Protégé Sports
Encyclopedia
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is a city in the eastern part of Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, adjacent to Phoenix. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2010 the population of the city was 217,385...
, and boasts a number of current and former professional athletes and coaches amongst its "mentors", including Steve Nash
Steve Nash
Stephen John "Steve" Nash, OC, OBC is a South African-born Canadian professional basketball player who plays point guard for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association . Nash enjoyed a successful high-school basketball career, and he was eventually given a scholarship by Santa Clara...
, Boris Diaw
Boris Diaw
Boris Babacar Diaw-Riffiod, better known as Boris Diaw , is a French professional basketball player for JSA Bordeaux in France. He has also played in the National Basketball Association for the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, and Charlotte Bobcats...
, Bob Lanier
Bob Lanier (basketball)
Robert Jerry "Bob" Lanier, Jr. is a retired American professional basketball player who played for the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA.Lanier was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992....
, George Gervin
George Gervin
George "The Iceman" Gervin is a retired American professional basketball player who played in both the American Basketball Association and National Basketball Association for the Virginia Squires, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls...
, Eddie Johnson, Kevin Young, Tim Salmon
Tim Salmon
Timothy James Salmon is a former Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter who played his entire career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...
, Craig Waibel
Craig Waibel
Craig Waibel is a former American soccer player.-College:Waibel played college soccer at University of Washington, and with Spokane Shadow in the USL Premier Development League prior to turning professional....
, Peter Kostis
Peter Kostis
Peter Kostis is an American golf analyst and instructor.Kostis is a world-renowned golf instructor and has been a member of the Golf Digest teaching staff for over 20 years. Among his many students are Paul Casey, Chez Reavie, Bernhard Langer, Steve Elkington, Dan Marino, Maury Povich, and Mike...
and Gary McCord
Gary McCord
Gary Dennis McCord is an American professional golfer, commentator, author, and actor.-Early life and career:McCord was born in San Gabriel, California and raised in southern California. He was a two-time Division II All-American at UC Riverside...
.
Background
Protégé Sports was created in January 2006. The company was originally conceived to make one-on-one coaching by professional athletes and coaches accessible to the general public through internet video uploads email. ESPNESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
columnist Ric Bucher
Ric Bucher
Ric Bucher is an NBA analyst for ESPN and ESPN.com. Bucher is also a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine and a columnist for ESPN.com.Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Bucher is a 1983 graduate of Dartmouth College, where he played four years on the varsity soccer team. Bucher has covered the NBA since...
wrote a short article about Protégé Sports and this concept in the February 12, 2007 edition of ESPN The Magazine
ESPN The Magazine
ESPN The Magazine is a bi-weekly sports magazine published by the ESPN sports network in Bristol, Connecticut in the United States. The first issue was published on March 11, 1998....
(the "Next 2007" edition). The principle is that the amateur athlete (or "protégé") sends a video of him or herself performing a sports move and uploads it to Protégé Sports' server. A professional athlete or coach (the "mentor
Mentor
In Greek mythology, Mentor was the son of Alcimus or Anchialus. In his old age Mentor was a friend of Odysseus who placed Mentor and Odysseus' foster-brother Eumaeus in charge of his son Telemachus, and of Odysseus' palace, when Odysseus left for the Trojan War.When Athena visited Telemachus she...
") then reviews the video and places that side-by-side with a video of a professional performing the same move and a customized voice over analyzes the mistakes and suggests corrections. The video is then sent back to the protégé, who finds the entire lesson waiting in his or her inbox.
The company now features professional athletes teaching athletic skills and drills in 3 to 4 minute segments, much like iTunes. Protege has also developed a social networking community for sports teams, leagues, and athletes of all ages. Video tips feature Steve Nash, Magic Johnson, Jimmy Connors, Mike Matheny, Orlando Hudson, Tim Salmon, Gary McCord, Peter Kostis, Natasha Watley, Jessica Mendoza, Katie Smith, Jennifer Azzi, Craig Waibel, Greg Vanney, Brian Ching, Brad Davis, Boris Diaw, Torri Hunter, Kerri Walsh, Pablo Sandoval, Todd Rogers, Phil Dalhausser, Marv Levy and many others.
The logo of the company is designed to reflect the mentor/protégé relationship. The design features two abstract figures, a larger one sheltering a smaller one, indicating the relationship between the mentors and their protégés. Protégé Sports refers to this design as their "wings", referring to the concept of mentors taking their protégé "under their wing". The company's slogan
Slogan
A slogan is a memorable motto or phrase used in a political, commercial, religious and other context as a repetitive expression of an idea or purpose. The word slogan is derived from slogorn which was an Anglicisation of the Scottish Gaelic sluagh-ghairm . Slogans vary from the written and the...
also reflects this philosophy: "Protégé Sports: where you can learn from the pros, anytime, anywhere".
Concept development
As athletes and coaches came into Protégé's office to sign on as mentors for Protégé, the founders realized that there was significant opportunity to record these athletes' wisdom and general advice and distribute it over the internet in pre-recorded snippets, by using the same internet video technology they were planning to use for the one-on-one customized lessons.Protégé started filming its first baseball and golf video drills for general consumption with Kevin Young, Tim Salmon, Gary McCord and Peter Kostis between September and November 2006, and has continued to add sports and mentors to its inventory. Chris Shaffer said in the ESPN the Magazine article:
"We're aiming for the top 100 golf instructors, top 50 tennis teachers, football players, everyone. It'll transcend sports as a teaching vehicle"
Services
Protégé Sports currently offers a number of services to its members:- Video tips & drills in various sports from professional mentors, available for download
- One-on-one customized interactive coaching with a professional athlete or coach, through patented video and internet software
- Social networking for athletes, coaches and teams to share thoughts, ideas and videos
- Fundraising for players, teams, leagues and clubs
Present
Protégé Sports currently features content for baseball, basketball, football, golf, tennis and soccer. The company intends to add lacrosse, softball, surfing, skateboarding and volleyball content in the near future, as well as expand its international footprint. The Phoenix SunsPhoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
' Boris Diaw filmed some basketball content for Protégé in French in August 2007.
In addition, Protégé Sports is dedicated to tackling childhood obesity
Obesity
Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems...
and lethargy. The company has instituted a foundation, called the Helping Kids Play Foundation, aimed at helping kids to lead active, healthy lives and all the Protégé mentors are involved in this effort. The foundation aims to provide free professional coaching and advice to underprivileged youth all over the United States, in an effort to entice kids to be active and encourage them to stay active.
In early 2010, Protege Sports launched a separate website called "Helping Kids Play" (www.helpingkidsplay.com) which allows young athletes to raise money for their organization by selling packages of videos through the website.
Mentors
Protégé Sports features a number of professional athletes and coaches who serve as mentors to its members (or "protégés"), by providing sporting tips and drills for the protégés to use. They include the following:Baseball/Softball
- Kevin YoungKevin YoungKevin Young may refer to:*Kevin Young , American athlete*Kevin Young , American baseballer*Kevin Young , English footballer...
– Director of Baseball - Tim SalmonTim SalmonTimothy James Salmon is a former Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter who played his entire career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...
- Mike MathenyMike MathenyMichael Scott Matheny is the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball. He is also a former baseball catcher, playing for four different teams during his thirteen years in the major leagues...
- Orlando HudsonOrlando HudsonOrlando Thill Hudson is an American professional baseball second baseman with the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball.-Early life and high school career:...
- Mike FettersMike FettersMichael Lee Fetters is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played for eight teams during his sixteen year career from to...
- Jamie BrewingtonJamie BrewingtonJamie Chancellor Brewington is an American former Major League Baseball player. A pitcher, Brewington played for the San Francisco Giants in 1995 and the Cleveland Indians in 2000.-External links:...
- Tony Dello
- Mark Rogow
- Jessica MendozaJessica MendozaJessica Mendoza , is an American softball player of Mexican descent, who played for the United States women's national softball team from 2004-2010 and a four-time first team All-American at Stanford University from 1999-2002. Mendoza wears number two and plays outfield...
- Natasha WatleyNatasha WatleyNatasha Watley is an American professional softball player currently with the USA Softball Women’s National Team. She plays the position of shortstop and first base, and helped her team to win the gold medal for softball at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens...
- Pablo SandovalPablo SandovalPablo E. Sandoval , nicknamed Kung Fu Panda, is a Venezuelan professional baseball infielder for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. Sandoval is a 5'11", 237 pound switch hitter. He was born left handed, but did not want to have to play outfield all of his career. He therefore...
- Mark MulderMark MulderMark Alan Mulder is a retired left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball.-Oakland Athletics:...
- Garret AndersonGarret AndersonGarret Joseph Anderson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played most of his career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...
- Mark SweeneyMark SweeneyMark Patrick Sweeney is a former first baseman in Major League Baseball. He is best known for his skill as a pinch hitter, where he ranks second in career pinch hits with 175 and first in career pinch hit runs batted in with 102....
- Bronson ArroyoBronson ArroyoBronson Anthony Arroyo , is a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds and an aspiring musician. He has previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates between 2000 and 2002 and Boston Red Sox from 2003 to 2005...
- Scott PodsednikScott PodsednikScott Eric Podsednik is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Podsednik led the major leagues in stolen bases in with 70.-Minor leagues:...
- JT Snow
- Torii HunterTorii HunterTorii Kedar Hunter is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Hunter has taken away many home runs throughout his 13-year major league career by "climbing the fence" in the outfield. He has won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as an outfielder.Hunter resides...
Basketball
- Bob LanierBob LanierRobert Lanier may refer to:*Bob Lanier , former NBA star and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame*Bob Lanier , businessman and former mayor of Houston, Texas*Rob Lanier, basketball coach...
- Steve NashSteve NashStephen John "Steve" Nash, OC, OBC is a South African-born Canadian professional basketball player who plays point guard for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association . Nash enjoyed a successful high-school basketball career, and he was eventually given a scholarship by Santa Clara...
- Earvin "Magic" Johnson
- George GervinGeorge GervinGeorge "The Iceman" Gervin is a retired American professional basketball player who played in both the American Basketball Association and National Basketball Association for the Virginia Squires, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls...
- Eddie Johnson
- Boris DiawBoris DiawBoris Babacar Diaw-Riffiod, better known as Boris Diaw , is a French professional basketball player for JSA Bordeaux in France. He has also played in the National Basketball Association for the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, and Charlotte Bobcats...
- Katie SmithKatie SmithKatherine May "Katie" Smith is an American professional basketball player in the WNBA. Her primary position is shooting guard, although she sometimes plays small forward or point guard. She is the all time leading scorer in women's professional basketball, having notched over 7000 points in both...
- Jennifer AzziJennifer AzziJennifer Lynn Azzi is the head coach of the women's basketball team at the University of San Francisco. Azzi is a former collegiate and professional basketball player.-College years:...
- Reggie Warford
Soccer
- Craig WaibelCraig WaibelCraig Waibel is a former American soccer player.-College:Waibel played college soccer at University of Washington, and with Spokane Shadow in the USL Premier Development League prior to turning professional....
- Greg VanneyGreg VanneyGreg Vanney is retired American soccer defender who last played for the Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS...
- Cobi JonesCobi JonesCobi N'Gai Jones is a retired American soccer player who formerly served as assistant coach with the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer , with whom he had been involved as a player and coach since the team's inaugural season in 1996...
- Pat OnstadPat OnstadPatrick Stewart "Pat" Onstad is a Canadian soccer retired goalkeeper, who is currently an assistant coach for D.C. United in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
- Kevin Heartman
- Brad DavisBrad Davis (soccer)Brad Davis is an American footballer who currently plays for Houston Dynamo in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
- Brian ChingBrian ChingBrian Ching is an American professional soccer forward currently playing for the Montreal Impact of Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
- Petar Baralic
Football
- Nick LoweryNick LoweryDominic Gerald Lowery , nicknamed Nick the Kick, is a former American football placekicker for the New England Patriots , the Kansas City Chiefs , and New York Jets . Lowery was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and when he retired was ranked first in field goal percentage and also had the most...
- Bill ParcellsBill ParcellsDuane Charles "Bill" Parcells is a former American football head coach, most recently with the Dallas Cowboys from 2003 to 2006...
- Amp LeeAmp LeeAnthonia Wayne "Amp" Lee is an American football coach and former professional running back who played nine seasons in the National Football League. He is currently the running backs coach for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League.-Playing career:Lee was drafted by the San...
- Marv LevyMarv LevyMarvin Daniel Levy is a former American and Canadian football coach, front office executive and author.He is a former professional football coach, in the CFL as head coach of the Montreal Alouettes , and in the NFL as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills , coaching the Bills...
- Aeneas WilliamsAeneas WilliamsAeneas Demetrius Williams is a former American football cornerback and free safety, who played with the Arizona Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams. Williams attended Fortier High School, where he played football on a team with three future NFL players. Although he was admitted to Dartmouth College,...
- Kwamie LassiterKwamie LassiterKwamie Lassiter is a former American football Safety in the National Football League. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 1995...
- Jake IngramJake IngramJacob Ingram is an American football long snapper for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft, the only long snapper drafted in 2009...
Golf
- Peter KostisPeter KostisPeter Kostis is an American golf analyst and instructor.Kostis is a world-renowned golf instructor and has been a member of the Golf Digest teaching staff for over 20 years. Among his many students are Paul Casey, Chez Reavie, Bernhard Langer, Steve Elkington, Dan Marino, Maury Povich, and Mike...
- Gary McCordGary McCordGary Dennis McCord is an American professional golfer, commentator, author, and actor.-Early life and career:McCord was born in San Gabriel, California and raised in southern California. He was a two-time Division II All-American at UC Riverside...
- Cliff KresgeCliff KresgeClifford Terry Kresge is an American professional golfer. He has played on the PGA Tour and Nationwide Tour since 1997....
- Troy MerrittTroy MerrittTroy Merritt is an American professional golfer who has played on the PGA Tour and the Nationwide Tour.Merritt was born in Osage, Iowa. He played college golf at Winona State University until after his sophomore year, when he transferred to Boise State University...
- Blair O'Neal
- Kelly Murray
- Robert GarrigusRobert GarrigusRobert Garrigus is an American professional golfer who is currently a member of the PGA Tour. He won the 2010 Children's Miracle Network Classic, to guarantee exempt status on the PGA Tour through the end of the 2012 season....
- Parker McLachlinParker McLachlinParker Nicholas McLachlin is an American professional golfer who currently plays on the PGA Tour.McLachlin was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He graduated from Punahou School in 1997 and UCLA in 2002 with a degree in sociology....
Tennis
- Jimmy ConnorsJimmy ConnorsJames Scott "Jimmy" Connors is an American former world no. 1 tennis player....
- Tracy AustinTracy AustinTracy Ann Austin Holt is a former World No. 1 female professional tennis player from the United States who won the women's singles title at the US Open in 1979 and 1981 and the mixed doubles title at Wimbledon in 1980, before a series of injuries cut her career short.-To 1980:Austin defeated...
- John AustinJohn Austin (tennis)John Austin is an American former professional tennis player born in Long Beach, California. He won the Wimbledon mixed doubles championship with his sister, Tracy Austin, in 1980....
- Michael ChangMichael ChangMichael Te-Pei Chang is a former American professional tennis player. He is best remembered for becoming the youngest-ever male player to win a Grand Slam singles title when he won the French Open in 1989 at the age of 17....
- Dušan VemićDušan VemicDušan Vemić is a Serbian professional tennis player. He was born on June 17, 1976, in Zadar, in Yugoslavia, now Croatia; he currently lives in Belgrade.-Professional career:...
- Mark WoodfordeMark WoodfordeMark Woodforde is a former professional tennis player from Australia. He is best known as one half of "The Woodies", a doubles partnership with Todd Woodbridge....
- Michael Russell
Volleyball
- Kerri WalshKerri WalshKerri Lee Walsh-Jennings is an American professional beach volleyball player.Walsh-Jennings and teammate Misty May-Treanor were the gold medalists in beach volleyball at both the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics...
- Todd RogersTodd RogersTodd Jonathan Rogers is an American professional beach volleyball player. He and his partner, Phil Dalhausser, were the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 AVP Tour champions, and are the reigning FIVB world champions, and reigning Olympic gold medalists from the Summer Olympics in Beijing.Rogers and...
- Phil DalhausserPhil DalhausserPhilip "Phil" Peter Dalhausser is an American professional beach volleyball player. He and his playing partner, Todd Rogers, are the 2007 AVP Tour champions and the reigning FIVB world champions....
- Suzanne StonebargerSuzanne StonebargerSuzanne Stonebarger is a professional American beach volleyball player. Stonebarger is an alumna of the University of Nevada-Reno, where she played college volleyball. At Nevada-Reno, Stonebarger met and played with her present-day teammate, Michelle More...
- Michelle MoreMichelle MoreMichelle More is a professional American beach volleyball player. Michelle grew up in Southern California and attended the University of Nevada-Reno. At Nevada-Reno, More met fellow volleyball player Suzanne Stonebarger, who is her beach volleyball teammate...