SPKN Pitch Deck

SPORT PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

Where Sport Knowledge is Spoken

OUR VISION + MISSION

MISSION

To provide sport industry professionals with the evidence-based knowledge and tools necessary to develop today’s athletes –mentally, physically, and emotionally.

VISION

That all sport industry professionals have the high-quality professional development they need to develop the whole human athlete.

WE BELIEVE

•At the core of superior and inspired sport performance is a balanced, fully developed athlete.

•A better world of sport, led by integrity, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its practices, will make our athletes and industry stronger.

•Sport has the potential to affect positive change in the lives of individuals, communities, and societies when led by adults who have the ability to harness its power effectively.

THE PROBLEM

There is a critical need for a central resource of credible and reliable information that reflects a new higher standard of excellence in education and knowledge for sport professionals.

LACK OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

It is critical for scholars, coaches, parents, and other athletic personnel to understand diversity, equity, and inclusivity to support all athletes. This helps to create an inclusive and connection-based sport environment.

Dr. Gary Sailes, 2021

80% of head coaches at Division I schools are White.

60% of collegiate women’s sports are coached by men.

80%

of collegiate athletes believe gay people are not accepted in sporting culture

LACK OF OVERSIGHT, TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY

The lack of oversight, transparency, and accountability in sports programs provides opportunities for physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by coaches without anyone’s knowledge.

Dr. Brian Gearity, 2021

69.6%

have experienced Psychological Violence

62.5% have experienced Physical Violence

Lavin

62.9% have experienced Sexual Violence

et al., 2021

LACK OF TOOLS TO SUPPORT ATHLETES MENTAL & EMOTIONAL WELL BEING

Mental exhaustion, anxiety, and depression have more than doubled (1.5 times) since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

NCAA, 2021

Less than 10 % of coaches are adequately trained in mental health skills.

9% 49% Less than 50% of college athletes felt their coach took their mental health concerns seriously.

NCAA, 2021

48% Less than 50% of college athletes feel comfortable seeking support from a mental health provider.

OUR SOLUTION

Our robust Sport Knowledge Center provides sport practitioners the research-backed knowledge and skills necessary to develop well-rounded champions—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

ILL PREPARED COACHES

• Higher Injury Rates

• Large Burnout and Quitting Rates

• Lower Anxiety & Depression

• Greater Self-esteem

• Greater Reports of Anxiety/ Depression

• Higher Motivation

WELL PREPARED COACHES SPKN VERIFIED

• Increased Athlete Abuse Incidents (Physical, Emotional, and Sexual)

• More Team Conflict as a Result of Hate (due to race, gender, and other social issues)

• More Leadership

• Better Coping Skills Obtained (deals with adversity better)

• Enhanced Performance

• More Team Unity

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

SPKN's strategic framework is designed to provide practitioners an enriched knowledge base focused on athletes' holistic development. Our eight educational pillars promote the ongoing development of essential tools and skills.

FULL LENGTH DOCUMETARY

From ages past to present -- sports have come to be seen as unquestioned creators of positive growth and development for individuals and communities. Once viewed as an outlet to express character, people now believe that sports are the authors character and chase the myth that the best of us directly comes from the greatest dedication to sport. But does it? Through the lives of a coach, two parents, and an elite scholar athlete, Shattering the Great sport Myth exposes assumptions, documents transgressions, and ultimately shatters the Great Sport Myth that sport is only inherently pure and good… and reveals that no excess, abuse, or fraud is justified in the pursuit of the ultimate podium fi nish.

SP

RESEARCH & RESOURCE CENTER

POTENTIAL IMPACT

FUNDING MODEL

MAJOR GIFTS

Individuals who make large yearly gifts during campaign drives.

SPONSORS

Organizations that support us with major gifts sustain our operating budget and underwrite strategic initiatives.

EVENTS

Real-world and virtual gatherings hosted by SPKN and its sponsors attended by paid ticket and pass holders.

VIP SUBSCRIBERS

Individuals, groups, & organizations who pay a subscription fee for tiered and time-limited access to original content, events, and resources.

CERTIFICATIONS

Standards created by SPKN that, when met, grant our official and recognized stamp of approval to partners, initiatives, and curricula.

ON-DEMAND CONTENT

Written, live, and prerecorded material designed to be fresh, educational, and enlightening. Early Exclusive and expanded access are available at a premium.

SPKN and the SPKN Sport Knowledge Center is made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners, who share our belief that information, education, and collaboration are the keys to positive change in sport.

OUR TEAM

OUR FOUNDERS

Meg WILSON Founder & CEO Dr. Brian GEARITY Founder & Chief Academic Officer

SPKN was co-founded in 2022 by Meagan Wilson, a former two-sport NCAA Division I athlete with a Master’s Degree in Sports Coaching at the University of Denver and Professor Brian Gearity, PhD, Director of the Master in Sport Coaching degree at the University of Denver. SPKN was born from their shared belief that sport has the potential to afect powerful change in the lives of individuals, communities, and societies, when led by adults who have the ability to harness its power efectively

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Charlie KOONES

Managing Partner, The Golden Gate Company

Dr. Jay COAKLEY

Professor Emeritas, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

David MOSELEY

Former Professional Basketball Player Athletic Director, and Director of AAU Mavericks Basketball

Joanne PASTERNACK

CEO, Oliver+Rose Executive Director, Athlete’s Voices

William TIERNEY

Award Winning Men’s Lacrosse Coach, Princeton University, University of Denver

ADVISORY BOARD

THANK YOU.