Owner

My name is Luke Gray, and I was born and raised on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast. Sports and music have always been two of my greatest passions in life. I am a proud and active member of both the Who Dat Nation and Smashville communities, where I enjoy supporting my favorite teams and connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

In my professional journey, I never imagined I would find myself in the position I am today, but I am truly grateful for the opportunity to revive a sport that many believed was long gone. This role allows me to combine my love for sports with my desire to make a positive impact on the community.

Outside of my professional commitments, you can often find me on the beach, savoring the beauty of a sunset or immersing myself in a captivating book. Music is another significant aspect of my life, and I find great joy in singing along to my favorite artists, such as Cushion Season and Teddy Swims.

Photography is also a profound passion of mine. From capturing breathtaking landscapes to documenting the intricate details of nature and wildlife, I am always eager to preserve the world’s beauty through my lens. Whenever I travel, I make it a point to return with a collection of photos that tell the story of my journey.

In all that I do, whether it’s conducting interviews, working on professional projects, or indulging in my hobbies, I strive to bring a sense of dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm. My goal is to inspire others and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our community.

General Manager

Donnie Handler is a highly esteemed professional in the world of sports management, boasting over thirty years of extensive coaching and playing experience. As the General Manager of the Mississippi Fire Dogs, Donnie has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to youth development and community enrichment along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

With a robust career spanning over a decade, Donnie has honed his skills in coaching offensive and defensive lines, as well as special teams. His proficiency in developing and implementing tailored drills and assignments has consistently elevated individual performance. Donnie's strategic mindset and adeptness at optimizing team resources have been pivotal in leading teams to successfully meet their goals.

Donnie's academic journey includes earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, complemented by his foundational education at D'Iberville High School. His athletic prowess is underscored by his participation in high school, college, and semi-professional levels of competition.

Throughout his career, Donnie has accrued numerous accolades, including All-Conference and All-District honors, alongside notable victories in the SAFL and NAFL Championships. His leadership qualities have been recognized through his selection as an Under Armour All-Star and Team Captain.

Renowned for his leadership, communication, and coaching acumen, Donnie Handler continues to inspire and motivate both his team and the community, fostering a culture of excellence, diversity, and teamwork.

Assistant Head Coach

My name is Mike Woods, and I have dedicated the last eight years of my life to coaching young athletes, with four years each in Diberville and Vancleave. A Gulfport native, I played football throughout my high school years at Gulfport High School. I am blessed to be happily married with three wonderful daughters, aged 11 to 16.

During the off-season, you can usually find me in the woods, bow hunting for deer and turkeys. Football is my passion, and I deeply believe in the power of this sport to positively impact young men, providing them with an outlet to stay engaged and out of trouble.

I have the utmost confidence in the coaching staff we have assembled, and I firmly believe we can lead this team to a championship victory.

Defensive Line Coach

My name is Terrell Billiot Jr., and I am a proud native of Kenner, Louisiana. My life has been defined by a deep passion for both football and music, and I am an ardent supporter of the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers.

My journey in football began during my childhood, playing recreationally until middle school when my focus shifted to music. For nearly two decades, I have honed my skills as a trumpet player. In high school, I resumed my football pursuits with the Bonnabel Bruins before ultimately dedicating myself to the school band.

Following my graduation, I became a corrections officer with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, while also playing semi-professional football as a defensive tackle for the Bayou Lacombe Cardinals. After two successful seasons, I joined the Slidell Assassins, where my coaches recognized my potential and encouraged me to aim for higher-level teams.

In 2018, I relocated to Gulfport, Mississippi, and successfully tried out for the Mississippi Raiders, a professional arena football team in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I secured a position as a defensive tackle and tight end, and was set to attend training camp until the COVID-19 pandemic altered my plans. During this time, I transitioned to coaching, starting with youth football in Pass Christian, where I also served as assistant recreation director.

My football career continued as I rejoined the field with the Biloxi Dragons, who later rebranded as the Mississippi Raiders. Following an injury, I fully committed to coaching, focusing on the development of defensive lines in semi-professional football. My coaching journey continues to this day, driven by my enduring passion for the sport and dedication to nurturing young talent

Lead Cheer Coach

Tia Roberts, a native of Biloxi, Mississippi, is married to her husband Sean Roberts Sr. The couple has a son, Sean Roberts Jr. Tia is a distinguished former cheerleader for the Mississippi Fire Dogs, having been part of the Lady Fire Dog Cheerleaders during the 2000 and 2001 football seasons.

Currently, Tia is a dance instructor at Kelli’s Steps School of Dance. She is also an active member of the Krewe of Kharites, where she proudly held the title of Queen Kharis II. Tia has been serving as a Mardi Gras krewe choreographer for the past 27 years, showcasing her expertise and dedication. She earned her Associate of Business degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and is presently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Business.

With a wealth of experience and passion, Tia eagerly anticipates the new and exciting season of the Mississippi Fire Dogs cheerleaders, the Blazin’ Bellas.

Asst Coach/Choreographer

Myrna Rainey is a dynamic artist, entrepreneur, and leader with 38 years of experience inspiring joy and creativity through choreography and dance instruction. As the owner of Venue 41 Event Center, she curates a lively space for unforgettable events while also leading Drop It Dance Fitness, allowing her passion for movement and creativity to come to life. Myrna is also the mastermind behind MyWigg Creations, where her artistic flair shines through in her intricate Mardi Gras designs, infusing bold colors and vibrant energy into the celebrations she loves most.

With over 20 years of expertise in Information Technology, Myrna masterfully blends technical skills with creative passion, demonstrating that innovation and artistry go hand in hand. As the 2nd Vice President and Parade Captain of the Krewe of Kharites—a krewe she proudly co-founded—Myrna brings energy, leadership, and excitement to every event, making each moment unforgettable.

Beyond her professional and creative pursuits, Myrna’s greatest joy comes from her family. She is a devoted mom to three amazing children and a proud “Grandma” to four wonderful grandchildren who light up her life.

Whether choreographing, designing, or hosting a fitness class, Myrna embodies passion, creativity, and a love for celebration in everything she does.

Choreographer

Meet Maria Barr—a 41-year-old powerhouse who's as full of energy and passion as ever! Hailing from the heart of Mississippi, she's a proud wife to a Chicago-born firefighter and hockey player, and mom to two amazing kiddos, Mia and Leo. When she's not cheering on her family or chasing her little ones, you'll find her inspiring others to move, groove, and get fit.

For the past 10 years, Maria has been a fitness educator around the globe. She’s the proud owner of The Barre Box, a fitness studio that blends boxing, barre, and cycle. As a HOTWORX virtual instructor for 4 years, she's been motivating clients worldwide to break a sweat and feel their best.

Her journey in movement started young, and her love for dance has only grown over the years. From being a Perkette at MGCCC (2001-2003) to coaching the squad for a season, to dancing for the Southern Misses Dance Team at the University of Southern Mississippi, she’s always had rhythm in her soul. Not to mention, she’s a 5-time Saints Cheerleader Finalist, so you know she’s got some serious moves!

Maria’s passion for dance evolved into a love for fitness, and now, she gets to help others experience the joy and transformation that comes with it. Whether she's leading a barre class or guiding you through an intense virtual workout, she’s all about making movement fun and accessible.

She believes in living life to the fullest, one move at a time. From cheering on her family to crushing fitness goals, Maria is proof that age is just a number—and the best is yet to come!