a strong background as a wide receiver and return specialist at East Carolina University, Coach E brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to every training session.
At First Sound Training, we specialize in providing comprehensive training programs tailored to each athlete’s unique needs. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete looking to refine your skills or a young athlete taking your first steps, we’re committed to helping you achieve your goals.
Our Motto: Be Great, Stay Great, Make Others Greater.
Media Coverage:
Alexandria Zebra Press:
https://thezebra.org/2023/06/05/coach-e-left-finance-behind-to-train-upcoming-athletes/
Level Up Podcast Interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ_FIjlPIvE
Subkit Blog Interview:
Coach Michael "Mookie" Dereus
Assistant Coach
Location: Greater New England Area (Boston, MA)
Coach Mookie hails from Hyde Park, MA. A standout athlete, he excelled at Williston Northampton School, earning five letters in football and two in track, where he served as captain in his senior year.
His impressive stats lead him to continuing his athletic career at Georgetown University, Mookie garnered three All-Patriot League honors amassing over 3,100 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns, while receiving All-American and team MVP accolades in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
In May 2020, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens for two training camps in 2020 & 2021. He concluded his football career as a three-time Spring League football champion in 2021, 2022, and 2023, playing for the TSL Linemen and Birmingham Stallions of the UFL.
Coach Adam Smith
Assistant Coach
Location: Washington DC/Maryland Area
Coach Adam, from Mocksville, NC, joins us after a seven year professional arena football career. From Davie County High School, where he was a three sport athlete, playing in two state championship competitions and one semi-final.
Adam began playing WR at Division III Guilford College, where he was a 4x All-Conference and 2x All-American selection, had 244 catches, 3,988 yards, and 46 touchdowns in his career, and re-wrote the school and conferences record books.
Playing the majority of his seven year professional career with the Carolina Cobras of the National Arena League, he was a part of two teams that went to the championship game.
Outside of playing, Coach Adam has coached high school football for four years and college football at Hampden-Sydney College for two years, where he coached Wide Receivers & assisted with QB’s, guiding five All-Conference players and one All-American selection.