Our Team – Ascension Athletes

Jacob Cohen
Executive Director, FIFA Licensed Agent

Jacob co-founded Ascension Athletes in 2015, driven by a passion for sports as a centering and positive force for community and family. With over 10 years of experience in athlete representation, he leads the agency’s contract negotiation and career strategy efforts. Jacob is a dedicated career partner who works closely with each client to provide the strategic guidance needed to navigate high-stakes decisions and build long-term success on and off the field.

An experienced transactional attorney and an expert in contract negotiation, Jacob takes an analytical, results-oriented approach to every deal. Jacob is a New York City native, earned his J.D. from UCLA School of Law, and is a licensed member of the New York State Bar. He is a registered athlete agent with the United States Soccer Federation and FIFA.

Mark Farmer
Talent Identification

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Mark brings deep experience in player development, coaching, and recruitment across all levels of the U.S. soccer landscape. A former Division I athlete, Mark began his career training and coaching elite players throughout the Southeast, aiding in their development as future professionals in MLS, Europe, and with their respective national teams. Mark's career as an agent is driven by a desire to work comprehensively with each client and to have a deeper impact - not just on improving player's skills, but on their career as a whole.

At Ascension, Mark specializes in talent identification as well as client success, providing clients with ongoing technical feedback and individual development plans. He regularly holds video analysis sessions, shares training recommendations, and offers players a coach’s perspective on individual performance and team dynamics—ensuring they’re prepared both on and off the pitch.