TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Michele Konetski

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Michele Konetski knows what it’s like to navigate the college recruiting maze with little more than determination and a dream. A former high school athlete who had to chart her own path to college with limited resources, she later found herself in a familiar position—helping her son tackle the complex and often overwhelming journey to collegiate sports. The experience was eye-opening. The recruiting process felt like an uphill battle, riddled with confusion, unanswered questions, and missed opportunities. She knew there had to be a better way.

 

Armed with over 20 years of corporate leadership experience at a Fortune 500 company, Michele had spent her career tackling complex challenges in the tech and cybersecurity space. She had led global campaigns, spearheaded innovations in hardware, software, and services, and had earned co-ownership of two encryption patents—an impressive feat for a non-engineer product marketer. But despite her ability to navigate intricate business landscapes, the world of college recruitment felt like an unsolvable puzzle. That was her light bulb moment. In 2023, she left the corporate world behind and launched Grit Sports, an Austin-based startup designed to transform the recruiting process for high school athletes and their families.

 

At the core of Grit Sports is a philosophy that transcends sports: seek discomfort, play your game, and keep it simple. Michele believes that resilience, adaptability, and strategic action are what separate those who dream from those who achieve. She knows firsthand that talent alone isn’t enough—grit makes the difference.

 

Through Grit Sports, Michele Konetski is redefining the recruiting process, making it more accessible, strategic, and empowering for young athletes and their families. In this Q&A, she shares insights on what makes Grit Sports unique, how it’s transforming college recruitment, and the impact it’s having on athletes nationwide.

 

Michele, what sets Grit Sports apart from other college recruiting platforms?

 

Grit Sports goes beyond the traditional recruiting process by bridging the gap between technology and sports, revolutionizing how high school athletes and their families navigate college recruitment. With only 7% of high school athletes making it to the collegiate level, we focus on increasing those odds through a holistic, community-driven approach. What truly makes us unique is our supportive ecosystem—where athletes connect with peers, mentors, and industry experts, gaining access to exclusive resources, expert guidance, and live events. We don’t just provide information; we cultivate a mindset of perseverance, resilience, and continuous growth.

 

How does Grit Sports bridge the gap between technology and traditional sports recruiting?

 

The traditional college recruiting process often leaves families overwhelmed—relying on scattered online searches, word-of-mouth advice, or costly personal recruiters whose results can be unpredictable. Grit Sports takes a different approach, combining innovation with accessibility to give athletes and their families a clear, structured path to success. Our SaaS-style membership model provides all the essential tools, expert guidance, and strategic resources without the burden of massive upfront costs. Instead of navigating the process alone or paying for high-priced recruiters, families gain access to a comprehensive, technology-driven platform designed to turn aspirations into achievable goals. Grit Sports isn’t just about information—it’s about transformation. We equip athletes with personalized, actionable plans that empower them to take control of their recruiting journey, increasing their chances of playing at the collegiate level while developing the discipline, strategy, and mindset needed for long-term success.

 

How does Grit Sports help athletes maximize their chances of college recruitment?

 

I founded Grit Sports to support athletes who have the passion and talent to play at the collegiate level, but lack the resources or guidance to navigate the recruitment process. Many families simply don’t have the time or knowledge to manage this complex, multi-year journey, where missing key deadlines can mean lost opportunities. Grit Sports simplifies the process by bringing everything into one centralized platform, providing the tools, timelines, and expert guidance they need to stay on track. We believe an athlete’s talent—not their access to resources—should be the deciding factor in their recruitment success.

 

Why is a personalized recruiting plan essential for athletes?

 

A personalized plan helps parents and athletes strategically allocate their time, energy, and resources to set up a clear path to success. College recruitment isn’t a one-size-fits-all process—it unfolds in five key stages. First is building the foundation, which includes everything young athletes need to establish early on. Next is development, spanning all four high school years, focusing on mental, academic, and athletic growth. The third stage is gaining exposure, followed by transitioning into an active recruit. Finally, the last step is making the right college decision.

 

Beyond recruitment, sports play a deeper role in shaping young people. Athletics build self-esteem, emotional resilience, time management, and adaptability—qualities that extend far beyond the field. That’s why I named the company Grit Sports. Grit has been foundational in my own success, and I want to instill that same resilience in young athletes. Our goal isn’t just to help them become collegiate athletes—it’s to prepare them to thrive in life.

 

How have athletes and parents responded to Grit Sports?

 

The response has been overwhelmingly positive from players, parents, coaches, and advisors. Many say, “I wish this existed when I was going through recruitment.” They’re excited to have a structured, accessible way to navigate the process.

 

What is the most rewarding part of your work?

 

The most fulfilling part of my work is witnessing the transformation in young athletes as they navigate the college recruitment process. Having been in their shoes—as both an athlete and a parent—I understand the challenges they face. What excites me most is seeing them grow in resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills. It’s not just about sports; it’s about shaping well-rounded individuals prepared for success in life. Changing lives, one athlete at a time, is what drives me every day.

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Michele Konetski
CEO and Founder
Grit Sports
Website: www.gritsports.io

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michelekonetski

Instagram: www.instagram.com/gritsportshq

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michele.konetski