jared hardie

Jared Hardie joined the University of Memphis Athletic Department in September 2025 where he currently serves as the Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) Business Manager.  In his role, Hardie helps secure third-party NIL deals for all University of Memphis student-athletes.

Most recently, Hardie spent two years as a Business Analyst with Octagon Financial Services, securing over $250,000 in new NIL investments, enhancing the company's portfolio and managing cash flow and budgeting for 50+ client accounts, each exceeding $1 million. 

He also spent three years as an NBA and NFL Agent Assistant at Wasserman. In his time there, Hardie assisted with recruiting efforts and client needs, such as draft preparation, navigating free agency, and talent assessment and placement. 

Hardie earned a bachelor's degree in sport administration from the University of Miami and a Master's of Legal Studies and a certificate in Wealth Management from the Texas A&M University School of Law in 2023. Hardie was also a linebacker & safety on the Miami Hurricanes football team from 2015-2018. 

naiya nolan-dillard

Naiya Nolan-Dillard is thrilled to be a part of this amazing fundraising program. She has been trained in a variety of dance styles including musical theatre, hip-hop, tap, and contemporary.

She is a native Memphian and actress. You may have seen her in local shows such as Judy in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime at Germantown Community Theatre, Zuzu in Dance Nation at Evergreen Theatre with LoneTree Live, or most recently as Emma in Sex/ Work at Playhouse on the Square. She also works as the Office and Marketing Manager for a local financial planning firm. Naiya has a love for kayaking, painting, and is learning American Sign Language.