GMTM

Our latest GMTM Sports podcast was a blast! We had the pleasure of chatting with Scott Garber, co-founder of ProFluent Sports, and the conversation was buzzing with insights about the evolving landscape of youth sports. We were actually on-site at the Buccaneers' facility, surrounded by the energy and excitement of a girls' flag football tournament. Talk about an inspiring backdrop! Scott and I, both being parents, were particularly struck by the incredible opportunities opening up for young athletes, especially in emerging sports like flag football. It's amazing to witness the growth of this sport, fueled by the passion of these young athletes and the support of major organizations like the NFL and the Bucks. One of the key themes that emerged from our conversation was the importance of inclusivity. Flag football has a low barrier to entry, making it accessible to a wide range of athletes with diverse skill sets and backgrounds. This inclusivity is a game-changer, and it's something we're incredibly passionate about at GMTM. We believe everyone deserves the chance to discover their athletic potential, regardless of their background or experience. As Scott eloquently put it, "It's a very athletic game, but the barrier to entry is very low. So now we are able to see a wide spectrum of athletes." This resonated with me deeply, as it aligns perfectly with our mission at GMTM to democratize access to sports and create opportunities for all athletes. We also talked about the changing dynamics of the sports ecosystem. It's not just about the traditional path of playing in high school and college anymore. Academies, private facilities, and new opportunities like flag football are creating a more diverse and dynamic landscape. This is incredibly exciting, as it provides more avenues for athletes to pursue their passions and develop their skills. Scott highlighted this shift, saying, "We're watching the landscape evolve and expand in a way that is providing different vehicles, both to go ahead and get an education as you alluded to in academies, but to also drive movement in a multitude of different ways." This resonated with me, as we at GMTM are constantly exploring new ways to connect athletes with opportunities and help them navigate this evolving landscape. Another key takeaway was the importance of education and empowerment. Scott emphasized the need to provide athletes and their parents with the resources and knowledge to navigate this new ecosystem. This is something we're committed to at GMTM. We want to empower athletes and their families to make informed decisions about their sporting journeys and to take ownership of their futures. Scott's advice to parents was spot on: "It's imperative for resources to be there for parents to understand how to navigate a new ecosystem.... So I think that a lot of this comes back down to having resources like Game Time, meet the end user where they're at, and assist them along the journey." This reinforced my belief in the importance of what we're doing at GMTM, providing a centralized platform for athletes and families to access information, connect with opportunities, and build their sporting futures. We also discussed the growing role of NIL (name, image, and likeness) in youth sports. It's fascinating to see how athletes are building their brands and creating new opportunities for themselves. This is a game-changer, and it's something we're keeping a close eye on at GMTM. We want to help athletes understand and leverage their NIL potential to create even more opportunities for themselves. Scott's insights on NIL were particularly insightful: "It's a real lane for athletes to be able to earn... It's really gonna give athletes a lane to build their brand." He also emphasized the importance of education in this area, stating that NIL "creates a great lane to teach some of the skill sets of life that school traditionally has failed us on, whether that is building a brand, understanding business, financial literacy." This aligns perfectly with our vision at GMTM to provide athletes with the tools and resources they need to succeed both on and off the field. Finally, we touched on the importance of community. Whether it's through playing, fandom, or simply being part of a team, sports have a unique ability to bring people together. This sense of community is essential, and it's something we strive to foster at GMTM. We believe that sports have the power to create positive change in the world, and we're committed to building a platform that connects and empowers athletes and their communities. Scott summed it up perfectly: "We as humans crave community. And whether you're playing, whether it's through fandom, whatever that community is, you want to be a part of something that's bigger than you." This resonated with me deeply, as it's at the core of why we created GMTM. We want to build a community where athletes feel supported, connected, and empowered to achieve their dreams. Overall, our conversation with Scott was incredibly insightful and inspiring. We're excited to be part of this evolving sports landscape, and we're committed to helping athletes discover their full potential and achieve their dreams. Be sure to check out the full episode for more insights and inspiration! Five Key Takeaways Inclusive Access: Flag football demonstrates how sports with low barriers to entry can welcome diverse athletes, expanding participation across different skill levels and backgrounds. Evolving Pathways: The sports landscape is diversifying beyond traditional paths, with academies, private facilities, and emerging sports creating new opportunities for athlete development. Resource Empowerment: Athletes and parents need accessible resources and education to successfully navigate the changing sports ecosystem. NIL Opportunities: Name, image, and likeness rights are creating new avenues for athletes to build personal brands while learning valuable business and financial skills. Community Building: Sports continue to fulfill the human need for belonging, creating meaningful connections whether through participation, fandom, or team membership.

Alright, folks, buckle up. We just wrapped our first-ever GMTM Sports podcast, and let me tell you, it was an experience. Our guest? None other than the incredible Shaquem Griffin. I knew going in it would be good, but I didn't expect the emotional rollercoaster I was about to ride. This wasn’t just an interview; it was a masterclass in resilience, faith, and the sheer power of the human spirit. From the moment Shaquem started talking, I was hooked. He took us all the way back to his childhood, painting a vivid picture of his early training, the kind that makes you wonder if you’ve ever truly worked hard in your life. Four years old, folks. Four. While most of us were still figuring out how to tie our shoes, Shaquem was already out there, flipping tires, carrying bricks, and getting schooled in the art of competition by his dad and his twin brother, Shaquill. The stories he shared about their unconventional training methods – the beach runs with backpacks, the shower calf raises – were both hilarious and awe-inspiring. It’s clear that their father instilled in them an unwavering work ethic and a deep understanding of the importance of pushing boundaries. What struck me most, though, was how Shaquem's disability was never treated as a limitation within his family. It was just another challenge to overcome, another obstacle to navigate. This mindset, I believe, is a huge part of what shaped him into the man he is today and his ability to overcome adversity. Hearing Shaquem talk about his relationship with Shaquill was truly special. Their bond is clearly strong, forged in the fires of intense competition and mutual support. They pushed each other relentlessly, celebrating each other's victories and picking each other up after setbacks. It's a textbook example of how, when channeled correctly, sibling rivalry can lead to extraordinary achievements. The story about them racing 200 meters and finishing in a dead heat, neither knowing who won, perfectly encapsulates their competitive spirit. It wasn't about beating the other but pushing themselves to their absolute limit. Shaquem's journey through high school and the recruiting process was a stark reminder of the challenges many athletes face. Despite his talent and dedication, he felt overlooked, especially compared to his brother. The frustration and disappointment were palpable as he recounted the stories of college coaches showing more interest in Shaquill. It was a humbling reminder that even the most talented athletes can face moments of doubt and insecurity. Then came UCF. Shaquem’s time there was a rollercoaster. He described the initial excitement, the camaraderie, and the dream of playing college football. But he also spoke candidly about the difficult times when he felt lost and frustrated and even considered quitting. The story about him cleaning toilets as a form of work-study and the emotional breakdown that followed was heartbreaking. It was a raw and vulnerable moment, and I commend him for openly sharing it. It’s a powerful testament to the mental and emotional toll that adversity can take, even on the strongest individuals. But Shaquem's story isn't about giving up. It's about perseverance, resilience, and the power of belief. And a huge part of that belief came from his brother. Shaquem talked about Shaquill’s unwavering faith in him, even when he himself was struggling. It was Shaquill's constant encouragement and support that helped him get through those dark times. This, to me, is the true definition of brotherhood. The arrival of Coach Frost at UCF marked a turning point in Shaquem's career. He spoke about the shift in culture and the sense of belief and empowerment that Frost instilled in the team. Under Frost's leadership, Shaquem truly blossomed, becoming a star player and leader on the team. His senior year, he said, was when everything came together. He finally understood the importance of leadership, the power of vulnerability, and the impact he could have on his teammates. And then, the NFL. The combine, the draft, the moment he finally got the call from the Seattle Seahawks. It was a dream come true, made even sweeter because he was joining his brother. The story of their draft day, the anxiety, the waiting, and the ultimate joy of being drafted by the same team was truly inspiring. It was a testament to their incredible journey and their unwavering bond. Shaquem's NFL career, while shorter than some might have expected, was a testament to his talent and determination. He achieved his dream of playing in the league, made significant contributions to the Seahawks, and earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. But what truly stood out to me was his decision to retire from football to focus on advocacy for people with disabilities. I believe this is the next chapter in Shaquem's extraordinary story. He's already making a difference, inspiring people with his own journey, and using his platform to advocate for greater inclusivity. And his next goal? The Paralympics. He's training, he's focused, and he's determined to compete at the highest level. This podcast was more than just an interview; it was a conversation with an extraordinary individual. Shaquem Griffin's story is about resilience, faith, family, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams. It's a story that will stay with me for a long time, and I hope it inspires others to chase their own dreams, no matter the obstacles they may face. Keep an eye out for Shaquem in the 2028 Paralympics. I know I will be. He's not just competing for himself; he's competing for everyone who's ever been told they can't. And that's a story worth watching.

GMTM: The First Step in Collegiate Recruiting, According to Kuyper College Coach In the fast-paced world of collegiate athletics, finding the right talent can be a coach's biggest challenge. Sifting through countless databases, attending endless showcases, and trying to connect with prospective athletes can be a drain on time and resources. But according to Tyler Whitcomb, coach at Kuyper College, there's a game-changer: GMTM. "GMTM should be the 1st Step for any collegiate coach recruiting," Whitcomb states. His endorsement highlights the platform's efficiency and comprehensive nature, addressing several key coach pain points. "I can immediately find, connect, and gauge interest from athletes that fit my recruiting criteria," he explains. This ability to quickly identify and engage with qualified prospects is crucial in the competitive recruiting landscape. Whitcomb's experience underscores the value of a centralized platform. He says, "It's the only product I can use for all sports and see information from multiple databases I previously paid for." This consolidation of resources not only simplifies the recruiting process but also offers significant cost savings. Instead of subscribing to multiple specialized databases, coaches can access a wealth of information across various sports within a single platform. The ability to "gauge interest" is another critical feature highlighted by Whitcomb. Understanding an athlete's level of engagement is essential for effective recruiting. GMTM's tools likely provide insights into which athletes are actively exploring opportunities and which might require further outreach. This allows coaches to prioritize their efforts and focus on the most promising prospects. Whitcomb's testimonial speaks to the transformative potential of GMTM for collegiate recruiting. By streamlining the search, connection, and evaluation process, GMTM empowers coaches to work more efficiently and effectively. It allows them to focus on what matters most: building relationships with potential recruits and ultimately, building a winning team. For coaches looking to gain a competitive edge in the recruiting game, visit gmtm.com/coaches to start