"Mike is an exceptional coach and thoroughly deserves the title of head coach. He studies and understands the game really well and his training sessions are first class. We are very confident Mike will continue the tradition of the Long Island Fury both in terms of winning and style of play," commented Paul Riley, the Long Island Fury's Director of Football.

Michael Demakis enters the 2010 WPSL season as Head Coach of the defending National Champions Long Island Fury as part of its very versatile and experienced coaching staff and organization. Michael is also currently the Strength & Conditioning/Speed & Agility Coach as well as an Assistant Coach for the Philadelphia Independence of the WPS. Michael has been Strength and Conditioning Coach at all levels of soccer (High School, Club Soccer, College, Semi-Professional and Professional). He has also been involved in various College and Professional Organizations. His experiences range from being an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for all sports at Boston College, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for the New York Jets (NFL), Strength & Conditioning Coach for all sports at the University of Kentucky where he also served as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for both the Women’s and Men’s Soccer teams.  Michael also worked as the Strength & Conditioning Coach with the New York Islanders (NHL) as well as the New York Dragons (AFL).  Michael is the CEO of FC Elite, a business which provides elite Strength & Conditioning training for athletes as well as personal soccer training for all levels of players.

In addition to his Strength and Conditioning background, Michael has an extensive background in soccer coaching and training. He has been Assistant Coach of the Long Island Fury of the WPSL and has helped lead the team to two National Championships (2006 and 2009), and now serves as their Head Coach.  He was part of the University of Kentucky’s women’s soccer program in 1995 when they won the SEC Championship. Michael was also an Assistant Coach for the New York Magic of the W-League.  Presently, Michael is coaching in the Albertson Soccer Club where he has coached and trained since 2000. His Albertson Elite team won a number of NY State Cup Championships and was ranked as high as 5th nationally in their playing days. He now coaches the Albertson Elite Fury team which plays in the ECNL and is currently one of the top club teams in the country.

Michael graduated from Baldwin High School where he earned High School All-East, All-Region, and was nominated All-American in soccer, and was a member of the ODP State and Regional teams.  Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Health Fitness from Springfield College, MA where he also had an illustrious four year College Soccer playing career.  He received his Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Kentucky. Michael has been a member of the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) since 1994 and also has a Specialist in Sports Conditioning certificate. He holds a NSCAA Premier Diploma in soccer coaching.