This past summer, I worked out of the Skandalaris Center as part of the Launchpad program, developing SPARC, our digital mental performance platform supporting athletic programs across the country. Mental performance is one of the most neglected areas in athletics, held back by high costs, limited access, and stigma. SPARC solves this by delivering scalable, affordable solutions to mental strength training through a mobile app for athletes and a coach dashboard for athletic programs. Athletes get tailored modules, journaling, and progress tracking to build focus, confidence, and resilience. Coaches and departments gain dashboards that track engagement, highlight mental performance trends, and drive better conversations with their teams.

The Launchpad program has been a great experience. Weekly workshops, mentor sessions, and constant feedback sharpened not just SPARC’s strategy, but also my ability to tell our story clearly, listen to feedback, and translate big ideas into actionable next steps. One of the biggest things I learned this summer is that entrepreneurship is as much about building relationships and asking good questions as it is about building a product.

I recently had the opportunity to put those lessons into practice in New York City. With support from the Skandalaris Center, I attended the 11th Annual Johnny Mac Tennis Project Pro-Am in the Hamptons, an incredible event raising funds to put rackets in the hands of NYC kids.

Beyond supporting a great cause, I had the chance to meet legends like John McEnroe, James Blake, the Bryan Brothers, and Milos Raonic, while networking with leaders in the tennis community. 

From there, I spent time at the US Open, reconnecting with old friends, meeting with coaches and players, and building new relationships, all centered on bringing SPARC’s vision to life.

A few key takeaways:

• Preparation creates confidence – the practice pitching and feedback loops at Skandalaris translated directly into sharper conversations in NYC.
• Mission matters – whether it was the Johnny Mac Tennis Project’s focus on kids or SPARC’s focus on athlete mental health, people gravitate to causes bigger than the product itself.
• Conversations compound – every coffee chat, sideline conversation, or quick hello at a match has the potential to become a meaningful partnership.
• Relationships drive momentum – every quick chat, introduction, or shared story can become a stepping stone toward partnerships and growth.

This trip reminded me why we’re building SPARC: to give athletes the mental edge they need to perform at their best. I’m grateful to the Skandalaris Center for their support and mentorship this summer, and I’m excited to carry this energy forward into our fall launch.

You can learn more about us on our website: https://www.sparc-sports.com/ and on Instagram.