Investing in Pathways: Not Pay-to-Play

In a recent Sports Business Journal op-ed, Lindsey Huie—Founder of Gritness and former U.S. Women’s National Team player—joined Leonard Griffin—Head Coach of Men’s Soccer at UC Berkeley—to call for a reimagining of the U.S. soccer system. Together, they challenged the entrenched “pay-to-play” model that excludes too many talented young athletes based on finances rather than ability.

Huie brings a unique perspective to the conversation through her work with Gritness, a platform dedicated to building mental strength, athletic development, and college recruiting pathways that give athletes equal opportunity to succeed—on and off the field: “When we only recruit from where it’s convenient or visible, we don’t just miss players. We miss the future of the game,” Huie emphasizes.

ACCESS U Foundation, a partner of Gritness, shares this mission by providing academic guidance and recruiting support for student-athletes who might otherwise be overlooked. Together, Gritness and AccessU are reshaping the landscape of youth sports, ensuring that all athletes—regardless of their zip code or family income—can access the mentorship, training, and opportunities needed to pursue their dreams.

This joint effort is about more than sports—it’s about equity, resilience, and redefining success pathways. By investing in athletes ACCESS U & Gritness agree, we secure not just the future of the game, but the future of communities.

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