From Cal Lutheran Courts to National Judo Champion: The Athletic and Entrepreneurial Ascent of Connor Treacy
Some athletes are defined solely by their achievements in sports. Others, like Connor Treacy, use the values developed in competition as a springboard to success in wide-ranging fields. From his days as a top-tier collegiate tennis player at California Lutheran University to earning a national title in judo—and later, excelling as an entertainment entrepreneur and tech innovator—Treacy’s journey exemplifies how to focus, resilience, and strategic thinking can shape a leader well beyond the playing field.
Formative Tennis Years at Santa Monica High School and Cal Lutheran
Treacy’s athletic foundation was laid on the courts of Santa Monica High School, where he held the No. 1 singles position for four consecutive years. Under intense pressure, he helped guide his team to a runner-up finish at the state championships, honing the competitive edge that would become central to his athletic identity.
At Cal Lutheran, Treacy spent three impactful seasons (2012-2014) translating his early promise into a polished collegiate career. As a freshman in 2012, he went 1410 at No. 4 singles and earned Second Team All-SCIAC honors. By his sophomore year in 2013, Treacy had refined his game, finishing 10-8 in singles and forging a 13-6 doubles record at No. 2 alongside Alex Nichols—a tandem that registered an impressive 5-2 record in SCIAC play.
In his junior season (2014), Treacy’s progress and versatility were fully displayed. Primarily competing at No. 3 singles, he notched a 12-10 singles mark (5-2 SCIAC) and teamed again with Nichols at No. 1 doubles, going 12-9 against top-tier competition. Nationally ranked for much of the season, Treacy captured his second Second Team All-SCIAC honor, solidifying his legacy as a mentally tough, tactically sound competitor who thrived in pressure-packed moments.
Extending the Competitive Mindset at USC and Beyond
While Treacy’s Cal Lutheran career laid the groundwork, he continued to sharpen his athletic acumen at the University of Southern California, playing club tennis from 2022 to 2023.
Although the club setting differed from varsity competition, Treacy’s approach remained unchanged. Every practice and match allowed him to refine his skills and reaffirm the discipline that had become his hallmark.
The discipline forged through years of tennis would prove invaluable in a different arena—one defined by martial arts rather than racquets and nets. In 2002, Treacy earned a United States Judo Federation national championship. This feat required technical mastery, physical strength, and the same mental fortitude and strategic intelligence he had honed on the tennis court. His path from collegiate tennis standout to national judo champion reveals a competitor who thrives
on challenge and approaches each contest—on the court or the mat—with a strategist’s mindset.
Athletic Values Fueling Entrepreneurial Ventures
What sets Treacy apart isn’t merely that he succeeded in two distinct sports and seamlessly transferred the lessons learned in athletics to business, entertainment, and beyond. The patience required to wait for the right shot in tennis mirrors the foresight needed to manage high-profile entertainment ventures. The discipline to endure grueling training sessions in judo parallels the diligence necessary to identify market trends and cultivate brand partnerships in Los Angeles’ nightlife scene.
By the age of 28, Treacy co-founded OffSunset, a premier nightlife venue in West Hollywood that generated $4 million in its first year—an achievement built on his ability to make quick decisions under pressure, analyze competitors, and deliver a top-tier experience to an illustrious clientele. Just as he did when reading an opponent’s serve, Treacy studied entertainment trends and struck at the right moment, curating an upscale environment that resonated with celebrities and music industry elites.
A Diverse Portfolio: Music, Tech, and Academic Pursuits
The same adaptability that fueled Treacy’s athletic success also guided him in the music and tech industries. In 2017, as an A&R and manager at Universal Music Group, he collaborated with global stars like Dua Lipa, Travis Barker, Halsey, and Yungblud. His strategic mindset—honed through athletic challenges—enabled him to identify talented artists and help shape their sound and brand like he adjusted tactics mid-match on the court.
Treacy’s entrepreneurial versatility extended into the tech sector as an early contributor at Healthy Together, a cutting-edge health technology firm. Through his equity stake and pivotal role in the product’s launch, he demonstrated the same forward-thinking approach that propelled him in sports: constantly analyzing the landscape, anticipating future needs, and executing efficiently. The app’s rapid ascent—claiming the #1 spot in the App Store’s Health & Fitness category and raising over $40 million—reflects Treacy’s ability to leverage his athletic-born resilience and strategy in a complex marketplace.
Melding Sportsmanship with Academic Rigor
While many athletes rely solely on physical attributes and reflexes, Treacy’s drive to excel extended into academics. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Studies in Law from the University of Southern California, he brings intellectual rigor to every venture. Now pursuing an MBA at USC, Treacy exemplifies how balancing analytical thinking with on-the-ground experience can create a formidable leader, much like blending stamina with strategy yields success in athletics.
A Legacy of Adaptability and Continuous Improvement
From controlling the tempo of a tennis match to maintaining composure against elite judo opponents to shaping L.A.’s entertainment and tech landscapes, Connor Treacy’s journey is defined by tenacity, curiosity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The qualities he refined as an athlete—discipline, adaptability, and strategic decision-making—have proven indispensable in every chapter of his life.
Treacy’s story, rooted in athletic achievement, transcends the boundaries of sports. It’s a powerful illustration that the mindset developed in competition can underpin success in any field. Whether managing a nightclub, guiding chart-topping musicians, or innovating in health technology, Treacy continues to evolve, applying the same principles that guided him on the courts and the mat. His relentless ambition, shaped by years of athletic training and strategic thinking, ensures he will remain a dynamic force in entertainment, tech, academia, and beyond.