Imago Dei

Andres & Jamie Tortola

About us:

We are Andres and Jamie Tortola, a husband-and-wife team passionate about using sports as a tool to share the Gospel and invest in people’s lives. Our journey together began on a mission trip to Guatemala, where we quickly connected over our shared love for sports and ministry. We got married in 2018 and are now raising our two amazing kids, Sebastian (4) and Lucy (2), who are already developing a love for soccer and adventure.
Sports have shaped who we are. I (Andres) grew up in Guatemala, where soccer was more than just a game—it was a way of life. That passion led me to earn an international scholarship to study Counseling at Clarks Summit University in Pennsylvania, where I graduated in 2019 and pursued a career in coaching. I (Jamie) grew up in South Jersey, playing every sport I could and being mentored by incredible coaches who shaped my faith and character. A life-changing mission trip to the Dominican Republic in high school confirmed my calling to use sports for ministry, leading me to earn a bachelor’s degree in Sports Ministry at Baptist Bible College.
We’ve always felt called to serve together as a family. Whether coaching teams, leading Bible studies, or walking alongside young athletes, our heart is to disciple and equip the next generation to know Christ and live out their faith boldly.

What brought us to MAI:

A few years ago, we found ourselves in a season of deep prayer, seeking clarity on our purpose and next steps in ministry. We knew we wanted to use sports to impact lives for Christ, but we didn’t know where or how. As we shared our hearts with close friends, they connected us with Imago Dei Soccer. The moment we learned about their mission, everything clicked—we knew this was where God was calling us.
Andres joined the Imago Dei team in 2021, bringing our family to North Carolina. Since then, we have seen firsthand how powerful this ministry is in transforming lives through the platform of soccer. Jamie spent a few years at home with our kids, but has joined Imago Dei as the Partner Care & International  Coordinator, allowing us to serve side by side.
We truly believe in the work Imago Dei Soccer is doing—not just coaching the game but discipling players, developing leaders, and creating opportunities for communities to experience the love of Christ. We are honored to be part of this mission.

Carter & Rachel Robbins

About me:

I grew up in High Point, NC and attended Wesleyan Christian Academy, earning awards such as All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State. During Middle and High School, I participated in and coached Imago Dei sessions. I continued to play at a high level at powerhouse Messiah College and was blessed to earn several awards: 3 time All-Conference, 2 time Conference Defensive Player of the Year, 3 time All-Region, 2 time National Champion, 2 time NCAA All-American, and 3 time D3 Soccer All-American. During my collegiate summers I spent time playing and working for the King’s Warriors Soccer Club of the PDL (semi-professional). I have also spent a few summers running the Wesleyan Soccer Camp and helping with pre-season and have served on the Wesleyan Varsity Boys Coaching Staff. I was invited to preseason with a few professional teams, but my passion for sports ministry and coaching drew me away from those opportunities and to Imago Dei.

What brought me to MAI:            

I grew up around the Charlotte Eagles through youth tours and being involved in the Urban Eagles. Through these opportunities, I fell in love with sports ministry. My passion for ministry led me to study Cross Cultural Ministry in college and to currently pursue full time ministry. I have always loved what the Charlotte Eagles do, but I felt called to the High Point area. I am honored to be apart of God’s work through MAI and Imago Dei Soccer Academy in High Point, NC.

Elijah Denton

About Me:

My name is Elijah Denton. I am married to an awesome wife, Sarah, and I have three beautiful children: Andrew, Kyla, and Dax. We currently live in Greensboro, NC where we teach and coach. I came to know Christ during my collegiate years because of an extremely difficult time I was going through. Though they weren’t there at the time of my surrender to Jesus, I could hear the influential voices of my former coaches and teachers reminding me of God’s love for me. They had such an impact on my life and I hope I can do the same for those that I have the opportunity to come in contact with.

What brought me to MAI:

I became an MAI missionary because it combines two passions in my life: sports (particularly soccer) and sharing Jesus with others. I want to use the platform of sports to open doors, build bridges, tear down walls, and forge relationships with others in hopes of sharing the love of Christ with them.