Articles

Athlete Opportunity Intelligence: Measuring Career Readiness Six weeks ago, we started making a case one piece at a time. Athletes already have real networks — coaches, teammates, alumni — but rarely learn how to turn them into opportunity. Experience compounds before graduation, and right now it isn’t distributed evenly. Ownership of career readiness is split

  On July 1, 2021, college athletics entered a new era. For the first time, NCAA student-athletes could profit from their Name, Image and Likeness. The NIL Era transformed college sports almost overnight — a new economy built around endorsement deals, collectives, the transfer portal, revenue sharing, recruiting battles and athlete compensation. Those stories have

Unlocking Success: Networking Through Interpersonal Skills One of the biggest challenges young professionals face today is mastering the art of networking. It’s more than just collecting business cards—it’s about developing the confidence to connect and recognizing opportunities when they appear. In my experience, these skills are crucial, especially in the fast-moving NIL era. Join me

Name, Image, Likeness: Insights for Athletes with Mark Koesterer   Earlier this week, TPNIL founder Mark Koesterer was a guest on The Pull Up Podcast Show with Coach Tony Thompson. In the episode, Tony and Mark chatted about how young athletes can use their NIL to build successful careers on and off the court or

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,

What is REAL NIL?     I recently came across an argument claiming that revenue sharing and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) are the same. I want to thank ​Braly Keller​ and ​Opendorse​ for sharing their thoughts in their fabulous newsletter, ​NIL Blitz​, which I read every week. While I respect different opinions, it’s important to

The History of Athletes as Influencers   Since the earliest civilizations, athletes have held a significant role as influencers in sports history. From the gladiators of ancient Rome to the Olympians of ancient Greece, these athletes have consistently captivated audiences with their physical prowess and charismatic personalities. They were competitors and entertainers, revered by the

Marketing Is About the Stories You Tell “Marketing is no longer about the stuff you make but the stories you tell.” Seth Godin, Bestselling Author and Blogger The digital age has given rise to a new influential figure known as “influencers.” These individuals sway people’s behaviors and choices, shaping opinions and preferences across various digital

Unlocking Future Opportunities Through NIL Education   In the ever-evolving world of sports, it is crucial to prepare our young athletes with more than just physical prowess. As the image above shows, a dedicated coach leads a diverse group of young athletes up a hill, symbolizing the journey toward a brighter future. This path is