Why I Turned Down a $120K Pro Sports Job—and What It Taught Me

05/06/2025 15 min

Listen "Why I Turned Down a $120K Pro Sports Job—and What It Taught Me"

Episode Synopsis

It’s easy to say yes when everyone else is cheering you on. But sometimes, the path that looks shiny—whether it’s a tournament, a showcase, a D1 offer, or even a dream job—might actually be pulling you away from your true goals.In this solo episode, Nick shares a personal story about turning down a high-profile opportunity to work with pro athletes—an opportunity that almost everyone told him to take. He opens up about the hard decision to say no, the reasons behind it, and the lessons athletes (and parents) need to hear when it comes to making choices for your future.If you’re an athlete chasing the dream of playing in college, or a parent navigating the chaos of the recruiting process, this episode is a must-listen.Nick dives into:✅ How to know when to say no—even if everyone else says yes✅ The difference between the eye test and the performance test✅ Why more showcases, games, and exposure aren’t always the answer✅ The trap of chasing the D1 label without a plan✅ How to focus on what truly moves you forwardKey takeaway: If you want to reach your full potential, you have to make tough decisions—and sometimes, that means saying no to the “shiny” stuff.Connect with me:📸 Instagram: @nicklemkerd🐦 Twitter: @nicklemkerd🎵 TikTok: @nicklemkerd👉 What’s one thing you need to say NO to this summer? Comment below or share it with someone you trust.

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