In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs – The Alumni Journey, Rob Finkelstein sits down with Mark Koesterer, a former college football player turned Founder & CEO of The Players NIL, to explore how athletes can prepare for life beyond sports while navigating today’s evolving landscape of athlete branding and career development.

Mark shares powerful insights on how sports shaped his identity, the lifelong value of networking, and the mindset shifts needed for a successful athlete transition. He also unpacks how the NIL era is reshaping opportunities for personal brand building, why alumni engagement can open doors that last a lifetime, and the importance of financial literacy for long-term success.

Whether you’re a current athlete, a former player, or a parent looking to understand the modern sports journey, this conversation offers practical strategies, hard-earned wisdom, and encouragement to help you thrive after the game.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- How sports shape both personal identity and professional skills

- Why networking is a game-changer during and after your playing career

- How NIL has transformed athlete branding opportunities

- The importance of patience and planning during career transitions

- Why building a personal brand early matters

- How alumni engagement can provide crucial support for athletes

- The role of financial literacy in building a sustainable future

- How to navigate the emotional challenges of leaving sports

- The unique skills athletes bring to the workplace

- Why NIL education is vital for both athletes and their families

Connect with Mark Koesterer:

Website: theplayersnil.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkoesterer/,

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markkoesterer/?hl=en

Connect with Alumni Direct:

Website: [alumnidirect.com](http://alumnidirect.com/)

Instagram: [@alumnidirect](https://instagram.com/alumnidirect)

X (formerly Twitter): [@alumnidirect](https://twitter.com/alumnidirect)

Facebook: [Alumni Direct](https://facebook.com/alumnidirect)

LinkedIn: [Alumni Direct](https://linkedin.com/company/alumnidirect)

If you’re ready to start building your network, connecting with fellow athletes, and unlocking resources to help you thrive beyond the game, visit [alumnidirect.com](http://alumnidirect.com/) today. Join a community that’s here to support you every step of the way.