ABOUT TUFF
TUFF has deep experience in bringing joy to the lives of youth athletes through sport, mentorship, and experiences.
history
How we came about
Adam Shibley, Founder of TUFF, was a sophomore linebacker on the University of Michigan football team when he realized the platform that Division 1 student-athletes have at their disposal. This realization, coupled with the impact his teammates had made with different organizations, inspired him to start his own nonprofit to make a difference in the lives of others. Thinking back to high school, Shibley recalled a specific instance of driving to St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland when his car was stopped by youth football players fundraising for their upcoming season. That moment stuck with him because, growing up, he never had to worry about how he would pay for his sports participation fees, uniforms, or equipment.
In 2018, Shibley turned that inspiration into The Uniform Funding Foundation, more commonly known as TUFF, which fights to level the playing field for youth athletes across the globe. After participating in the University of Michigan’s optiMize incubator program, Shibley was awarded $5,000 to launch TUFF back in his home city of Cleveland. After making the initial donation to the Garden Valley Falcons of the Cleveland Muny League, his Michigan teammates saw what he was building and asked to join. That led to the formation of a powerful team that grew TUFF from a small project to a nationally-recognized nonprofit organization.
identified problem
The Harsh reality
As pay-to-play fees rise, many young children struggle financially to participate in athletics; more so, highly impoverished areas are increasingly unable to sustain youth teams– unfairly, hindering them from the vast array of benefits gained from sports. Additionally, that hindrance extends to a lack of mentorship in sports and academics for many of those children.
0%
Of youth athletes in the middle and high school age range were charged a pay-to-play fee averaging $381 per season.
0.3%
Of white children ages 6-17 participate in youth athletics while only 35.4% of black children and 34.3% of hispanic children participate.
0%
Of children ages 6-12 that come from households with incomes under $25K are 2X more likely than youth that come from households with incomes ranging from $75k-$99K to NOT engage in any sports activity throughout the school year.
The future roadmap
Our dream is to open a state-of-the-art sports facility that will provide access to practice fields/courts, a weight room, team meeting rooms, locker rooms, nutrition stations, and a cafeteria where underserved youth student-athletes can access the highest quality of sport training, nutrition, and education.
our team
executive leadership
adam shibley
Founder and ceo
A Cleveland, Ohio, native and St. Ignatius High School graduate, Adam received his Master’s in Management from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame and his B.A. from the University of Michigan while simultaneously competing as a linebacker on the football team at both institutions.
Adam is currently a Strategy Analyst at Shore Capital Partners, a lower-middle market private equity firm focused on partnering with companies that have between $1-10 million of EBITDA. Adam is responsible for helping SCP portfolio companies architect growth and value creation strategies by facilitating strategic dialogue, identifying innovation opportunities, developing points of differentiation, and gaining alignment from management and the Board of Directors on the company’s key strategic objectives.
jess speight
president
A Richmond, Virginia native and Collegiate High School graduate, Jess received his Master’s in Management from the Ross School of Business and his B.A. from the University of Michigan. Jess was a defensive tackle for the Michigan Wolverines and culminated his 5-year collegiate career with a Big Ten Championship. He currently lives in Santa Monica, California, and is pursuing his Master’s in Film & Television Production at USC. Jess is the Founder of Rain Dance Productions, a media production company that focuses on telling stories of resilience in rain.
joel honigford
program assistanT
A Sugarcreek, Ohio native and Garaway High School graduate, Honigford received his bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. After six years of competing as a collegiate football student-athlete for the Michigan Wolverines, he spent one season in the NFL. Joel is now pursuing a career in leadership coaching.
our team
board of directors
gus johnson
board member
Gus Johnson has been a Board Member of TUFF since 2020, advising on sports connections and fund development. Best known for his role as a Play-by-Play Announcer for FOX Sports, Gus leverages his extensive network and expertise in sports media to strengthen TUFF’s fundraising efforts. His connections in the sports world have been key in expanding TUFF’s reach and impact. Gus resides in New York, NY, where he continues to advocate for youth athletics.
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Gus holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Howard University. His passion for community involvement shines through his work with TUFF, and he remains dedicated to supporting youth from underserved backgrounds. In his free time, Gus enjoys staying engaged with sports and philanthropic initiatives.
marc jacobson
board member
Marc Jacobson, a TUFF Board Member since 2022, brings his financial expertise as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley to support TUFF’s operations and expansion efforts. His knowledge in business growth and economics has been essential in driving the sustainability of TUFF’s programs. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Marc focuses on helping TUFF grow its impact across new regions.
A graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in Economics, Marc was born and raised in Tampa, FL. His dream donation site is centered on assisting underserved communities in his home state. Outside of his role at TUFF, Marc is passionate about engaging in philanthropy and supporting youth development initiatives.
tracy wolfson
board Member
Tracy Wolfson joined the TUFF board in 2023, where she advises on media exposure and storytelling. As a Sportscaster for CBS Sports, Tracy brings her extensive experience in broadcasting to elevate TUFF’s narrative and raise awareness for its mission. Her expertise in media relations has been instrumental in amplifying the organization’s reach. Based in New York, NY, Tracy continues to be a key advocate for TUFF’s mission.
Originally from Congers, New York, Tracy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Michigan. Her dream donation site is focused on supporting underserved communities through both her media platform and hands-on involvement. Tracy is passionate about combining her love for sports and storytelling to create meaningful change in the lives of young athletes.
