Especially for Athletes (“E4A”) is a movement designed to inspire athletes, and those with whom they associate, to maximize their athletic potential and to use their talents and social influence to assist and lift others. E4A is seeking to build a culture of athletes focused on changing lives through better use of the attention and influence that accompanies their position.



E4A provides education, training, and motivational tools to inspire athletes to focus on doing more, and becoming more than just a great athlete. Schools, teams, youth organizations, and individual athletes are encouraged to become E4A certified and join the growing group of athletes of all ages and skill levels, including college and professional athletes, in committing to the E4A promise and wearing proudly their Eyes Up-Do the Work wristband.

“The Sportlight” Book

What is the “Sportlight” and how can athletes be the leaders in the effort to create a safer, more enriching and productive experience for fellow classmates, teammates and their communities? The book The Sportlight, from Especially for Athletes, addresses this topic and many others that will change the way we look at sports and some of it’s most important life lessons. A must read for all athletes, parentz of an athletes, and coaches.

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Especially for Athletes Podcast

Welcome to the Especially for Athletes podcast for parents, coaches, and athletes.
“The Sportlight” is the time in an athlete’s life when they have increased ability to affect the culture around them and the increased opportunity to learn life’s lessons through sports.

On this podcast, we discuss principles and topics that aim to help parents, coaches, and athletes capitalize on the athlete’s precious time in the “The Sportlight”.

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From the E4A Blog

The Power of Resilience in Embracing Your Role on a Team

Drew Brees recently shared a powerful message at our annual golf tournament about the importance [...]

Athletes Shine the “Sportlight” on Children in the Philippines

This past Christmas season, the athletes of Especially for Athletes once again demonstrated the power of using [...]

Compete Without Contempt: How Student Sections Can Elevate the Game Without Crossing the Line

In sports, passion fuels the energy in every arena, stadium, and gym. Student sections bring [...]

Win the Hour: Why Consistency Beats Motivation

In a world obsessed with quick fixes and instant results, we often hear people say, [...]

Celebrating Inclusion: Lone Peak Unified Sports Night

At Especially for Athletes, we love shining a light on the good our athletes are [...]

The Power of Kindness Over Cool: A Lesson from Kyle Collinsworth and Research on Popularity

We recently discussed a conversation we had with NBA player Kyle Collinsworth on our podcast. He shared [...]

Life Lessons from the Court: How Sports Prepare Us for Life’s Toughest Challenges

A few years ago, we had the privilege of hosting Mason Sawyer on our podcast. [...]

Navigating Rivalry Without Contempt

Last week, during the highly anticipated rivalry game between Arizona and Arizona State, Bobby Hurley, [...]

ADVOCATES

Drew Breeze

“So many young people are under so much pressure now days, especially athletes. I find that sports is such a great way for people to really learn the valuable lessons about being on a team. …E4A such a great program.”

DREW BREES / Former NFL Quarterback, Super Bowl Champion
Ty Detmer

“I’ve been that person in the Sportlight. People think you’re cool because you can throw a football, it’s about more than that. It’s about being a good person, and being there for other who may need some help”

TY DETMER / 14 YEAR NFL PRO AND HEISMAN 1990 HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER
Danny Ainge

“The first thing is, that you have to find love for what you do. Not just love in the games or competition, but love in the work to become great. Find that passion and you won’t ever have to worry about it. Hopefully [youth] can find a passion for a sport they love, and I’m grateful for all especially for athletes are doing”

Danny Ainge / Utah Jazz CEO / Former NBA Player

Especially for Athletes Principles

WIN THE HOUR

Athletes learn to better manage time and approach their days in a way that they can more effectively accomplish goals each day. We call this Winning Each Hour and Putting First Things First.

RESILIENCY

Athletes are taught about Resiliency, Competing the right way, and the dangers of misusing the attention they receive as athletes.

Compete Without Contempt

Athletes are encouraged to healthy competition while respecting and valuing the abilities and worth of others.

SEEK TO BLESS, NOT IMPRESS

Athletes learn how to be appreciative, sincere in their desires and using sports as a tool to bless the lives of others by giving back, and how to expand the team feel within their community.

PRESS

Utah Valley High School Football Rewind: Football players and coaches showcase supportive mentality

The Daily Herald recently posted an article discussing Utah’s high school football playoffs, players and coaches that embody values promoted by Especially for Athletes (E4A). Spanish Fork’s coach Dustin Smith, [...]

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KSL Sports Story: Danny Ainge, Drew Brees, Greg Maddux, and Governor Herbert Support E4A at Black Desert Golf Event

In today’s world, athletes are often placed under immense pressure to excel on the field, court, or track, but it’s just as important to nurture their ability to lead and [...]

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E4A VIDEO

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