Why I Keep Climbing the ‘Rocky Steps’: A Journey Towards REAL NIL for Every Athlete

Earlier this week, I shared an experience that profoundly impacted me—watching a young man with unrelenting determination conquer the Rocky Steps despite what appeared to be unimaginable odds.

His grit and perseverance left an indelible mark on me, and since then, I’ve been climbing those same steps regularly.

But this isn’t just about fitness or perseverance. Each climb represents my journey to make NIL education relatable and attainable for the 98% of college athletes who aren’t banking millions from football or basketball.

The truth is that most athletes don’t have the financial backing of big-time sports, but they still deserve the tools and knowledge to build a legacy.

This is what drives me every time I hit those steps.

The steep climb echoes the uphill battle we face to create equal opportunities for athletes in all sports, all divisions, and from all backgrounds.

At The Players NIL, we believe NIL isn’t just for the elite few—it’s for everyone. We’re committed to delivering REAL NIL education that empowers every athlete to learn life skills, build their brand, and create sustainable opportunities for success.

I’ll keep climbing these steps because I’m unwaveringly committed to making NIL education inclusive, equitable, and impactful for ALL athletes—not just the top 2%.

Who’s ready to join me in this mission?

Let’s ensure every athlete has the same opportunities regardless of their sport.

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      Disclaimer: All of the content created and released on The Players NIL channels are made as a guide and/or educational tools. Please consume all content at your discretion. The Players NIL is not a certified personal development or financial coach and does not guarantee any financial or professional results.

      Mark Koesterer
      Founder

      Welcome. I’m Mark Koesterer, founder of The Players NIL, and I have a deep passion for this work. My background includes a long and extensive relationship with the sporting industry. As a former college athlete, I have first hand experience navigating the collegiate world. As a father of college athletes, I was actively involved with supporting the requirements needed to compete at the highest level, while maintaining focus on broader life goals. As the president and CEO of Sports Studio, I helped build a successful Hollywood sports and entertainment company.

      At Sports Studio, I interacted with athletes, brands, production companies, professional sports leagues, and agents. All of this gave me expert-level experience in digital marketing, branding, production, group licensing, sponsorship, influencer marketing, apparel design and production, and fan engagement.

      It’s ALL of this collective experience that I offer, while bringing you a premier level of service that will help you reach your goals. If you would like to learn how to build your brand and maximize your NIL potential, contact me today.

      The Players NIL is built for YOU.

      Apply Now!

      We can’t wait to learn more about you.

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