— 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization —
Because Success in Life
Requires More.
Empowering youth and young adults for the ultimate competition — life! Founded by Dr. Billy R. Close
— Our Mission —
“Creating a paradigm shift in public education, the sports industry, and society at large — providing enhanced learning, character development, and career realization for youth and young adults through a formalized mentoring network.”
— Who We Are
Helping youth, young adults, & professionals discover and navigate the intersection of their passion and their purpose.
Beyond The Athlete, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit bridging the gaps between career ambitions and lifelong success. Founded by Dr. Billy R. Close alongside a distinguished board of scholars, executives, and former college and professional athletes, we deliver programs that prepare young people to thrive in every competitive dimension of life.
We leverage relationships with a network of well-known scholars, coaches, administrators, corporate professionals, and amateur and professional athletes to generate awareness of the critical importance of academic achievement, transitional life-skills, character development, and career readiness.
— Meet the Founder
Billy R. Close, Ph.D.
Dr. Billy R. Close is a distinguished university professor, public speaker, educational consultant, former D1 athlete, and the visionary founder of Beyond the Athlete®. His career spans the intersection of academia, athletics, mentoring, and community development — uniquely positioning him to build an organization that speaks to both the ambitions of youth and young adults, and help prepare them for the complex realities and similarities of life and sport.
Driven by the recognition that too many young people — particularly those who invest their identities only in athletic achievement — often underestimate that transitional tools, networks, and preparation necessary for sustainable professional and personal success, Dr. Close founded Beyond the Athlete® to help correct that equation systematically and at- scale.
His approach combines academic rigor, community mentorship, and practical transitional life-skills training to create a replicable model for youth and young adult development adoptable across Pre K–12 schools, colleges, universities, and professional sports organizations throughout Florida and the nation.
— Experienced Leadership —
A Board Built on Distinction
Our founding and current board members bring extraordinary depth across education, economics and finance, collegiate and professional sports, technology, government, and ministry — lending Beyond the Athlete® the credibility, passion, and connections to achieve its core mission.
— Experienced Leadership —
Current Board Members
Our current board members bring deep expertise across multiple industries, strengthening Beyond the Athlete®’s mission and impact.
— What We Offer —
Programs & Services
Comprehensive educational and consulting services designed for youth, young adults, coaches, parents, and institutions committed to effective whole-person development and preparation for real-world challenges.
— Our Vision —
Expanding access & opportunity for every young scholar and young adult.
We envision a nation where Pre K – 12 schools, universities, professional sports teams, public and private entities, small businesses and major corporations, work together to make a real difference in the educational, spiritual, personal, and professional lives of our youth.
— Get Involved —
Partner with us.
Change a life.
Whether you are a school administrator, coach, parent, athlete, corporate partner, or philanthropist — there is a role for you in the Beyond the Athlete® community.
General Inquiries:
beyondtheathlete@comcast.net
— Donate —
Help Us Go Back & Give Back
Your donation directly supports programs that empower young scholars and young adults through education, mentorship, and character development.