To kick off 2024, we announced the inaugural UPLIFT Sports Business Competition. We believe that every business has a story worth sharing, and there are so many remarkable stories of resilience, strength, and overcoming adversity that deserve to be amplified.
While we received an overwhelming amount of applications, we narrowed it down to 3 finalists, who each received a “business makeover” sponsored by Upper Hand.
Dermall “Flash” Woods, founder of Body by Flash, turned to football as a way to escape challenges growing up in a tough Memphis neighborhood. After competing in college and minor leagues, he launched his business in Indianapolis, where he now trains athletes in strength, speed, and life skills. Dermall also invests in the future, mentoring staff and offering internships to help others succeed.
Laura Rogers, the force behind Top-Notch Training, takes a unique approach to sports performance by focusing on both physical and mental wellness. After overcoming a serious knee injury, she’s built her business with grit and care, ensuring every athlete feels challenged, supported, and seen.
Lilith Puckett founded Missouri Volleyball Academy (MOVA) in 2013 with a mission to build a diverse, supportive community. She’s created a family-like atmosphere where young athletes learn both volleyball and life skills, while trusting in themselves and each other. Recognized with the AVCA Diversity Award, Lilith continues to make MOVA a place where athletes feel safe, encouraged, and empowered.
In addition to this competition, we also highlighted a few of our other customers who are changing both the industry and their communities.
We started the year by highlighting Adam Wright, Owner of Animal House Fitness. When a devastating injury left him trying to figure out what’s next, a series of opportunities led him to ultimately open his own sports training facility. Today, as a “Movement and Performance Center,” Wright invites athletes of all ages and abilities to achieve their fitness and lifestyle goals.
We also connected with Dwight Findlay, founder of Superb Soccer. Throughout his life, Dwight observed the difference in outlook on soccer in America compared to the rest of the world. So, he made it his mission to be a coach that brings out the best in athletes and promotes improvement, community, and a love for the game.
And as we closed out the year, we had the opportunity to sit down with Sogility, a technology-driven soccer facility that is redefining the way athletes train. By blending cutting-edge technology with personalized coaching, Sogility helps soccer players of all levels sharpen their skills and reach new heights. Their story exemplifies how innovation and passion can transform not only athletes but an entire community.
These customer stories remind us why we do what we do—empowering sports businesses to focus on what they love: helping athletes grow, thrive, and achieve their goals.