Coaches

Head Coaches:

Thomas Azari

Thomas Azari is a 2022 graduate of UMBC and he currently serves as one of two Head Coaches & Faculty Advisors of UMBC Mock Trial. Thomas competed for UMBC Mock Trial for four years, and was the opening attorney for the 2021 National Championship team. Thomas is a two-time All-American Attorney, earning his All-American awards in 2021 both in the preliminary rounds and for his appearance in the National Final Round, and he served as President of UMBC Mock Trial as a senior. Thomas was a competitor on UMBC A for three consecutive bids to Nationals in 2020, 2021, and 2022. After graduation, Thomas competed at Trial by Combat, an elite invite-only tournament, in the summer of 2022. Thomas coached UMBC B for the 2023-23 season and helped lead them to an ORCS bid.

Thomas is currently in his third year at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, and he is also a member of the nationally ranked Maryland Carey Law National Trial Team.

Alysha Carter

Alysha Carter is one of the two Head Coaches of UMBC Mock Trial. Alysha competed for UMBC for four years, from 2022 to 2026. She was Vice-President of the program from 2024 to 2026, providing invaluable guidance and support. Alysha was captain of several teams during her four years of competition, advancing them to Nationals three times.  Alysha primarily performed the Opening Statement for teams she competed on (but you should ask her about her witnessing skills as well). Alysha won multiple individual awards at invitational tournaments and earned two AMTA All-Regional awards in 2024 and 2026, and an All-American award at the National Championship in 2026. 

Alysha currently works as a courtroom intern in Baltimore with plans to attend law school.

Team Coaches:

Anna Kim

Anna Kim is one of three Team Coaches for UMBC Mock Trial. Anna competed for UMBC Mock Trial for four years, from 2022 to 2026. Anna was the program’s Tournament Director in 2025, helping run UMBC’s invitational tournament, the Charm City Classic. Anna also served as the President of the program in 2026, leading it to its largest membership to date. In addition to her Executive Board roles, Anna was the captain of several Mock Trial teams, leading her team to Nationals in 2026. Anna delivered Closing Arguments and examined expert witnesses. As a competitor, Anna earned several individual awards, including an AMTA All-National Attorney award her freshman year. Anna twice competed as second chair at Trial by Combat, the elite invite-only competition for the best competitors in the country. 

Anna currently works as a medical assistant with plans to attend medical school.

Nathan Yates

Nathan Yates is one of three Team Coaches for UMBC Mock Trial. Nathan competed for UMBC Mock Trial for three years after transferring to UMBC. Nathan was the program’s treasurer from 2025 to 2026. Nathan earned several individual awards throughout his Mock Trial career, including two All-National Witness awards in his first year of competition. Nathan also earned an All-Regional award in 2026. Nathan primarily performed as an expert witness when he competed. Nathan was a competitor on UMBC A for all three years he competed, earning consecutive bids to Nationals in 2024, 2025, and 2026. 

Nathan currently works as a legal assistant at a firm in Baltimore with plans to attend law school.

Fadil Adeite

Fadil is one of three Team Coaches for UMBC Mock Trial. Fadil competed for UMBC Mock Trial for four years, from 2022 to 2026. Fadil served as Vice-President, President, and Tournament Director in 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively. Fadil was a team captain all four years of competing, earning several team trophies and advancing his team to Nationals three times in four years. Fadil primarily delivered Closing Arguments when competing. He earned several individual awards, including four All-Regional awards, four All-National awards, and two All-American awards. Fadil competed twice at Trial by Combat, the elite invite-only competition for the best competitors in the country. 

Fadil is currently in his first year at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.