Garland Cooper

Garland Cooper has a diverse work experience in the sports industry. From 2008 to 2009, they played as a Professional Softball Player in the Japanese Professional Softball League, where they were named Rookie of the Year and led the league in home runs for the 2008 season. Garland also competed as a Professional Athlete in the National Professional Fastpitch League/PFX Tour from 2007 to 2008.

In terms of management roles, Cooper worked as the Vice President of Event Operations at NCSA Next College Student Athlete from 2015 to 2019, overseeing event properties and serving as the Director of Softball. Prior to that, they were a Big Ten Softball Analyst at the Big Ten Network from 2013 to 2016. Cooper also had experience as a NCAA Softball Analyst at ESPN from 2009 to 2016 and served as the Associate Manager of ESPNHS Events and Digital Operations from 2007 to 2012.

Cooper's leadership experience includes positions such as the Chief Operating Officer at RCX Sports, starting in 2022, and the Vice President of Events, where they oversaw the operations of various event properties including Jr. NBA Global Championship, Rivals Camp Series, adidas Volleyball Experience, and NFL FLAG Football. Garland also held the role of Associate Director of Major Gifts - Athletic Development at Northwestern University from 2013 to 2015 and was the Director of Softball Relations at NCSA Athletic Recruiting from 2012 to 2013.

Garland Cooper obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Communication Studies, with a concentration in Sociology, from Northwestern University. This educational achievement took place between the years 2004 and 2007.