Local nonprofit partners with former U.S. Women’s National Team Player
Lindsey “Linz” Huie
Los Angeles, CA (March 20, 2025) – ACCESS U, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing equitable access to top-tier educations for scholar-athletes, is proud to announce its partnership with Gritness, an athlete mentorship and college recruitment program founded by former U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) player Lindsey “Linz” Huie.
This strategic partnership seeks to identify the “Next 11” elite high school soccer players in Southern California who are determined to pursue a college education while continuing their sport. This initiative will provide selected scholar-athletes with comprehensive mentorship, academic tutoring, and college recruiting support, helping them secure scholarships and/or financial aid with the goal of graduating with little to no debt.
The player identification and onboarding process begins immediately, with Gritness CEO and founder Lindsey Huie scouting top talent at the upcoming Battle of the Southwest Tournament this weekend, March 22-23, 2025. Once enrolled, players will receive four years of dedicated college mentorship and recruiting guidance from both Gritness and ACCESS U, significantly increasing their chances of receiving college offers.
“In the pay-to-play soccer system, talented athletes need every opportunity possible,” said Brad Rothenberg, ACCESS U Co-Founder, “and this new partnership with Gritness will not only expand our reach but also our offerings. We’re thrilled to begin working with Gritness and continue making a difference in the lives of such amazing students.”
This partnership combines the strengths of both organizations to ensure that talented student-athletes, particularly those facing financial hardship, have access to the resources necessary to excel academically and athletically. Gritness provides a holistic, player-focused recruiting and psychological development program, while ACCESS U supplements this with academic tutoring, test preparation, travel stipends for college ID camps, and full-service college application and financial aid support.
“We are thrilled about our 2025 partnership with ACCESS U, recognizing the incredible value that ACCESS U and Gritness will bring to the table," said Huie. "Our innovative approach to collegiate recruiting perfectly complements ACCESS U’s ability to offer essential academic and financial support to students who qualify. One of the reasons we chose to partner with ACCESS U is because they share our passion and commitment to fostering student success.”
Through this collaboration, ACCESS U and Gritness will not only expand collegiate opportunities for student-athletes but also create a sustainable pathway for success on and off the field.
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