The DMV Soldiers are a professional basketball franchise competing in The Basketball League (TBL). Proudly representing Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, we stand for the strength, unity, and culture that define the DMV. Launching our inaugural season in 2026, we are building a team that reflects the region’s resilience, diversity, and ambition. On the court, we compete with intensity. Off the court, we serve our communities with purpose. More than a basketball team, the DMV Soldiers are a movement—driven by passion, fueled by community, and committed to elevating the game across the region.
The DMV Soldiers is more than just a basketball league; it’s a catalyst for positive change in Southern Maryland.
Our vision combines athletic excellence with community empowerment, prioritizing community development and social impact. Through top-tier basketball and initiatives focused on economic devlopment and community advancement, we aim to uplift and inspire our community. We invite high-level sponsors and donors to join us in this mission, leveraging the power of sports to create lasting change and a brighter future for Southern Maryland. Together, we can make a difference on and off the court.
We are dedicated to fostering economic development by fostering partnerships with local businesses to attract visitors and stimulate economic activity benefiting the community and businesses alike.
Southern Maryland will have a professional basketball team that they can call their own, fostering a sense of pride and ownership. We will elevate the region's standing in the professional basketball landscape.
We will actively engage in initiatives focused on community outreach. Through our platforms, we will promote inclusivity and positive change fostering a more equitable and inclusive community.
Byron Mouton joins the DMV Soldiers as Head Coach for the Inaugural 2026 Season in The Basketball League (TBL).
A native of Rayne, Louisiana, Byron is a former 6’6″ swingman, high school state champion, and AAU All-American who began his college career at Tulane University, where he led the team in scoring, before transferring to the University of Maryland. As a captain and key contributor, he helped lead the Maryland Terrapins to back-to-back Final Four appearances and secure the 2002 NCAA National Championship, the first in school history.
Following his collegiate success, Byron enjoyed a professional playing career competing in the United States, China, Germany, and France, and earned a Boston Celtics NBA training camp invitation. Throughout his playing career, he was highly respected for his leadership, competitiveness, and team-first mentality.
After retiring from professional basketball, Byron transitioned to coaching and youth development. He has spent nearly a decade as head coach at Lanham Christian School (MD), leading the program to multiple state titles, while also operating 6th Man Sports AAU, where he mentors and trains aspiring athletes. His coaching philosophy emphasizes competitiveness, character, accountability, academic focus, and life-skill development, aiming to help young athletes earn college opportunities and grow beyond the game.
Byron now brings his championship pedigree, player-development mindset, and leadership experience to the DMV Soldiers as he builds the culture and foundation for the franchise’s inaugural season.
Dale McNeil joins the DMV Soldiers as Assistant Coach for the Inaugural 2026 Season in The Basketball League (TBL).
With over 20 years of professional player development experience, Dale previously served as head of player development for the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA and has contributed to NBA player development training. He has worked with athletes across the NBA, overseas leagues, and NCAA programs, using a proven high-performance development model focused on skill, IQ, discipline, and leadership.
Dale also brings entrepreneurial leadership as the CEO of Driven Athletic Academy Inc., an elite athlete development organization focused on advancing talent at every level. A former versatile guard who played multiple positions, Dale now leverages his experience and teaching philosophy to develop both players and staff within a competitive, high-character culture.
AJ Mason serves as Co–Team Market Owner of the DMV Soldiers as the organization prepares for its Inaugural 2026 Season in The Basketball League (TBL). AJ is also the co-founder and content manager of DA Method Sports, where he contributes to player representation, branding, media strategy, and organizational leadership.
AJ brings over a decade of professional experience in the sports media and communications industry, including working as a full-time sports journalist with The Washington Post, The Gazette, and The Maryland Independent Newspapers. Throughout his media career, he covered professional, collegiate, amateur, and high-school athletics, allowing him to build strong relationships with coaches, athletes, and sports executives.
A former collegiate basketball student-athlete, AJ earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communications from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 2008 on a four-year NCAA Division II athletic scholarship. He later completed his Master of Science in Sports Management from California University of Pennsylvania in 2014.
AJ’s background includes extensive knowledge in agent regulations, player association guidelines, collective bargaining agreements, contract negotiation, recruiting, endorsements, sponsorships, and brand development. His leadership, passion for sports, and commitment to professional integrity position him to help build a player-first culture with the DMV Soldiers and drive long-term organizational growth.
Justin Allen serves as Co–Team Market Owner of the DMV Soldiers and is the co-founder of The DA Method brand, which originated with Da Method Apparel before expanding into athlete representation under Da Method Sports, a sports management and talent recruitment organization.
Justin’s path in sports began as a standout football student-athlete at Cheyney University, where he became one of the nation’s top NCAA Division II linebackers. He was named All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) in back-to-back seasons, earning second-team honors as a junior and first-team honors as a senior. In addition to athletic success, he excelled academically and served as Vice President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Following college, Justin earned NFL workout opportunities before transitioning to coaching. He returned to Cheyney as an assistant coach and head strength and conditioning coach, later serving as an assistant and linebackers coach at Westlake High School in Waldorf, Maryland. His leadership extended beyond athletics, becoming a motivational speaker to inspire youth through character development, discipline, and life-readiness.
As a former professional athlete turned entrepreneur and sports executive, Justin understands player development, contract structure, draft preparation, endorsements, ethics, branding, and post-career strategy. His mission is to empower athletes to achieve both competitive success and sustainable life outcomes, aligning directly with the long-term vision of the DMV Soldiers.
Russell Allen serves as the General Manager and Outreach Coordinator for the DMV Soldiers as the organization prepares for its Inaugural 2026 Season in The Basketball League (TBL). A proud alumnus of Westlake High School in Waldorf, Maryland, Russell has been deeply rooted in the Charles County community for decades, both as a leader and mentor for youth.
Russell has more than 20 years of coaching experience across Charles County and currently serves as the head girls basketball coach at his alma mater, where he led the program to a regional championship and state tournament appearance during the 2024–2025 season. Prior to coaching, he was a standout dual-sport athlete in football and basketball, later becoming a four-year collegiate basketball athlete at Wesley College in Delaware competing in NCAA Division III.
Beyond athletics, Russell continues to make a meaningful impact through his work in Charles County Public Schools, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to youth development, education, and community empowerment. His leadership, relationships, and community presence play a vital role in shaping the DMV Soldiers’ culture, outreach efforts, and local partnerships.
Born and raised in North Philadelphia, Jamel Felder is dedicated to uplifting and empowering the next generation of leaders and student-athletes.
Jamel is a Pennsylvania State high school record-holding defensive end and linebacker and a former linebacker at Penn State University. He later competed professionally as an arena football athlete before transitioning into motivational speaking and personal development work. His life journey—shaped by early adversity, pivotal decisions, and disciplined execution—has fueled his passion for guiding others toward purpose, resilience, and growth.
Jamel is the owner and full-time trainer of Pitt Bull Fitness, where he develops athletes and individuals both physically and mentally. He travels nationwide to colleges, schools, and organizations delivering impactful messages centered on resilience, vision, accountability, and determination. His work reinforces the belief that while life presents challenges, success is attainable through faith, discipline, and perseverance.
As the Team Chaplain and Professional Life Coach for the DMV Soldiers, Jamel is committed to the holistic development of players on and off the court. He provides mentorship, guidance, and support to student-athletes, young adults, and professionals by speaking from lived experience about overcoming adversity, making intentional life choices, committing to hard work, and pursuing excellence. Throughout the season, Jamel serves as a trusted resource for players seeking perspective, encouragement, and accountability.
Guided by faith, Jamel lives by the principle found in Philippians 4:11–13, reflecting his belief in perseverance, contentment, and strength through all circumstances.
Partner with a growing professional sports franchise and gain visibility across the DMV and nationwide through The Basketball League (TBL).
Our partnerships offer businesses a platform to connect with fans, families, and communities through sports.