Suddenly CEO
From Student-Athlete to Startup CEO, The NIL Gameplan™
COMING SOON:
“Suddenly CEO: From Student-Athlete to Startup CEO, The NIL Gameplan™”
By Tanya Hughes, “The Mother of NIL.”
About the Book
“Suddenly CEO: From Student-Athlete
to Startup CEO, The NIL Gameplan™”
NIL has transformed the world of college athletics almost overnight. Student-athletes are suddenly managing brand deals, partnerships, contracts, and public visibility, often without the systems, structure, or guidance needed to protect their future.
Suddenly CEO reframes the NIL era as more than a moment of monetization. It positions today’s student-athlete as the CEO of their own brand, business, and legacy. With practical frameworks, real-world insights, and disciplined decision-making tools, the book helps athletes and families bring order to opportunity.
Written for student-athletes, parents, and those who support them, Suddenly CEO provides clarity around governance, transparency, and long-term stewardship. It equips readers to move beyond short-term wins and build something sustainable, intentional, and generational.
This is not just a guide to NIL. It is a blueprint for leadership in a rapidly evolving landscape.
About the Author
Tanya Hughes
Tanya Hughes is a U.S. Olympian, Executive Coach, and Founder of Sportspreneurs, where she helps athletes and their families transition from the world of sport to the world of business—building clarity, confidence, and a legacy that lasts.
A 1992 U.S. Olympian, a four-time NCAA High Jump Champion and NCAA Woman of the Year, Tanya brings elite-performance thinking to leadership, entrepreneurship, and life beyond competition. After more than 25 years in Fortune 500 leadership roles at IBM, FIS Global, and Guidehouse, she now applies that experience to helping athletes translate discipline, identity, and influence into sustainable business ventures, brands, and foundations.
Long before NIL emerged in 2021, Tanya was advising and coaching athletes and families on entrepreneurship, governance, and long-term stewardship. As NIL reshaped the landscape, her work naturally expanded—equipping student-athletes and their parents with practical systems that bring order to opportunity and protect what matters most.
Today, Tanya works with athletes at every stage—from emerging student-athletes to seasoned professionals—alongside their families, schools, colleges, and organizations. Known as “The Mother of NIL,” she coaches athletes through The Athletes Legacy Lab ™, equips Parent GMs™, consults stakeholders across the NIL ecosystem, and helps them establish sound frameworks and decision discipline as the space continues to evolve.
Be the First to Know When Suddenly CEO Launches
Sign up to receive launch updates, exclusive NIL insights, and early access announcements.
Pre-Order Coming Soon
Pre-orders for Suddenly CEO will be available soon through our publishing partner. Final availability and links will be announced once publishing details are confirmed.
“Tanya Hughes, Olympian and ‘The Mother of NIL,’ empowers athletes and families through entrepreneurship and NIL education.”
Quick Links
Copyright © 2026 Sportspreneurs™. All rights reserved | Website by SixDees