ABOUT US
Who We Are
Established in 2015, Turning Pro Academy (formerly Team Up NFP) is a national development hub that equips student-athletes with the tools, training, and exposure needed to succeed on the court and far beyond it.
Our Mission
Turning Pro Academy exists to equip student-athletes with the tools, knowledge, and exposure needed to succeed in life beyond sports — by preparing them for leadership, promoting personal growth, and increasing access to transformative opportunities.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every student-athlete — regardless of background — is empowered with the mindset, mentorship, and mobility to thrive as a leader in sports, business, and community.
Our Story
Turning Pro Academy was born out of a passion to see student-athletes thrive — not just as competitors, but as changemakers, entrepreneurs, and future leaders. Too often, young athletes are celebrated for their talent but left unprepared for what comes next. We’re here to change that narrative.
Founded by Excell Hardy Jr., a leader in athlete development and equity-focused programming, Turning Pro Academy represents a bold commitment to elevating the athlete experience and empowering futures through education, mentorship, and opportunity.
Our Structure: Two Entities, One Mission
Turning Pro Academy operates under a shared mission through two connected entities:
o Turning Pro Foundation (501c3 nonprofit): Focused on free/low-cost access, community programs, and donor-funded initiatives such as financial literacy training, NIL education, and college/career readiness.
o Turning Pro Enterprises (for-profit social venture): Drives sustainable impact through revenue-generating programs, branded experiences, consulting services, and licensed products that reinvest in the mission.
Together, these entities ensure TPA is both mission-driven and scalable, balancing innovation with accessibility.
Our Pillars: How We Deliver Impact
Development – Life skills, leadership, academic and athletic growth.
Empowerment – Confidence, identity, purpose, voice.
Access & Opportunity – Exposure to careers, mentors, financial tools, and real-world training
Why This Matters (With Stats)
Student-athletes — especially Black and underrepresented youth — face systemic barriers that limit their opportunities beyond the game. Turning Pro Academy is changing that trajectory:
- 72% of Black families say financial challenges are the top barrier to college access. [Source: UNCF, 2023]
- Only 2% of NCAA student-athletes go on to play professional sports. Yet many lack preparation for life after athletics. [NCAA Research, 2023]
- A $1 billion+ NIL economy has emerged, yet underserved student-athletes often lack the education to navigate contracts, branding, or long-term planning. [Opendorse, 2024]
- Students with mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college and 130% more likely to hold leadership positions. [MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, 2020]
These gaps don’t just impact individuals — they ripple across communities. Without proper support, promising student-athletes risk becoming another statistic.
Looking Ahead
Turning Pro Academy is building a future where immersive development can happen both on and off the court. Our long-term vision includes a national headquarters — equipped with classrooms, courts, and development labs — as well as scalable virtual programs that deliver real-world education in financial literacy and the business of sports to athletes nationwide.
Join the Movement
Whether you're a student-athlete, educator, industry leader, or parent — we believe in the power of partnership. Let’s work together to turn potential into purpose.