Liz Coleman, Esq.
Co-Managing Partner
I work with the person behind the player, helping athletes build brands and businesses that reflect who they are, not just what they do.
I advise athletes, entertainers, and brands at the intersection of sports, law, business, and culture, focusing on NIL strategy, brand partnerships, and long-term brand architecture. I structure deals, build platforms, and align opportunities in a way that drives real growth and positions my clients for what's next.
I began my career in the global energy sector with roles at GE Oil & Gas, BP, and Exterran before moving into senior legal roles at JCPenney/Sephora. I later served as Director of Corporate Compliance Governance at Target/Ulta and as Chief Compliance Officer, Deputy General Counsel, and SVP at Varsity Brands, where I led legal and risk functions, managed our youth athlete protection program, and supported a multibillion-dollar transaction.
I bring a combination of strategic discipline, execution, and energy to every engagement — and I'm deeply invested in helping my clients build something that lasts.
Missy Waites
Co-Managing Partner
I build and scale brands with structure, discipline, and a clear path to long-term value — and I close.
My background is in strategy and business development, with a focus on structuring partnerships that drive real growth. I began my career in wealth management at Sucré-Vail Wealth Advisors, developing a strong foundation in client strategy and financial performance, before moving into national partnership leadership roles at Alliantgroup. Across my career, I've operated at a high level within consulting and advisory environments, building and scaling strategic relationships and helping grow businesses from early-stage startups to nine-figure enterprises.
Within the firm, I lead on deal execution and partner negotiations. I'm known for moving quickly, structuring opportunities the right way, and getting to "yes." I understand what brands need to see to move forward, how to position athletes as valuable business partners, and how to close in a way that creates momentum for future opportunities.
Destiny Coleman-Woods
Vice President, Client Relations
I build high-value NIL partnerships that help athletes grow, monetize, and protect their personal brands with intention.
My background sits at the intersection of sports, business, and strategy. I hold dual Bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Marketing, a Master's in Sports Management, and I am completing doctoral studies in Strategic Leadership. I pair that with hands-on experience across business ownership, athlete operations, and luxury sports and entertainment real estate.
I'm trained in advanced and executive negotiation and bring that discipline into every deal I structure. Through my work with current and former NFL athletes, I've developed a strong understanding of the demands at the highest levels of sport. I position athletes as business assets, not just endorsers, and connect them with opportunities aligned to who they are and where they're going.
Ashley Grace
Vice President, Operations
I build high-value partnerships between elite athletes and brands that want more than surface-level exposure — while ensuring those partnerships are executed at the highest level.
Prior to joining ILA, I led corporate responsibility for several brands including JCPenney/Sephora and Milo's Tea Company, where I managed national partnerships and brand activations tied to real business outcomes. Alongside that, I've built and operated businesses across real estate and event production, sharpening my focus on execution, systems, and delivering a consistently high-level experience.
As Vice President of Operations, I lead the infrastructure behind the firm — building the processes, partnerships, and internal systems that allow us to operate efficiently and deliver for our clients at a premium level. I'm intentional in how I work, with a clear focus on protecting value, elevating the client experience, and building opportunities that scale.