Head photo from new signee Kevin Pierre Jr. in action.
With its second season on the horizon, Dothan United has slowly begun unveiling its roster, bringing in new talent with a commitment to excellence and community. Head Coach Carl Reynolds has placed a strong emphasis on recruiting not just skilled athletes but players who align with the club’s values and ambitions. As the team prepares for its May 3rd season opener, two fresh faces—defender Jaden Strumeier and midfielder Kevin Pierre Jr.—are eager to make an impact.
Strumeier and Pierre Jr. share their thoughts and excitement about coming to Dothan in the coming weeks, and at the end, Head Coach Carl Reynolds provides a pre-season update.
Jaden Strumeier: Defense
From Morganville, NJ, Jaden Strumeier has followed a winding path to Dothan United. His journey began when he left home in high school to train at the prestigious Barça Residency Academy in Arizona, an experience that shaped both his technical skills and mental resilience. After graduating, he played Division I soccer for UNC Wilmington before taking his career overseas to Spain, where he spent a year with the Real Oviedo system. An injury brought him back to the United States, but now, fully recovered, he sees Dothan United as the perfect place to relaunch his career.
“Everything that Carl had to say about the club, the fans, and the environment and just the city overall really excited me,” Strumeier said. “I believe that Dothan United is the best club I could have gone to to get back to the level I want to be at.”
Strumeier brings both experience and ambition to the squad. His goals for the season are clear—he wants to stay healthy, help lead the team to a National Championship, and prepare for a professional contract. His playing style is technical and precise, and he plans to make an impact with his passing ability and offensive contributions, even as a defender.
“Going forward offensively, breaking lines, and long passes are things everyone will see me do,” he said.
Beyond his individual aspirations, Strumeier is already embracing the spirit of the club, connecting with teammates via phone and social media and understanding what Dothan United means to the city.
“Just to see how much this team means to the people and city is going to motivate and push us to go to a higher level,” he said. “May 3 can’t come soon enough, Vamos dragons!”
Kevin Pierre Jr.: Midfield
Born in Japan and raised in Bluffton, SC, Kevin Pierre Jr. brings versatility and determination to the Dothan United midfield. His collegiate career started at Lander University, a Division II program, before he transferred to Georgia Southern to compete at the Division I level. With one more year of eligibility remaining, Pierre saw Dothan United as the ideal place to refine his game and push himself to new heights.
Carl Reynolds’ outreach and the club’s culture made a lasting impression.
“I chose Dothan because of the professional environment that was described, and also the culture of the club, fans, and environment,” Pierre said. “I know the support we get from the fans is out of this world, and I want to give back to them as much as I can.”
Pierre has set ambitious goals for himself and the team. He aims to improve his goal-scoring and assist numbers, win all home games, and help Dothan United maintain a strong defensive record. Above all, he wants to make his presence known.
“On the field, I hope to be known,” he said. “I want to showcase my skill and contributions, and I want to give back to the community.”
His passion for the game and appreciation for the club’s supporters already set the tone for the energy he plans to bring this season.
“I am beyond blessed and excited to be part of Dothan United. I can’t wait to meet everyone and get started!” he said.
Coach Carl Reynolds: Building a Stronger Team
As the leader behind Dothan United’s recruiting efforts, Head Coach Carl Reynolds has been focused on bringing in players who meet both the technical and personal standards of the club.
“Making sure the team gets the right players in the building but also the right people,” Reynolds said. “That will show early in the season.”
The recruiting process has been meticulous, ensuring that new signees not only meet the tactical and physical demands of the game but also fit into the club’s culture.
“But more importantly, making sure we have the people that live the values of the club day in and day out, and want to be around the community and engage in those situations,” he explained.
Reynolds believes the additions of players like Strumeier and Pierre elevate the squad.
“The profile of players we have gotten this year has taken a leap from last,” he said. “They all have great personalities, values, and leadership.”
With a strong core of returning players and fresh talent, chemistry is already developing.
“The ones that will be coming back are ones that we feel hold the right values and bring the right energy into the locker room,” Reynolds said. The team and staff are anxious to all start spending time together on and off the field. Reynolds hopes the players will create relationships that last a lifetime this summer.
Fans can expect a style of play that mirrors last season’s philosophy—dominating possession, but also adapting to whatever challenges each match presents.
“Whatever the game calls for, we can adapt,” Reynolds said. “I hope to create a highly energetic and passionate team that believes in the mission of Dothan United.”
Beyond the field, the club remains committed to strengthening its bond with the community.
“The front office does such an incredible job in bringing ideas of ways to strengthen the connection between the team and the community,” Reynolds said. “This is what makes the club really special: the community is at the forefront of our mission.”
Looking Ahead to Season Two
With a mix of returning talent and promising new signings, Dothan United is gearing up for an even stronger second season. Players like Strumeier and Pierre bring skill, ambition, and a deep respect for the club’s mission. Under Coach Reynolds’ leadership, the team is shaping up to be a force in USL League Two.
As May 3 approaches, excitement is building both in the locker room and throughout the city. Dothan United isn’t just forming a team—it’s fostering a family, one ready to make history.
Don’t forget to look out for our new additions to the Dothan family!
Article by Liana Shapiro