Founder and CEO
Aaron Garland
Aaron Garland founded CU Sports on a simple belief: athletes deserve authentic, holistic representation not just a contract. A River Forest native and Fenwick High School graduate, he played college football at the University of Connecticut, giving him a firsthand understanding of what athletes face at every level of the game. His professional background includes resolving high-value real estate assessments for the government — a portfolio exceeding $1 billion — and a negotiation certificate from the Yale School of Management. He brings that rare combination of analytical precision and negotiation expertise directly to the athletes he represents — building the company he wished had existed when he was in their position.
Meet Our Team
At Collective Uplift, we are committed to assembling a dynamic and well-rounded team dedicated to empowering athletes holistically. Our team combines diverse expertise to provide unparalleled support.
Chief of Staff & Legal Counsel
Xavier Vergara
Xavier Vergara serves as Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel for CU where he oversees legal strategy, business operations, and agency growth. A graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law and former collegiate football player, Xavier brings a strategic, business-minded approach to athlete representation, partnerships, and long-term client success.
NFL & NBA Certified Agent
Jack Meyer
Jack Meyer is a Certified NBPA Player Agent, Certified NFLPA Contract Advisor, and licensed attorney. He represents athletes at the intersection of contract negotiation, league compliance, and long-term career planning.
NIL Advisor
Jaylon Tate
Jaylon Tate is a Chicago native and current professional basketball player who played collegiately at the University of Illinois. His firsthand experience navigating the path from college basketball to the pro ranks gives him a player's perspective on the partnerships and decisions that shape an athlete's career.
Basketball Liaison
Patrell Green
Patrell Green brings over a decade of experience developing basketball players from the youth level to the pros, including work with Nike Mamba Sports Academy, and Chicago Meanstreets. He currently serves as Junior Varsity Head Coach at Simeon Career Academy, where he led the program to a Chicago City Championship in his first season.
Leadership Development
Dr. Joseph Cooper
Dr. Joseph Cooper is the Dr. J. Keith Motley Endowed Chair of Sport Leadership and Administration at UMass Boston and a nationally recognized scholar of athlete development. A UNC graduate with a PhD in Sport Management and Policy from the University of Georgia, his work centers on sport as a catalyst for athletes' holistic growth on and off the field.
Recruiting Coordinator & NIL Advisor
Doug Difusco Jr.
Doug DiFusco a University of Arizona graduate and former Nazareth Academy football player, he pairs deep ties to the Illinois football landscape with a Fortune 500 sales background.
NIL Advisor
Taylor Woods
Taylor Woods is a sports media professional and former Division I student-athlete with on-camera experience as a sports anchor and sideline reporter. Her background on both sides of the game shapes how she partners with athletes to tell their stories with authenticity and reach.
Recruiting Coordinator
Terry Tharps
Terry Tharps brings a wealth of football experience to CU Sports, both on the field and behind the scenes. A Tacoma, Washington native, Terry played college football at the University of Washington, where he was part of the memorable 2001 Rose Bowl team. After his playing career, he transitioned into player personnel, gaining professional experience as a Scouting Intern with the Seattle Seahawks and a Scouting Assistant with the Detroit Lions. Terry's eye for talent and deep understanding of the game make him a valuable addition to our recruiting team.
