At Rise Sports Management, we’re not your typical agency. We’re a family-first, community-driven team that’s redefining what it means to be a top-tier sports agency. Our approach is built on authenticity, trust, and a relentless commitment to our athletes’ success — both on and off the field.
We specialize in empowering athletes through innovative NIL opportunities and professional representation, but we go beyond the business side. Our athletes are more than clients; they’re part of the Rise family. We believe in building lasting relationships, supporting personal growth, and helping our clients make an impact in their communities and beyond.
Whether you’re an up-and-coming talent navigating the dynamic world of NIL or a seasoned pro looking to elevate your career, we’re here to help you rise to the top. Our team of experts is always by your side, providing strategic marketing, brand-building, and partnership solutions designed to maximize your potential and amplify your voice.
At Rise, we’re not just about winning—we’re about creating opportunities, making meaningful connections, and setting a new standard for success. Together, we rise.
At just 23 years old, Alec Small is already a rising star in the world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) marketing, leading Rise Sports Management as Head of NIL & Talent. Alec’s journey from pursuing a career in music to becoming a leader in sports marketing reflects his drive, adaptability, and a commitment to integrity in everything he does.
Alec’s career pivot started with an internship at a family friend’s marketing agency, which led him to discover his passion for athlete representation. He quickly built his knowledge of the industry and partnered with former NBA player Cameron Bairstow to form a vision of changing player representation by focusing on athletes first and foremost.
In September 2023, Alec joined Rise Sports Management, where his impact has been immediate and profound. Initially, he focused on marketing for the agency's men's basketball athletes and building relationships with NIL collectives, but Alec’s passion for empowering female athletes soon became a central part of his mission.
That passion took shape in April 2024 when Alec signed his first two female NIL clients, Isabella Nilsen, a pole vaulter at the University of Oregon, and Cami Merickel, a cross-country and track star at the University of Nebraska. Both Bella and Cami not only bought into Alec's vision for empowering female athletes but also played an instrumental role in the agency’s rapid growth. Their success stories helped build momentum, and together, they’ve helped rise to the forefront of the NIL space. Today, Alec proudly represents some of the top female athlete creators in NIL, including standouts in track and field, gymnastics, soccer, and beach volleyball.
Alec’s leadership also extends to the launch of Rise Sports Management’s Women’s Basketball Division, where he’s worked with up-and-coming stars like Blanca Thomas, a 5-star freshman at the University of North Carolina. Blanca has already landed major deals with brands such as C4 Energy, Leaf Trading Cards, and GoGo SqueeZ, further showcasing Alec’s ability to build impactful partnerships for his athletes.
While Alec is deeply passionate about elevating women in sports, his dedication to representing men's basketball athletes remains strong. Under his leadership, Rise continues to sign top basketball talent and secure partnerships with major brands like Extra Gum, Leaf Trading Cards, McDonald’s, Walmart, and more. Alec’s approach is always athlete-first—ensuring both male and female athletes have the tools and platform to succeed and grow their personal brands.
Through his leadership and vision, Alec is reshaping the NIL space, proving that youth, ambition, and integrity can drive meaningful change. His story continues to inspire athletes and brands alike, and his work reflects a future where all athletes—no matter their gender—have the opportunity to thrive.
Delanie Harkness is a powerhouse gymnast at Michigan State, boasting an impressive record as a 3x Big Ten Champion, a First Team All-Big Ten award winner, and a 2x Second Team All-Big Ten honoree. Beyond her athletic achievements, Delanie has built a vibrant social media presence with over 60k+ followers on Instagram and 15k+ on TikTok, where she creates captivating content and drives exceptional engagement. She’s a true standout, both on and off the mat!
Katie Moore is a recent graduate from the University of Iowa track and field team, and she’s making waves in the digital space! With nearly 200,000 followers across her social media platforms, she’s built an engaged community centered around her passion for running and track. Katie’s influence shines even brighter after attending the 2024 NIL Summit, where she connected with the best in the game. Get ready—she’s just getting started!
Avery Bracher is a rising influencer and athlete on the James Madison University Women’s soccer team with over 100,000 followers combined between Instagram and TikTok. Passionate about fitness, travel, beauty, and fashion, she has a talent for crafting engaging content that resonates with her fans. She’s definitely one to watch!
Lily Jones is a dynamic sprinter on the University of Oregon track and field team, known for her speed and fierce competitive spirit. With a love for the sport and a relentless drive to succeed, she’s lighting up the track and making waves in collegiate athletics. Watch out—she’s just getting started!
Bella Nilsen is a talented pole vaulter on the University of Oregon track and field team. With a passion for the sport and a commitment to excellence, she’s making her mark in collegiate athletics.
Kielyn McCright is a standout gymnast for Clemson, shining as a member of the inaugural team. In the 2024 season, she earned All-ACC honors on Balance Beam and competed at the NCAA tournament, achieving a career-best 9.925. A dedicated student-athlete, she’s making her mark both in gymnastics and academics!
Cami Merickel is a dedicated runner for the University of Nebraska, known for her strong performances on the track and in cross country. In 2024, she placed ninth at the Augustana Twilight with a 5K time of 17:34.60. A two-time Academic All-Big Ten and Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, Cami excels both in competition and academics. With her impressive times and commitment, she’s making a name for herself in collegiate athletics.
Nicole Olivieri is a talented track athlete at Central Michigan University, bringing her energy and passion from her successful time at the school. Beyond her athletic prowess, Nicole is a social media enthusiast and content creator, thriving on connecting with her audience through engaging content. With her dedication to the track and her vibrant online presence, she’s poised to make a significant impact at CMU!
Blanca Thomas is an impressive 6'5" freshman basketball player at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Currently ranked #10 by ESPN, she is a 5-star recruit and a proud member of Team USA basketball. With her exceptional talent and potential, Blanca is poised to make a significant impact in the world of sports.
Dea Monz is a Division 1 track and field athlete for Robert Morris University. She is very passionate about fashion, traveling, and food! She is studying health services administration and is very passionate about my career! She ove making content and working with brands that align with her interest.
Emily Pierce is a passionate distance runner representing Campbell University. With active engagement on her social media platforms, she connects with a vibrant community that shares a love for fitness and sports. Emily is eager to collaborate with brands that align with her dedication to wellness and athletic excellence. She is ready to create inspiring content, promote healthy lifestyles, and engage with her followers in exciting ways. From sponsored posts to brand ambassadorships, Emily is prepared to bring energy and enthusiasm to any partnership, making every stride count together!
Tessani Foster is a junior pole vaulter for the University of Oklahoma track and field team. She set a personal best of 13-1.50 (4.00m) at the TCU Alumni Invitational, finishing second, and has consistently placed in the top three at major events like the Mt. SAC Relays and John Jacobs Invitational. Tessani also cleared 12-5.5 (3.80m) at the Big 12 Championship during her indoor season. She chose OU for its strong athletic program and is excited to continue pushing her limits as a Sooners athlete.
Regan Holmer is a junior on the Beach Volleyball team at Grand Canyon University. In her sophomore season, she achieved a notable victory against No. 10 LSU and earned a spot on the CCSA All-Tournament Team. Before joining GCU, Regan was named a United Soccer Coaches High School All-American and helped her teams win state titles in both soccer and volleyball. With a family deeply rooted in soccer, including two brothers who made their mark in the sport, Regan chose GCU for its beautiful campus and supportive coaching staff. She is excited for another season of growth and competition.
Payton Fisher is a junior on the Grand Canyon University Women's Soccer team. In her sophomore season, she scored two goals and contributed in 16 matches, including a key goal against Tarleton. Payton made her debut in 2022 with a goal and assist. She was part of state championship teams in high school and chose GCU for its supportive coaching staff and vibrant campus. Payton looks forward to continued growth and teamwork.
Grace Bartlett is a junior on the Grand Canyon University Women's Soccer team. She earned Academic All-WAC honors in her sophomore season and scored her first collegiate goal, a game-winner against LMU. Grace contributed in 14 games and helped the Lopes win the WAC Tournament. A United Soccer Coaches High School All-American, she chose GCU for its beautiful campus and supportive coaching staff. Grace is excited for another season of growth.
Travis Roberts is a junior on the Marist College Men's Basketball team. He previously played two seasons at Jacksonville State University, competing in both the Atlantic Sun Conference and Conference USA. Travis appeared in 31 games each season, with a .362 three-point shooting percentage and .800 free-throw accuracy. His standout moment came with a career-high 15 points against East Tennessee State in December 2022. Before college, he was a top prospect at Bishop Walsh School in Maryland. Travis is excited to bring his skills and experience to Marist this season.
Sean Moore is a senior on the University of North Carolina Wilmington Men's Basketball team, currently pursuing a master’s in Integrated Marketing Communication. He transferred to UNCW after a standout season at Farleigh Dickinson, where he earned Third Team All-NEC honors, started 31 games, and set career highs with 23 points and 14 rebounds in a game. Sean gained national attention during the NCAA tournament with a team-leading 19 points in the upset win over #1 Purdue. A two-time Defensive Player of the Week at St. Thomas Aquinas, he’s known for his defensive skills. Off the court, Sean is passionate about building a clothing line and enjoys video games and music. He’s excited to continue his journey at UNCW.
Caelum Harris is a American-Filipino basketball player born on February 23, 2005. Standing 6'5", he plays as a small forward. He most recently competed for the Diamond Doves in the OTE and is currently a player for Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, FL. Harris is also a member of the Philippines National Team.
Joshua Hughes is a sophomore on the Evansville Men's Basketball team. As a freshman, he played all 35 games, setting a career-high 22 points against Missouri State and leading the team with 38 blocks. He also averaged 1.09 blocks per game, ranking 7th in the MVC. Prior to Evansville, Joshua represented Australia at the 2022 U17 World Cup and played for the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence in the NBL1, averaging 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds.
Abass Bodija is a freshman at UC Riverside. Before joining the Highlanders, he played seven games in the NBL1 Australia and was part of the Basketball Queensland National Performance Program. Abass also represented Queensland on the Under-20 Men’s team. Known for his standout physical dimensions, athleticism, and potential as a perimeter-based offensive threat, he is a late-blooming big with a high ceiling for both ends of the floor.