OUR MISSION
The RCX Sports Foundation works to develop, promote, and implement diversity and inclusion in youth sports as the non-profit arm of RCX Sports. The foundation focuses on expanding youth sports opportunities so all children can experience athletics in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
No child’s circumstance in life should ever keep them from the lifelong benefit of sports. Sports for all.
Meet our Board of Directors
Izell Reese
President
Izell Reese is the Chief Executive Officer of RCX Sports and the Executive Director of NFL FLAG. A seven-year NFL veteran, Izell is driven to make youth sports more accessible and inclusive by partnering with the nation’s largest sports leagues – NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS – to empower youth athletes of all backgrounds to “Play with the Pros.” Reese’s impact has been most prolific in the flag football arena, where he was recently named a 2023 NFL FLAG Global Ambassador and has grown participation to 600,000+ youth nationwide. His passion also extends to the local level, where he has been instrumental in paying it forward to the next generation of athletes in his hometown by spearheading grassroots initiatives.
Garland Cooper
Vice President
Garland Cooper grew up with a passion for playing any sport possible, ultimately settling on softball. Her dedication to the game led her to play at the collegiate and professional levels, providing her with unforgettable experiences and opportunities to travel the world. The life lessons and skills she gained from softball continue to influence her daily life.
In her current role, Garland operationalizes various aspects of youth sports, overseeing supply chain, customer management/success, and the events team. She is dedicated to creating memorable experiences for kids worldwide across multiple sports, giving back to the sports community that has given her so much. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Garland’s life revolves around logistics. With three children active in sports and a busy work and travel schedule, she and her sports-enthusiast husband manage the intricate logistics of their household, ensuring they never miss a practice, school event, or dress-up day. As a working mom and the mother of girls involved in sports, Garland’s passion for youth sports has only grown. Watching her own children experience the joy of sport is deeply fulfilling. She hopes that their involvement in sports will positively impact their lives and teach them the valuable lessons that have helped her achieve her goals both on and off the field.
In her current role, Garland operationalizes various aspects of youth sports, overseeing supply chain, customer management/success, and the events team. She is dedicated to creating memorable experiences for kids worldwide across multiple sports, giving back to the sports community that has given her so much. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Garland’s life revolves around logistics. With three children active in sports and a busy work and travel schedule, she and her sports-enthusiast husband manage the intricate logistics of their household, ensuring they never miss a practice, school event, or dress-up day. As a working mom and the mother of girls involved in sports, Garland’s passion for youth sports has only grown. Watching her own children experience the joy of sport is deeply fulfilling. She hopes that their involvement in sports will positively impact their lives and teach them the valuable lessons that have helped her achieve her goals both on and off the field.
Jade Strawberry
Secretary
Jade Strawberry is the Chief of Staff for RCX Sports. A former division one college athlete, Strawberry played volleyball at the University of Connecticut on a full ride scholarship. Graduating from UConn in 4 years, Strawberry joined the Reigning Champs team as a recruiting coordinator for Next College Student Athlete in 2018. To continue her career in sports she joined RCX in 2019; since joining the RCX team, Strawberry has overseen all 32 NFL Clubs and helped manage the NFL FLAG Females in FLAG initiative with a heavy focus on sanctioning flag football for females at the high school level and adding the sport at the collegiate level. Strawberry works closely with CEO, Izell Reese, and continues to project manage different initiatives within RCX with special emphasis on female participation/growth, under resourced communities, and team culture.
Lara Wilson
Board Member
Lara has over 20 years of experience leading membership-based nonprofits, excelling in communications, public relations, advocacy, marketing, storytelling, strategic planning, survey research, and membership engagement. She has received numerous awards and driven organizations to achieve record-breaking membership sales, fundraising goals, and program participation. Recently, she has combined her extensive experience and community relationships to consult in private banking. Lara is passionate about community improvement and has held leadership roles with United Way, Leadership Montgomery, the Southern Public Relations Federation, and the Junior League of Montgomery, focusing on strategic planning, survey research, membership growth, fundraising, storytelling, and operational efficiency. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations Communications from Auburn University.
Our Staff
Ericka Newsome
Executive Director
Ericka was appointed Executive Director of the RCX Sports Foundation in 2025. Ericka brings extensive experience in sports-based community engagement, having led initiatives for the Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, and Atlanta Braves. She previously served as Director of Community Engagement for the Grizzlies and Director of Player Engagement for the Hawks, developing programs in education, health, and personal development. During her 15-year tenure with the Braves, she directed the Braves Foundation, raising over $7 million for local nonprofits and launching impactful youth programs across Georgia.
Haley Sparks
Sr. League Coordinator & Team Lead
Jacob Minger
Sr. League Coordinator
Mark Leo Jr.
Sr. League Coordinator
Catey Avila
Sr. League Coordinator
Madison Cortese
Managing Director
Madison joined the RCX Sports Foundation as the Managing Director in 2023. Madison has a diverse background in sports, including community parks and recreation departments, collegiate athletics, minor league baseball, and professional sports. Her most recent role was overseeing youth and high school football initiatives for the Minnesota Vikings. Madison graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Sports Marketing and Management. Madison has dedicated her career to using the platform of sports to make a positive and lasting impact on children’s lives.
Lucas Fauser
Sr. League Coordinator & Team Lead
Timothy Symons
Sr. League Coordinator
Keith Schwab
Sr. League Coordinator