Rick Kelly’s Post

If you have an athletic background or interests, then pursuing sports management as a career may be a good option.

📆 First Half of 2024: A Historic Journey for On Time Agency⌚ As we move through 2024, entering the second half of the year, we are thrilled to reflect on a series of remarkable milestones that have propelled our agency to new heights. First and foremost, our commitment to a Player-Driven Model has shaped our overall approach and driven our redefined success, setting a new standard in sports management. If you want to learn more about this, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gSTmRAAb Here’s a recap of our achievements thus far: • We started the year by welcoming, JT Toppin! 🏀 Our family grew with the signing of such a promising talent who recently withdrew his name from the 2024 #NBA Draft and joined the #NCAA Texas Tech MBB team via the transfer portal. • We had a historic day on April 11, 2024 - Ticha Penicheiro, a WNBA Hall of Fame Legend, joined us as our new Vice President and Head of the Women's Basketball Division. This marks a groundbreaking moment, as we became the first sports agency co-owned and operated by former NBA and WNBA players, who are also certified agents, working together for the common good and introducing the development of the Player-Driven Model. • We shared exciting news when we signed the super-talented Asa Newell to an #NIL agreement, who has committed to Georgia. • We shared another historical moment, two new rising stars joined our roster as we welcomed Alissa Pili and Liz Kitley, our first-ever #WNBA Draftees! • We were super thrilled to welcome five new WNBA clients: Kayla McBride, Michaela Onyenwere, Megan Gustafson, Bridget Carleton, and Emma Cannon. • We expanded our global reach with five new #FIBA women’s basketball clients: Elena Tsineke from Greece, Maite Cazorla from Spain, Regan Magarity from Sweden, Monika Czinano from Hungary/USA, and Blanca Millan from Spain. • Another incredible #playerdriven initiative was announced with the addition of former NBA 11-year Veteran, Charlie Villanueva, joining us as an equity partner and special advisor. • And most recently, we were proud to announce the signing of NCAA South Carolina Gamecocks' Sania Feagin to an NIL agreement. This unimaginable journey showcases our committed dedication, which focuses on the holistic development and tailored success of each athlete in our roster, which is now at a total of nineteen clients. We believe in the continuing empowerment of our clients, supporting them in their professional careers strategically and personal growth authentically, ensuring they thrive on and off the court or field. The addition of Ticha Penicheiro and Charlie Villanueva is a testament to our devotion to innovative leadership and unique perspectives in the #sportsagency landscape. Together, we are forging a path where former athletes lead and inspire the next generation. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to elevate our agency and our athletes to new heights. Why? Because it's a matter of time! Happy Juneteenth 💪🏾

At Hizen Sports, we believe that behind every great athlete are stories and facts that often go unnoticed. Here are a few interesting insights that shed light on the world of sports development: 1. Only 1% of athletes worldwide have access to professional management – Most athletes struggle to gain visibility without proper representation, relying heavily on personal connections. Athlete management is key to breaking these barriers and elevating talent. 2. Unsung heroes in sports often go unnoticed – Many athletes who have extraordinary skills and potential remain in the shadows due to a lack of exposure. These rising stars deserve the spotlight, and we aim to bring their stories to the forefront. 3. The power of local sports communities – Some of the most promising athletes emerge from grassroots sports, where local communities play a vital role in their development. However, many of these athletes need platforms to showcase their talent beyond their local reach. 4. Athlete representation can make or break a career– Without the right representation, many athletes miss out on life-changing opportunities. Our mission is to ensure every athlete gets the visibility and support they deserve, no matter where they come from. At Hizen Sports, we’re committed to finding these hidden gems and giving them the platform, support, and recognition they need to thrive. Let’s work together to bring their potential to the world stage. #HizenSports #EmpoweringAthletes #SportsManagement #GameChangers #AthleteRepresentation

The Mobile Sports Authority in Alabama has reported its Fiscal Year 2024 results with a total of $38.1 million in estimated economic impact through 39 events hosted in the region, a record for the non-profit sports commission formed in 2009 by the Mobile County Commission. Related Stories Mobile Sports Authority Reports Record Fiscal Year 2024 Results Orlando City, Inter Miami to Battle in Tampa Bay HBCU Athletic Conference to Host Champions of Character Volleyball Clinic Visit Frisco Names Josh Dill as Assistant Executive Director Lasso Safe Launches Program to Monitor Athlete Safety The Mobile Sports Authority’s fiscal year ran from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024. The 39 events involved 20 different sports including basketball, bowling, gymnastics, volleyball, baseball, track & field, wrestling, football, soccer and more. The highlights included two special college football games, the sixth annual Gulf Coast Challenge Powered between Alabama A&M and Jackson State, plus the inaugural Port City Classic between Alabama State and Grambling State. “As we continue to invest in our sports facilities in Mobile, the MSA has seen the returns on our hosted sports events continuing to grow as competitions are flourishing,” said Danny Corte, Executive Director of the Mobile Sports Authority. “Much like the trends we’ve been seeing in recent years, we believe that visiting sports events will continue to be an essential and growing part of our future tourism activity. And we’ve been able to attract/host those quality sports events due to the continued strong support the MSA has received from the Mobile County Commission, Mayor Stimpson and the Mobile City Council and a very sports-oriented Board of Trustees. As we continue to tell our story, the future continues to look bright as we’re constantly engaging sports-event owners about the advantages of coming to play in our beautiful area.” Since 2020, the Mobile Sports Authority has hosted an average of 35 events per year, almost a 25% increase over the previous average for 2012-2020. Fifteen of the 39 events held last fiscal year were either first or second-time events for the sports commission and 24 events were youth-oriented. https://lnkd.in/eBxDVAAe

opportunity

Do you have a passion for business and sports? A degree in Business Administration - Sports Management from Spalding University will set you up for success! Sports management professionals have countless career opportunities! From facility managers to sports agents, you will play a vital role in the success of any athletics organization. Check out the article to learn more about careers in sports management! #business #sportsmanagement #businessadministration #highered 

The Human Side of Sports Representation: Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better In large corporate agencies, athletes often feel like just another number, lost in a sea of high-profile clients. Players who’ve been managed by these big firms often express frustration over poor communication and a lack of personal connection with their agents. At Sportsify, we regularly speak with athletes who felt overlooked and disconnected because their agents didn’t invest time in understanding their personal goals and needs. These athletes share similar experiences—feeling like they were just another deal rather than a valued client. Larger firms may have resources, but when personal relationships suffer, so does the athlete’s overall experience. Players are humans too, not just contracts to negotiate. Solution: Prioritize relationships. At Sportsify, we emphasize the importance of real connections between athletes and agents. Choose agencies that genuinely care about your personal and professional growth. Look for agents who treat you as a partner, not just another contract. Your future and career matter, and finding representation that values you as a person is key to your long-term success. #PlayerFirst #HumanConnection #AthleteCare #SportsAgency #TrustMatters #AthleteRepresentation #BeyondTheField #RelationshipMatters #PersonalAttention #Sportsify #LongTermSuccess #management #agencies #sports #athletes #freeagent #team

So proud to announce the launch of #projectFIVE, a service dedicated to providing top-tier career management and brand development for athletes, coaches and personalities across the sports and entertainment industries. In collaboration with industry leader marc kosicke , projectFIVE combines bespoke career consulting, post-career planning, strategic sponsorships, and impactful philanthropy guidance to help clients thrive both during and after their careers. By blending SPORTFIVE’s global reach with a boutique, personalized approach, we’re unlocking the full potential of individuals in sports and entertainment. This initiative further cements SPORTFIVE’s position as a leader in sports marketing, offering a holistic range of services to meet the evolving needs of today’s icons. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞: 🔘 Bespoke career consulting and strategic guidance 🔘 Legacy building and post-career planning 🔘 Long-term sponsorships and brand partnerships 🔘 Philanthropy and social impact strategies Speaking on the launch of projectFIVE, Stefan Felsing, CEO at SPORTFIVE said “With the launch of projectFIVE as part of the SPORTFIVE family, we are committed to helping athletes and personalities not only maximize their potential on the field but also strategically develop their personal brands, secure meaningful partnerships and build a legacy that lasts long after their playing days are over.” Read more on projectFIVE here: https://lnkd.in/eX6uwa3r

Building a Strong Sports Community: The Role of Sports Clubs & Management #MyTake As the Director of Metrocity Sports Club, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the profound impact a well-structured sports club can have—not just on individual players, but on entire communities. At the heart of every successful sports club lies a commitment to nurturing talent, fostering sportsmanship, and building a sense of unity. These aren’t just ideals we strive for—they are the foundation of everything we do. 1. Developing Talented Sports Players In any sport, raw talent is only one piece of the puzzle. It takes a well-coordinated system to shape that talent into something truly remarkable. At Metrocity Sports Club, we prioritize player development by offering state-of-the-art facilities, personalized training, and continuous support. But more importantly, we recognize the value of long-term growth over short-term wins. Our focus isn’t just on producing athletes who perform well today—it’s about building players who will thrive tomorrow. 2. The Role of Coaches and Staff Expertise Behind every athlete’s success story is a team of passionate professionals guiding the way. A club is only as good as its coaches, staff, and management. At Metrocity, we take pride in the expertise of our coaches and staff. Their knowledge, experience, and unwavering dedication not only improve player performance but also instill values that go far beyond the sport. It’s this commitment to excellence that makes our coaching staff such an integral part of our club’s success. We see coaches not just as instructors but as mentors who help shape the character of each player. 3. Fostering Sportsmanship and Teamwork Winning is important, but it’s not everything. We believe that the true essence of sports lies in sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork. That’s why Metrocity Sports Club champions the philosophy that victory should never come at the expense of integrity. Our players are taught to respect their teammates, their opponents, and the game itself. When we embrace these values, we don’t just win games—we build a culture of respect, accountability, and collaboration. In today’s fast-paced world, sports clubs have an even more significant role to play. We are not just places for competition but are crucial in shaping the leaders of tomorrow, instilling values of teamwork, resilience, and discipline. By building a strong sports community, we create environments where individuals thrive, and communities grow stronger. And at Metrocity Sports Club, we are proud to lead by example. Let’s continue to foster the values that make sports such a powerful tool for personal and community growth.

Developing Strategies for Team Sports Team sports can facilitate personal development, foster teamwork, and enhance communication. Developing effective strategies is imperative for coaches and team members to facilitate the success and achievement of their team's objectives. The goals must be achievable based on the team's strengths and weaknesses. After setting the objectives, the team can initiate the process of formulating tactics to achieve them. The plan should comprise a budgetary allocation and a specified timeline for its execution. It is imperative to review and amend this plan as deemed appropriate periodically. Comprehending the objectives of the team and the means to accomplish them is of utmost significance for all individuals involved. #health