SFLm Franchise Spotlight: San Diego Aces
An Exclusive Sit-Down Interview
ARTICLE BY ELI DEIOMES [S'cylle Aldmiir] | SFLm Media Director
With the SFLm expanding in thrilling new directions, it’s only fitting we welcome our newest franchises with open arms and curious minds. Join me as I sit down with the leadership duo behind the freshly announced San Diego Aces — owners Amonte Dubois-Smith and Goose Busters — to dig into what drives them, how they found the league, and why this moment feels like more than just a team launch.
Let’s kick things off with the basics — who are the Aces, and who are the minds behind them?
SECTION 1: Getting to Know You
Eli Deiomes: Let’s start at the beginning — how did you first discover the Simulation Football League, and what pulled you in?
Amonte Dubois-Smith:
The SFL first caught my attention when I was watching a content creator doing Madden sims. I’ve been simming my own franchise rebuilds for a while, and I’ve always loved the idea of building your own team and seeing how they perform. The SFL took that concept and delivered it on a whole other level — it really brought that love to life for me in a deeper, more immersive way.
Goose Busters:
I was introduced to the league by the great Doug Day while working with him. He showed me how it all worked, and right away, it sparked something in my brain. It was entertaining, but more than that — it challenged how I thought about football.
ED: What moment made you think, “Yep, I want to run a team here”?
ADS:
Honestly? As soon as I found out that people could actually own teams. The Aces have been in my mental think tank since way back in 2019, when I was watching the AAF. I knew right away this was a chance to bring a future dream to life.
GB:
For me, it came down to wanting to help the league grow. I’ve always wanted to leave my personal mark, and ownership gave me that chance. I knew I wanted to give back to a community that’s given me so much.
ED: What’s your background within the league so far — have you been a player, coach, media contributor, fan? Tell us a little about your SFL journey.
ADS:
My journey’s still pretty fresh. I started out as a fan and quickly became a player, with my sights now set on building a Hall of Fame résumé. But I didn’t want to stop there. After two seasons in the minors, I knew I wanted to help the SFLm reach new heights — especially through media and analytics. I’ve always wanted to tell stories and spotlight what makes this league special.
GB:
I’ve been part of the league since Season 9, when I came in with my UDFA running back, Guss-Guss. I spent time in the minors and the pros, and I learned a lot — both the good and the bad of the process. Those experiences gave me a deeper understanding of how to support new players coming in, and now I want to pass that knowledge forward.
ED: How would you describe your leadership style in one sentence — and what would your team say it actually is?
ADS:
I’d say my leadership style is optimistic and vocal — I’m 100% for the team. I try to be there for every single one of my brothers in uniform. Ask anyone from San Jose or the San Diego office, and I’m confident they’d say the same.
GB:
Open-minded, friendly, and team-first. I believe in a group mentality — I want the best for everyone, and I’ll always speak up for someone, even if they’re on the opposing team. I’m a league-first kind of guy through and through.
ED: Outside of football, what’s something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
ADS:
Music is a huge part of my life. I’ll listen to anything that pops up on my Spotify and break down the song’s meaning. I also love staying in shape, and if the stars align, I’d love to try out for a position in a Spring or Arena League one day.
GB:
I work as a 911 dispatcher, so handling stress is second nature to me. I basically run on caffeine and broken dreams — but hey, it gets the job done!
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ED: Now that we have gotten to know a little about the minds behind the franchise — their journeys, their leadership styles, and how they first fell in love with the SFL, let's roll the dice and delve into the team itself: the inspiration behind the Aces, their bold visual identity, and the personality they’re bringing to the field.
SECTION 2: Team Identity & Branding
ED: Every team tells a story. What’s the story behind your team’s name and branding?
ADS:
The Aces are really a reflection of how I approach life: it’s all about chance. Sometimes you have to take risks, make bold moves, and bank on your Aces to hit big. I also just love the casino theme — it’s fun, flashy, and fits the entertainment vibe of football perfectly. Everyone wants to win it all, but not everyone knows how to play their cards right.
ED: What made you choose your color scheme and logo elements? Any hidden meanings?
ADS:
I wanted something that would stand out in the SFL space — bold and eye-catching, but not tacky. The original idea was a royal purple and silver combo. Purple and yellow has been done a lot, and I wanted a fresh take. Over time, the scheme evolved in some fun directions, but I’ll definitely be bringing back that purple and silver for a special set.
As for the logo, I wanted our debut mark to be unmistakable. It’s straightforward, like the old Giants or Bengals wordmarks — when you see it, there’s no confusion about who you’re watching. Once we’ve built up recognition, we’ll revisit and refine the logo into something more unique and iconic.
ED: If your team mascot could talk, what would its catchphrase be?
ADS:
The coaches and I have tossed around a few, but we all really like the phrase “Aces High.” It has the right energy — confident, elevated, and just a little bit cocky. Over time, we’ll see what else emerges, but that one’s got a strong vibe.
ED: In three words or less, what “vibe” should your team give off when they hit the field?
ADS:
Dominant. Adept. Deliberate.
ED: What’s one branding detail you’re especially proud of that fans might not notice at first glance?
ADS:
Our brand boards in the stadium are packed with inside jokes, shout-outs to league podcasts, and fun little Easter eggs. They’re subtle, but they’re meaningful — and I’m really looking forward to adding more as the season progresses and new stories unfold.
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ED: As we continue our deep dive with the San Diego Aces ownership team, we shift gears from brand building to team culture — the heartbeat of any successful franchise.
SECTION 3: Team Culture & Long-Term Vision
ED: What are you most excited for when your team finally hits the field for the first time?
ADS:
I’m most excited to see it all come together. The fireworks, the runout, the San Diego crowd erupting after getting their team back — it’s going to be a moment. A good one. I just can’t wait to soak it all in.
GB:
That first game? I’m hyped just thinking about it. I can’t wait to show what we’ve built — the talent, the chemistry, the mindset. And hopefully bring home a championship for San Diego.
ED: What kind of team culture are you hoping to build, both on and off the field?
ADS:
I’m aiming to build a winning culture fast. That’s why I’ve brought in an elite group of coaches — they know how to get results. But off the field is just as important. I want our players to be respectful, confident, and carry themselves well. For me, that means setting a standard for how we treat each other and how we show up in the league. That starts with leadership.
GB:
We want our culture to be an uprising — something that lifts everyone who joins. I want people to grow here, to learn, and to feel welcome. Long-term, I’m hoping to build a coaching tree that branches throughout the league. That starts with us, too.
ED: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the SFLm?
ADS:
I want the Aces to be known as the team to play for. Period. I want to create a legacy where every player who wears our jersey feels immortalized — like they were part of something bigger than themselves. We’re not just building a team. We’re building a name that’ll be spoken with respect for seasons to come.
GB:
Legacy to me means creating something lasting — something people talk about even after we’re gone. I want to help develop coaches that go pro and make a real impact. I want the Aces to be the roots of greatness.
ED: Be honest — when that first win comes, how are you celebrating?
ADS:
It’s all about the team. The coaches will get their flowers, for sure — but we’ve already got game ball awards planned for the players, and maybe even our own twist on “Club Dub.” We’re talking music, maybe a movie night, and definitely a lot of confetti. Good vibes all around.
GB:
Oh, I’m running around my house like a madman. Full victory lap. But mostly I’ll be congratulating the squad that made it happen — it’s their moment.
ED: Five seasons from now — where do you see the San Diego Aces?
ADS:
Hopefully? Celebrating back-to-back-to-back championships. But even more than that, I see us with a strong foundation, a thriving culture, and a reputation as one of the smartest, toughest teams in the SFLm.
GB:
Still on cloud nine. Still *that* team. Simple as that.
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ED: We’ve explored the origin story of the San Diego Aces, dug deep into their team culture, and peeked into the future with big goals and bigger hearts. But before we wrap, it’s time for something a little more fun.
SECTION 4: Game Day Vibes & Final Thoughts
ED: If your team had a walkout song, what would it be and why?
GB:
I’m sure Amonte’s got a solid soundtrack in mind, but me? I’ll let him handle the playlist. I’m more likely to be found at the grill cooking up... some kind of disaster. (No promises.)
ADS:
As much as I’d love to borrow VT’s favorite “Enter Sandman,” I think the Aces need their own identity. I’d go with something Casino-inspired — high-stakes, high-energy, maybe with a little Vegas swagger. Whatever we choose, it’s gotta set the tone.
ED: If your team was a character in a sports movie, who would you be and why?
ADS:
Easy — Bobby Boucher from The Waterboy. That “leave it all on the field” mentality? That’s us. Every snap, every down, 110%. The Aces will be a team that hits hard and never quits.
GB:
Look, the movie already exists — The Replacements. Underdogs fighting for every yard, every chance. That’s the Aces spirit.
ED: What’s your dream game day scene — tailgates, music, superstition rituals, you name it?
ADS:
Picture this: Coach Talacarne’s organizing backyard games, Goose and Coach Doug are fighting over grill duties, and I’ve got my headset on, sunglasses down, blasting highlight reels and ignoring the chaos like a true field general. Somewhere in there? Probably a nap. Total perfection.
ED: If the Aces were a movie, what would it be called? Tagline optional.
GB:
Honestly? The Replacements fits again. Can’t say it enough — fight, grit, underdog fire.
ADS:
I’d go with Breaking the Plane. Tagline? “They didn’t read the playbook. They re-wrote it.” That’s the kind of team I want us to be.
ED: Do you have any quirky team traditions you’re planning to introduce?
ADS:
We’re toying with one called “The Biggest Gamble of the Year.” Basically, at season’s end, we look back at the highest-risk, highest-reward plays and crown the boldest decision. It’s about honoring the gutsy calls — the ones that define our identity.**ADS:**
ED: Final message to the rest of the SFLm?
GB:
To the new players: just have fun. This league is what you make of it — enjoy the ride.
ADS:
To every other team out there: best of luck. Truly. But I hope you’re ready... because San Diego sure is.
ED: I love it! You guys have some amazing taste in walkout music, that is for sure, and I love the movie choices as well! Y'alls team traditions sound super interesting, and I honestly can't wait to see them in action!
On behalf of the SLFm, Commissioner Alex West, Assistant Developer J.W Hartshorn, and myself, I want to thank you both for taking the time to sit down with me and answer these questions; it's been a joy and a pleasure to get to know the minds behind one of the newest teams to join the league!
Best of luck in the upcoming draft, and I can't wait to see the Aces take to the SFLm gridiron!
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And with that, the San Diego Aces make one thing clear — this isn’t just a team. It’s a statement. With ambition in their hearts and chips on their shoulders, they’re ready to shuffle the deck and deal the league a bold new hand.
Stay tuned to take a deep dive into the next team to join the SFLm in the latest expansion!