Beyond the Play
Leadership Academy
A leadership and mindset program designed to help young athletes grow in confidence, character, and leadership — on and off the field.
3 Development Tracks • All Sports Welcome
Building Better Athletes. Building Better People.
The Ball to Life Leadership Academy helps athletes develop the skills that matter most beyond the scoreboard — confidence, communication, accountability, and leadership. Through interactive sessions, discussions, and practical examples from sports and life, athletes learn how to become stronger teammates and more confident leaders.
Who is the Leadership Academy for?
The Leadership Academy is for student-athletes who want to grow beyond stats and scoreboards. All sports, all positions, and all experience levels are welcome.
4th – 7th Grade
Foundations of Leadership
$79/year
- Building friendships and trust
- Learning how to be a great teammate
- Simple goal-setting and habits
- Understanding kindness and respect
- 3 Sessions, 2 in-person, 1 virtual
7th – 10th Grade
Emerging Leaders
$109/year
- Taking ownership of effort and attitude
- Handling pressure and adversity
- Communicating with coaches and teammates
- Leading by example in school and sports
- 4 Sessions, 3 in-person, 1 virtual
11th – 12th Grade
Leaders of Leaders
$119/year
- Modeling leadership for younger athletes
- Mentoring and giving back
- Advanced mindset and preparation
- Captains, culture-setters, and role models
- 5 Sessions, 3 in-person, 2 virtual
7th grade athletes may join Foundations or Emerging Leaders track, depending on their own personal development and readiness.
How the Leadership Academy Works
The Leadership Academy runs on an annual membership model. Athletes meet four times per year to build leadership skills that grow over time, with simple but powerful action steps between sessions.
- Mix of in-person and virtual sessions throughout the year
- Small-group discussions, team challenges, and reflection
- Goal-setting and check-ins at each session
- Practical leadership homework between meetings
- Helping Hands service project opportunities
- Access to guest speakers: coaches, former athletes, and community leaders (when available)
Core Leadership Pillars
- Goal Setting & Accountability
- Relationships & Communication
- Mindset & “Next Play” Thinking
- Visualization & Preparation
- Service & Helping Hands
- Leading with Heart & Character
What Will Athletes Learn
- Set meaningful goals and follow through on them
- Build strong relationships with teammates and coaches
- Develop a positive mindset and Next Play attitude
- Take ownership of daily habits and routines
- Visualization and preparation to perform with confidence
- Serve their community through Helping Hands projects
- Lead with heart, character, and integrity
- Carry lessons from sports into school, home, and life
Leadership Academy Tuition
Tuition is structured as an annual membership and covers all sessions, materials, and Leadership Academy participation for the full year.
Annual Membership
Standard Tuition
$79 to $119
per athlete / year
- 2 to 3 in-person leadership sessions
- 1 to 2 virtual leadership sessions
- Goal-setting and habit-tracking tools
- Helping Hands service opportunities
- Access to guest speakers
- Leadership Academy recognition & certificate
Family Discounts: $10 discount for each additional child
Need-based assistance: We are working with local sponsors to support families for whom tuition may be a barrier. Please contact us if cost is a concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Started?
Invest in Your Athletes Leadership
Sports will eventually end. The lessons learned through leadership, character, and mindset last a lifetime. If you’re ready to help your athlete grow as a leader on and off the field, we’d love to have them in the Beyond the Play – Leadership Academy.
