In this inspiring episode of The Athlete CEO Podcast, I sit down with Jenna Svatos, a Division I tennis player at Long Island University (LIU) known for her mental toughness, leadership, and drive for excellence.

We dive deep into the mindset of elite athletes, exploring how discipline, resilience, and self-belief translate far beyond sports. Jenna opens up about the pressures of college athletics, the transition from student-athlete to professional life, and the importance of betting on yourself even when the path isn’t clear.

If you’re passionate about personal growth, mental performance, leadership, or athlete development, this episode offers powerful insights and actionable advice from one of the most impressive young voices in collegiate athletics.

🔥 Topics Covered:

• Mental toughness and emotional resilience
• Balancing academics, athletics, and personal identity
• Overcoming self-doubt and building confidence
• Preparing for life after college sports
• Lessons in leadership, consistency, and growth mindset

🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube 

🎧 Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — search “The Athlete CEO Podcast”

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In this episode of The Athlete CEO, host Matt Owens sits down with two trailblazing entrepreneurs and former Division I soccer teammates, Alex and Marin, who are changing the game in student-athlete development. Drawing from their own collegiate athletic experiences, Alex and Marin have created a first-of-its-kind financial literacy program tailored specifically for NCAA athletic programs.

Their mission? To bridge the financial education gap for student-athletes and set them up for long-term success. With their comprehensive 10-step curriculum, they're empowering young athletes to make smarter money decisions both during and after their playing careers.

Matt dives deep with Alex and Marin into how they built this innovative platform, the key lessons they wish they had learned earlier, and why financial literacy is a crucial pillar in any athlete’s journey. This conversation is full of insight, purpose, and action steps for coaches, athletic departments, and student-athletes alike.

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In this special episode of The Athlete CEO, the tables are turned as host Matt Owens becomes the guest! Interviewed by a Division I athlete from UConn, Matt dives deep into life after sports, sharing his personal journey from college athlete to full-time entrepreneur and investor.

Joe, our guest interviewer, asks Matt three pivotal questions about transitioning out of sports, the mindset shifts required for success, and how athletes can leverage their unique skills in business and life. Matt opens up about the lessons he’s learned, the challenges he faced, and the strategies he used to build a thriving career beyond the game.

If you’re a current or former athlete wondering what’s next after sports, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you navigate the journey ahead. Tune in now!

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!

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In this episode of The Athlete CEO, host Matt Owens sits down with Hrishi Shah, a standout Division I athlete at Long Island University. Hrishi is not only excelling on the field but also making impactful changes within his university as the President of the Student-Athletes Advisory Committee (SAAC). Passionate about leadership, he takes pride in serving as a bridge between athletes and the administration, ensuring their voices are heard.

Beyond athletics, Hrishi is a respected Resident Assistant (RA), building meaningful connections and fostering a supportive community. Tune in to hear his insights on balancing the life of a student-athlete, driving change on campus, and the importance of networking. Connect with Hrishi on LinkedIn at Hrishikesh Shah!

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In this episode of The Athlete CEO, Matt Owens sits down with Drew Walsh, a former Division I athlete, to discuss the real-world challenges faced by collegiate athletes. From the immense pressure to perform both academically and athletically to the struggle of balancing personal growth with team expectations, Matt and Drew dive deep into what it truly means to navigate life as a Division I athlete. Tune in for honest insights, practical advice, and a candid look at the lessons learned on and off the field.

Perfect for current athletes, alumni, and anyone curious about the realities behind the glamour of collegiate sports.

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In this episode of The Athlete CEO, Matt Owens pulls back the curtain on a recent meeting with angel investors, sharing valuable insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Matt dives into the key takeaways from the discussion, including:

✅ The minimum investment amounts required to join the table
✅ The strategies for identifying the right NCAA student-athletes to collaborate with
✅ How the intersection of sports, business, and innovation is reshaping opportunities for the next generation

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned investor, or a former athlete looking to make your mark, this episode is packed with actionable advice and firsthand knowledge. Don’t miss this inside look into what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of startups and sports-focused investments.

🎧 Tune in now and level up your game!

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In this episode of The Athlete CEO, Matt Owens recaps his insightful conversation with professional soccer player Kristen Edmonds. Highlighting a powerful clip, Matt dives into Kristen's advice on how making tough, sometimes unpopular decisions can set you apart from the competition. Kristen shares her belief that trusting yourself, prioritizing your goals, and making honest, well-thought-out choices are the keys to long-term success—even when others may not agree with your path. Tune in to hear how this mindset has shaped Kristen's career and how you can apply it to your own journey.

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In this episode of The Athlete CEO, host Matt Owens sits down with Kazeem Shinaba, a dynamic entrepreneur, licensed social worker, executive DBEI (Diversity, Belonging, Equity, and Inclusion) leader, and adjunct lecturer.

Kazeem shares how he has masterfully aligned his passions and skills to create a wide range of professional opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact. From advocating for children's mental health to mentoring the next generation, especially in underprivileged communities, Kazeem’s journey exemplifies the power of purpose-driven leadership.

Listen in as he discusses his innovative approach to creating pathways for success, fostering inclusion, and using his talents to inspire lasting change. This episode offers a blueprint for leveraging your unique strengths to make a difference and achieve professional success.

Follow Kazeem Shinaba on LinkedIn to stay connected and learn more about his inspiring work.

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On this episode of The Athlete CEO Podcast, host Matt Owens sits down with Drew Walsh, a former Division I baseball standout turned entrepreneur. Drew shares his journey to reaching the elite level of collegiate baseball, the challenges he faced along the way, and how the unwavering support of his coaches and administration played a pivotal role in his success. Now a professional infield coach and the founder of his own brand of baseball gloves, Drew has seamlessly transitioned from player to entrepreneur, leveraging the skills he developed on the field to build a thriving business.

Tune in as Matt and Drew discuss the lessons learned from their athletic careers, the drive to succeed beyond the game, and the importance of mentorship and community. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

Follow Drew’s journey and check out his work on Instagram: @f.a.s.t_developmentsd and @digitinfield.

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In this recap episode, host Matt Owens revisits the highlights of his inspiring conversation with Eric Plummer, a former Division 1 athlete turned highly successful businessman. Eric shares his straightforward yet remarkable journey, filled with bold decisions, self-trust, and the courage to pivot when needed. From taking risks to finding new directions, Eric’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability in the pursuit of success. Tune in as Matt breaks down key insights and lessons that can inspire anyone striving to navigate their own path to greatness.

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IG:@theathleteceopod

Youtube: @Mattie_Owens