WHAT IS ATHLETE+
Athlete+ is an education and exposure platform for high school football student-athletes and families in Columbus, Ohio. We are dedicated to providing the education, exposure, and mentorship necessary for building young men and opening doors to collegiate opportunities and lifelong success.
Founder & Director: Abu Turay
Abu Turay is a former football player and seasoned recruiting professional who founded Athlete+ to create equitable pathways for the next generation in Columbus, Ohio. Combining his playing experience with a Sports Administration degree from the University of Cincinnati and recruiting and scouting roles at Mount St. Joseph University, Northwestern, Georgia Tech, and Coastal Carolina Abu has consistently built top-ranked classes while mentoring professionals who now serve in both collegiate and NFL ranks.
Currently serving as the Defensive Coordinator at Columbus Centennial High School, Abu leverages his deep expertise in the recruiting ecosystem to bridge the gap for families in Columbus, Ohio. He is dedicated to providing the education, exposure, and mentorship necessary to build young men of character and secure life-changing collegiate opportunities, ensuring every athlete has a true roadmap to success beyond the game.
Meet the Board
Christopher Steward
Board Member
Christopher Steward was born in Toledo and raised in Columbus, where athletics helped shape his foundation. A three-sport varsity letterman in Track & Field, Baseball, and Golf, he learned early the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—values he now works to instill in the next generation.
A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Christopher currently serves as a Channel Sales Manager at Advantech, leading strategic partnerships and regional growth initiatives. While he has built a strong professional career, service has always remained central to his work.
Christopher is not new to the nonprofit space. He served as the Co-Founder and Treasurer of the Greater Cincinnati Education Network, an organization committed to expanding educational access and opportunity for students and families throughout the region. Through strategic planning, fundraising, and community partnerships, he helped drive initiatives designed to close opportunity gaps and create sustainable pathways for youth success.
He has also remained active in leadership and community-focused efforts through Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he has served in advisory and mentorship roles centered on scholarship, leadership development, and youth outreach.
In addition, Christopher currently coaches kindergarten and first grade T-ball at Silverton Elementary School. Working with young athletes at the foundational level allows him to directly support youth sports development—focusing not just on skill building, but on confidence, sportsmanship, and a love for the game. He believes early exposure to structured athletics plays a critical role in character development and long-term success both on and off the field.
Christopher remains committed to empowering young people through sports, education, and mentorship—equipping them with the confidence, character, and resources needed to thrive.
James Lacey
Board Member
James Lacey is a commercial litigation attorney licensed to practice in Ohio, where he represents clients in complex business disputes, major tort matters, and catastrophic loss litigation. He brings both legal and strategic insight to his work, advising clients through high-stakes matters with precision and professionalism.
Prior to entering private practice, James served as Senior Manager of Community Resource Coordination for a Cincinnati-based nonprofit organization partnered with Cincinnati Public Schools. In that role, he led a team of 15 community resource coordinators responsible for identifying and developing partnerships to provide critical services and supports to students from elementary through high school.
A Cleveland, Ohio native and former high school athlete, James understands firsthand the discipline, resilience, and transition challenges student-athletes face. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati in 2019 and graduated in the top 10 of his class from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University in 2025.
Outside of his legal practice, James enjoys reading fantasy novels, staying active in the gym, and exploring new restaurants.
Tyris Diehl
Board Member
Tyris Diehl is a Columbus, Ohio native, educator, coach, and creative leader dedicated to developing excellence both on and off the field. Born and raised in Columbus, Tyris is a proud product of Northland High School and went on to earn his Master’s in Education from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies: Music Technology from Capital University.
Tyris currently serves as the Head Football Coach and CTE Teacher at Centennial High School, where he leads the football program while preparing students for careers in Interactive Media and technology. With nearly a decade of varsity coaching experience — including roles as Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks Coach, and Interim Head Coach — he has helped develop numerous All-Ohio, All-District, and collegiate scholarship athletes. His leadership philosophy centers on discipline, accountability, character development, and building championship culture.
In addition to his work in education and athletics, Tyris serves as the Technical Director at Vision Worship Center in Delaware, Ohio, overseeing production, media, and technical operations to support impactful worship experiences.
Above all, Tyris is a devoted husband and father. He has been married to his wife for 10 years, and together they are raising their 7-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter — who remain his greatest motivation. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or in ministry, Tyris is committed to developing leaders, strengthening families, and serving his community.