Beyond the game: How college athletes shape young lives

For young athletes, little compares to the excitement of being coached by college players they admire.
College athletes are more than simply competitors on the field; they embody what it means to be a leader, mentor and role model. In addition to balancing their coursework, practice schedules, and competition, many still find time to give back to their communities. At the University of Cincinnati, athletes across a range of sports-including swimming, soccer, lacrosse, and basketball-commit their time to coaching young athletes through Top Tier Lessons (TTL). This organization offers high-quality sports training from UC athletes to local kids, creating opportunities for young athletes to learn directly from those they idolize.
TTL provides college athletes with valuable opportunities to capitalize on their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), enabling them to monetize their expertise and reputation while serving their communities. This experience allows them to enhance their personal brands, expand their networks, and increase their exposure while engaging in a meaningful NIL opportunity that aligns with their values.

It is evident that these clinics go beyond just teaching kids how to shoot a basketball or master a stroke in the pool-they're about fostering a culture of friendship, confidence, and resilience in the next generation and establishing a long-lasting positive impact on young players.
Reagan Jackson, a sophomore guard on the women's basketball team, has a long list of athletic accolades but what truly sets her apart as a coach is her leadership and commitment to inclusivity.
"I hope to let [young players] know that they are always included no matter where they are in this world," she said.
At TTL, Jackson led basketball clinics for young girls, exemplifying what it means to be a leader by making sure all her athletes feel valued and inspiring them to be confident on and off the court.
Aside from coaching, TTL provides the opportunity for athletes to work alongside administration focused on logistics. Carly Glendening, an outside hitter for UC's volleyball team, had the responsibility of organizing the clinics, handling the venue planning, marketing, welcoming parents, and preparing athletes as coaches.
Through high moments such as "helping young athletes go from insecure and shy to confident and excited about basketball all within a two-hour clinic" to challenges with communication between venues and student-athletes, she learned that she has a true passion for pouring into the youth and hopes to continue to show young athletes how attainable their goals are of playing at the next level.
In the future, Bognar plans to expand the program to 20 cities across 14 different states over the next year and extend to soccer, tennis, baseball, and softball providing accessible NIL opportunities to college athletes and developmental clinics for young players.
The children of today are the future of tomorrow. For student-athletes, this opportunity allows them to utilize their NIL to connect with new networks, which fosters relationships that can lead to future opportunities outside of athletics. For young players, these clinics not only provide an opportunity to improve their skills but also foster a connection with the college athletes they admire. From learning the fundamentals to building friendships, these student-athletes offer valuable guidance that extends far beyond the game. As the young athletes leave their lesson, they carry with them the resources to strive for greatness.

MORE ON TTL
Dedicated to its mission, TTL ensures every child involved in sports feels safe, valued, and inspired while also providing the best possible sports lesson experience. Cultivating a group of student athletes that embodies this mission, is the key to the company's success. Cara Bognar, Founder and CEO of TTL, explains "[the student-athletes] are the ones interacting with children, inspiring them, and helping them gain confidence in themselves and their skills." These athletes choose to utilize their time and NIL opportunity to make a positive impact on others and grow a community.

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