Committed by Sam Green: AthleteCon, NIL's Future, & Why You Don't Need Thousands of Followers

Everyone talks about athletes making millions through NIL. But what about everyone else?In this episode of COMMITTED, Kate Fitzgerald sits down with Sam Green, founder of AthleteCon, former ESPN editor, and NIL branding expert, to break down what NIL actually looks like for the majority of athletes.From her early career in sports media to building AthleteCon, Sam shares how she identified the gap between athletes and brands and turned it into a business helping athletes build opportunities beyond their playing careers. Now acquired by TheLinkU!We get into the two very different sides of NIL, why thousands of followers aren't necessary to land brand deals, what companies actually look for in athletes, and how to turn your personal brand into something sustainable.Sam also shares why she regrets deleting her original social media accounts, how AthleteCon connects athletes with real opportunities, the mental health challenges of building a public brand, and where she believes the NIL industry is heading.In this episode:The difference between roster-based compensation and brand monetizationHow athletes with 1,000 followers can start building their brandWhat brands value beyond views and follower countsHow NIL can create internships, career opportunities, and businessesThe relationship between social media, burnout, and mental healthWhat parents should understand about supporting young athletesWhy athletes need to think about life after sport before their careers endWhether you're a student-athlete, parent, coach, or sports industry professional, this conversation provides practical insight into an industry that's changing college athletics.Because the opportunity isn't just to make money while you play. It's to build something that lasts.Guest: Sam GreenInstagram: @sambgreenAthleteCon: https://athletecon.ioCOMMITTED. Real stories, honest conversations, and the playbook no one gives you.To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgeraldSubstack: @committedbykatefitzgeraldYouTube: @kateafitzgerald

What does it actually take to become a Division I athlete, and what happens once you get there?In this episode of Committed, Kate Fitzgerald sits down with Maddy Bante, a sophomore golfer at the University of Notre Dame, to talk about the reality of recruiting, college athletics, and everything that happens beyond the competition.Maddy grew up playing nearly every sport before finding her passion for golf at 12 years old. She shares how she caught college coaches' attention, navigated recruiting pressure and high school friendships, and ultimately knew Notre Dame was the right fit.But getting recruited was only the beginning.From balancing demanding academics and long tournament days to learning how to communicate with coaches, managing the mental side of an individual sport, and navigating NIL opportunities, Maddy shares what life as a Division I athlete actually looks like.We also discuss why kids shouldn't feel pressured to specialize too early, how parents influence the recruiting process, what women's golf deserves more recognition for, and why stepping away from your sport can sometimes make you better.Whether you're a young athlete dreaming of playing in college, a parent navigating recruiting, or a sports fan curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode gives you a real look at the commitment required.Because earning the opportunity is one thing. Learning how to make the most of it is another.Guest: Maddy Bante | Instagram: @maddybantegolfTo reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgeraldSubstack: @committedbykatefitzgeraldYouTube: @kateafitzgerald

What happens when an athlete starts making money before they know how to manage it?In this episode of Committed, Kate Fitzgerald sits down with Maura Attardi, former Division I soccer player and Director of Sports Education at Money Management International, to discuss one of the most overlooked parts of an athlete's journey: the psychology of money and financial wellness!With experience educating thousands of athletes across professional and collegiate sports, Maura explains why earning money doesn't automatically create wealth and why understanding your relationship with money matters just as much as understanding the numbers.They explore NIL, financial literacy, lifestyle inflation, social media pressure, setting financial boundaries with family and friends, and preparing for life after sport.You'll learn why athletes should pause before making major purchases, what questions to ask when receiving an NIL payment, how parents can help build healthy money habits, and why your self-worth should never be confused with your net worth.Whether you're earning your first NIL check, preparing for a professional contract, supporting a young athlete, or simply trying to make smarter financial decisions, this conversation offers a different way to think about money.Because financial success isn't just about what you earn. It's about building a life that reflects what matters to you.To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgeraldSubstack: @committedbykatefitzgeraldYouTube: @kateafitzgerald

Should your 10-year-old be playing 100 games a year? Does making varsity actually matter if they never play? Are expensive travel teams, showcases, rankings, and gear really helping your child become a better athlete?In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with former professional baseball player and longtime youth coach Zach Lutz for a conversation every sports parent needs to hear.After more than a decade in professional baseball and another decade working with young athletes, Zach has seen youth sports from nearly every angle: player, coach, trainer, and now parent.He breaks down what actually develops young athletes, why kids may be specializing too early, how parents can evaluate coaches and travel programs, when the money is actually worth spending, and why playing more games doesn't automatically mean getting better.They also dive into burnout, social media, rankings, the transfer portal, NIL, choosing the right college level, and why getting reps on JV may be far more valuable than sitting on a varsity bench.The message throughout the conversation is simple: stop chasing what everyone else is doing and bring clarity back to the process.Because developing a great athlete shouldn't come at the expense of developing a kid who still loves the game.To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgeraldSubstack: @committedbykatefitzgeraldYouTube: @kateafitzgerald

What happens when you achieve the dream, only to realize your identity has to become bigger than the game?In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with former NFL player and Super Bowl champion DJ Foster to talk about the realities of recruiting, D1 football, the NFL, mental health, and preparing for life after sport.DJ shares what it was like becoming one of the nation’s top recruits, why he chose ASU with his life at 35 and 45 in mind, and what athletes and parents should actually consider during recruiting.He opens up about a difficult senior season, going undrafted, earning his opportunity in the NFL, and eventually facing the identity shift that comes when the game ends. Now back at ASU developing student-athletes, DJ is helping the next generation prepare for both performance and life beyond it.From NIL and the transfer portal to financial literacy, mental health, career preparation, and learning to “run your own race,” this episode is a real look at what it takes to succeed during sport without losing sight of who you’ll be after it.Contact: @djfosterTo reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgeraldSubstack: @committedbykatefitzgeraldYouTube: @kateafitzgerald

In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with Division I football player Adama Fall to share his unique journey from Senegal to competing at the highest level of college athletics.Adama opens up about transitioning from soccer to football, adapting to a new country and culture, and navigating the challenges that come with chasing opportunity far from home.He shares how his upbringing, family values, and the legacy of his grandfather have shaped his mindset both on and off the field.Beyond football, Adama dives into his passion for fashion, his interest in pursuing law school, and how he’s thinking about building a life that extends far beyond the game.This episode is a powerful look at identity, resilience, and what it means to pursue purpose alongside performance.Follow Adama: Instagram: @adamafall Learn more/reach out: https://adamadiagnefall.com/aboutTo reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgeraldSubstack: @committedbykatefitzgeraldYouTube: @kateafitzgerald

In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with Bri Nunley to dive into the real journey behind competing at a high level and growing through the challenges that come with it.Bri shares her experience navigating the ups and downs of athletics, from handling pressure and adversity to stepping into leadership roles and staying committed through difficult moments.She opens up about the mindset required to keep pushing forward, how to stay grounded when things don’t go as planned, and what it truly takes to grow both on and off the field.This conversation highlights the importance of resilience, self-belief, and learning how to turn challenges into opportunities for long-term development.If you’re an athlete, coach, or parent looking for honest insight into what it takes to succeed beyond just performance, this episode is for you.Follow Bri: Instagram: @bri.nunleyTo reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgeraldSubstack: @committedbykatefitzgeraldYouTube: @kateafitzgerald

In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with former Arizona State beach volleyball teammates Ava Haughy and Ava Williamson to share an honest look into the reality of Division I athletics.From navigating recruiting to entering college as freshmen on a historic NCAA tournament team to then transferring after their freshman year, both athletes open up about what it actually takes to compete at the next level.They break down the transition into college athletics: early mornings, intense training schedules, and the mental pressure that comes with stepping into a completely new environment.The conversation dives into comparison, feeling behind in recruiting, and why starting later can actually become an advantage.Ava and Ava also share their experiences navigating the transfer portal, the emotional challenge of leaving teammates, and how to make decisions that prioritize long-term growth over comfort.This episode is a real, unfiltered look at what it means to grow through change, trust your path, and build an identity beyond your sport. Follow Ava Haughy: Instagram: @avahaughyFollow Ava Williamson: Instagram: @avagwilliamsonTo reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgeraldSubstack: @committedbykatefitzgeraldYouTube: @kateafitzgerald

In the first episode ever recorded of Committed, Kate sits down with Indiana University volleyball player Ava Vickers to break down the real journey through recruiting, college athletics, leadership, and more!From sending hundreds of emails and navigating rejection to ultimately choosing a school she never expected, Ava shares how her recruiting journey reshaped what she truly valued in a program.She opens up about stepping into a leadership role early, navigating major team changes, and how small actions (like building connection and trust) can transform a team’s culture.Ava also dives into balancing Division I athletics with NIL opportunities, launching her own clothing brand, and playing through injury while continuing to show up for her team.This episode is a raw look at what it takes to grow as both an athlete and a person when everything around you is changing. Follow Ava: Instagram: @avavickers_To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgeraldSubstack: @committedbykatefitzgeraldYouTube: @kateafitzgerald

In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with longtime friend and standout baseball player Kevin Karstetter to unpack the real journey through college athletics.Kevin’s path wasn’t linear. After earning his first Division I scholarship offer at just 15 years old, his career took multiple unexpected turns, including losing his senior season to COVID, choosing the junior college route, transferring to Arizona State, navigating NCAA eligibility rules, and ultimately helping lead the University of Tampa to a national championship.Kevin shares what JUCO baseball is really like, why it can be one of the best development paths for athletes, and the mindset required to keep going when your plan doesn’t work out.From early recruiting pressure to mental resilience and learning to love the game again, this conversation is a raw look at the sacrifices, pivots, and perspective it takes to stay committed to the sport you love.Social Media: @k_karstetter To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgeraldSubstack: @committedbykatefitzgeraldYouTube: @kateafitzgerald