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To Play Or Not To Play....

That is the question.

Is Playing in College the Right Next Step?

We guide high school athletes (and their parents) through the real-life decision of whether college sports — and which level — is truly right for them.  

No pressure. Just clarity, support, and the mental health lens every athlete deserves.

Is College Sports the Right Fit for Your Athlete?
Take our 60-second quiz to find out—then see if a session with Mike, our coach-therapist, is the right next step for your family.

Why It Matters

 🧠 68% of recruited athletes quit by sophomore year

💰 NIL deals bring pressure, not just perks

⚠️ Transfer portal = chaos for underprepared athletes

🏃 Mental health is now the #1 reason athletes walk away

Before your student commits, let’s talk about whether the grind is worth the glory — and how to protect their well-being along the way.

What’s Included (3 Total Sessions):

You’ll get 1 Family Session and 2 Student Sessions — with flexibility built in.

✅ Family Session (Student + Parents)
We align expectations, unpack the college athletics landscape (NCAA rules, NIL basics, recruiting myths), and explore the family’s hopes, concerns, and long-term goals.

✅ Student Sessions (2)
Private, 1-on-1 conversations with Mike that explore identity, pressure points, motivation, and whether college athletics—at any level—feels like the right next step.

⏳ Customize the Flow
We typically start with the student, but we’re flexible based on what works best for your family.

College athletics should be a thoughtful choice—whether you're being recruited, overlooked, or rebuilding after a hard high school experience.
“To Play or Not to Play” helps athletes explore what they truly want next—even if the path hasn't been perfect.

Because college sports aren’t all-or-nothing.
This experience offers clarity, perspective, and real-world insight—so your family can move forward with confidence and no regrets.

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Meet Mike O'Brien

Football Career
Led special teams and oversaw recruiting for all specialists and key special teams contributors.

  • Special Teams Assistant – Drake University (IA)

  • Salt River Scorpions Junior College - Special Teams Coordinator (AZ)

  • Hamilton High School - Assistant Football Coach- Special Teams (AZ)

  • Shadow Ridge High School - Special Team Coordinator (AZ)

  • Assistant Coach, Kickers & Punters – Grand View University (IA)

  • Kicking Consultant – Palatine High School (IL)

  • Kicking/Punting Coach – Aurora University (IL)

  • Special Teams Coordinator – Alden-Hebron High School (IL)

  • Semi-professional Playing Career (IL/AZ)

  • Three-year Starting Kicker – Northwestern College (IA)

Academic & Certification History

  • Currently pursuing – University of Michigan
     Sport Social Work Certification: Focused on athlete mental health and integrating social work within athletic settings

  • Master of Arts in Sports Administration-Educational Leadership – Aurora University (IL)

  • Master of Social Work (MSW) – Aurora University (IL)

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Northwestern College (Orange City, IA)